20 Businesses you can start with no money in the UK

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Are you tired of working for someone else or looking for a side hustle? You probably want to start up a business because you love the flexibility and responsibility of running your own company. There are even several businesses you can start in the UK with no money.

Starting a new business might seem like a big task without the adequate financial capital to do so.

There are businesses you can do in the UK with no money. These businesses do not require a lot of materials, space, products, expensive training, degrees, or any fancy equipment.

In essence, most of the businesses listed in this article require, at a minimum – regular access to a computer, and the internet. In this article, we will give you the top 20 businesses you can start with no money in the UK that suits your skillset if you think creatively.

1. Blogging

This is generally not a new concept but monetized blogging is always a popular option for an essentially no-cost business. There are usually lots of options when it comes to making money from your blog. Some include partnerships in affiliate marketing, production of ebooks, offering webinars and online courses.

More so, certain blog niches are more popular and easier to monetize than others which makes some of these work better than others. For example, beauty, parenting, and food blogs are some of the most popular niches which are easier to monetize even though the competition is stiff.

2. Creating an eCommerce online store

This is arguably one of the most accessible cheap businesses on our list. An eCommerce store can make you a lot of money quickly compared to starting a business in other industries. Statistics have shown that the online retail market will continue to grow in 2022, with global eCommerce sales expected to rise to $5.9 trillion this year.

How do you start? Before selling anything, you first need a website. This can also be created for free on some channels including Wix, WordPress, etc. They have several templates from which you can build your ideal store. Then, you can start selling, which takes us to the next business “dropshipping.”

3. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an easy business to start and a fulfilment model that involves the use of a third-party supplier stores and ships inventory to customers on your behalf.

It is one of the best and most profitable businesses to start because of its low overhead, hands-off, and scalability. This business does not require you to handle any products yourself.

All you need is to advertise the product in your eCommerce store and make sales. After which the order is then passed to your supplier.

Dropshipping allows you to curate products from one or more suppliers into your eCommerce store under a theme that focuses on a specific niche. When a customer purchases a product from you, the order is then sent to your supplier, who fulfils it on your behalf.

Do not forget that you are still responsible for your marketing, advertisement and customer service.

4. In-home child care

If you are someone who loves children and have a good setup or space. You can turn your home into an in-home childcare facility.

You should know there will be associated fees and licensing requirements that may vary state by state. But aside from these, the costs associated with starting a childcare business at home are minimal to none.

5. In-home dog care

In the same way, if you love caring for animals like dogs, consider setting up a dog daycare. You can operate during business hours, for people who need someone to watch their dog while at work, or out of town.

In addition, if you would love to start a dog care business but do not have much experience with dogs, you can consider volunteering at an animal shelter first.

6. Freelance writing

Do you have a strong writing capacity? You can consider starting a business as a freelance writer with a site like Upwork, Fiverr, etc. You can write a few sample articles on whatever niche you decide. This will act as your portfolio and is also practice.

7. Freelance Proofreading and Editing

In the same vein, if you have a great eye for grammatical structure and enjoy editing for grammar and punctuation, you may want to consider starting a freelance editing and proofreading business.

As long as there is more written content, there will always be a need for editors. Therefore, if you have writing experience and a good eye, freelance editing may be a business idea to consider.

8. Logo And Image Design

If you are artistic with adequate photo editing skills, you can consider starting a logo or graphic design business by listing your services on websites like Upwork, 99Designs, etc. You can use any freelance websites available that can be used to help build a portfolio and a client base to start with.

Again, you can design a few sample logos and graphics.

Platforms like Canva have also made it really easy to start your graphics design journey. There are thousands of people making a living through it.

9. Consulting

Starting a consulting business requires you to have a social media marketing background or legal experience. It is always a popular free business to start. More so, the type of consulting you choose to offer will depend on your skillset.

When looking for a business to start, why not monetize that which you do better than anything else?

10. Errand runner

There is a website called TaskRabbit, it’s a site where you can ask anyone to do any task for you. You can employ a similar idea by starting a business called general errand-runner. For example, you can carry out the task for a person when he/she needs dry cleaning dropped off, groceries purchased, or old clothes donated to Goodwill.

If you do not want the headache that comes with starting a business from scratch, you can also register on platforms like TaskRabbit.

11. Website Designer

If you know how to build or set up professional websites, you are in luck. The demand for high-quality business websites is high at the moment. It’s the internet age and all businesses want to be online.

12. Programming

Programming is a skill that will always be in high demand and it is possible to teach yourself programming and build applications. There are paid courses you can take and you will also get hundreds of tutorials on Youtube.

If you are a skilled programmer, you can start this business with no money. You just have to source for clients. And you can get quality clients on freelance platforms.

13. Driving for Uber

If you own a car, specifically a modern car, you can start Uber driving in the UK. Your car is all it takes to become an Uber driver, along with at least three years of experience in driving with a clean driving record.

You can also register with other similar companies.

14. Music Lessons Or Tutoring

If you are great at playing a musical instrument or knowledgeable in a specific school subject, you can consider starting a tutoring business. In this business, the possibilities are endless as they enable you to specialize in your niche skillset or interest.

Freelance tutoring platforms can help you land your first client. Or you can put the word out to friends and family about your new business.

15. Language Teaching And Practice

Also, if you speak more than one language then you have a golden opportunity to start a business teaching the different languages that you know. You can also hold language conversation practice sessions.

Another business you can start with your language proficiency is translating or transcribing.

16. Virtual assistant

If you are an organized person and you know how to easily accomplish tasks promptly, consider becoming a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant is a person that handles scheduling, bookkeeping, and various other administrative tasks remotely from their home office. They are similar to freelancing as a writer, editor, designer, etc. A virtual assistant can build up their client base and experience on freelance websites like Upwork.

17. House sitting

You have probably done house sitting for friends and family before but you can still turn this into an actual profitable business. First, you need to buildup a reputation of respectful, trustworthy behaviour, keeping client needs, and think about what they would want in a house sitter before you begin.

18. Gardening and landscaping

If you have basic mowing, pruning, lawn maintenance skills and have a green thumb, you might want to consider starting a gardening or landscaping business.

In today’s world, the bar to entry for starting a landscaping business is fairly low. Therefore, the more complex the process (i.e more complex irrigation techniques and similar) may require additional learning, through a course, degree, or mentorship.

19. House or office cleaning

Cleaning businesses are incredibly appealing due to their low cost of entry and it essentially comes down to the cost of cleaning materials alone. More so, it can also be guaranteed that the cleaning job will always be in demand as time goes by. People just don’t have time to do these things themselves anymore.

20. Event planning

If you have event planning skills, you can make more money as an event planner by organizing and planning different functions like weddings, birthdays, housewarmings etc. Event planning is a lucrative business and requires little or no cost for a start.

Conclusion

Finally, for UK dwellers who would want to start their business at zero cost, this article has provided a guide and list of businesses that you can start with no money at all.

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