Most Profitable Business in the UK: Top 20 Ideas for 2025

Are you considering launching your own business or pursuing a career in a promising and profitable field?

With so many industries evolving and new opportunities emerging every day, there has never been a better time to take the leap.

Whether your goal is to build something small and manageable, grow a side hustle into a full-time career, or step boldly into a new market, there are countless opportunities waiting.

In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the most profitable businesses in the UK, complete with insights on why they work and who can benefit the most from them.

Top 20 most profitable businesses in the UK

1. Electrician services

Electricians are in high demand across the UK, with the electrical contracting industry estimated to be worth around £31.7 billion in 2025. Jobs can include installing wiring in new buildings, maintaining electrical systems, fitting EV chargers, or setting up smart home technology.

This trade is ideal for people who enjoy practical, hands-on work, problem-solving, and have a strong focus on safety. To get started, you’ll need recognised qualifications such as a Level 3 NVQ or apprenticeship in electrical installation, plus knowledge of UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).

• Startup cost: Moderate (training, tools, and certification)
• Potential income: £20,000 – £65,000+ per year

2. Wedding planner

The UK wedding industry is thriving, with couples spending record amounts on weddings in recent years. A wedding planner’s role can include coordinating venues, catering, florists, entertainment, and ensuring the big day runs smoothly.

This business is ideal for people who are highly organised, creative, and enjoy working under pressure. To get started, you don’t necessarily need formal qualifications, but courses in event management or wedding planning can help, along with strong project management skills.

• Startup cost: Low to Moderate (marketing, website, training, insurance)
• Potential income: £25,000 – £60,000+ per year

3. AI consultancy/support

Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK, with its adoption increasing across various industries, from finance to healthcare. A consultant's job is to help businesses implement AI solutions, train staff, and optimise processes.

This field suits people with a strong background in AI/ML, data analysis, and cloud-based tools, combined with good communication skills to explain complex systems to non-technical clients. A degree in computer science, data science, or relevant certifications (e.g. TensorFlow, AWS AI tools) will be useful.

• Startup cost: £10,000 to £50,000 (training, certifications, hardware/software)
• Potential income: £50,000 – £120,000+ per year

4. Mobile app development

The UK app development sector is booming, with an estimated value of £28.3 billion in 2025. Developers are needed for everything from business tools to retail apps, gaming, and consumer platforms.

This career is ideal for people with strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and an interest in design and user experience. To get started, you’ll need programming expertise (e.g., Swift, Java, Kotlin, Flutter), plus an understanding of UI/UX design and app monetisation models.

• Startup cost: Moderate (training, software, hardware)
• Potential income: £40,000 – £100,000+ per year

5. Home/Office organiser

Demand for professional decluttering and organising services is growing steadily in the UK. Jobs can include reorganising homes, setting up efficient office spaces, and helping clients with time or space management.

This job suits people who are naturally organised, patient, and empathetic, with an eye for creating efficient layouts. While no formal qualifications are required, training in professional organising or even counselling skills can be an advantage.

• Startup cost: Low (marketing, basic tools, transportation)
• Potential income: £20,000 – £50,000+ per year

6. Personal chef services

The personal chef market is expanding as busy professionals and families seek convenient, customised meals. Jobs can include cooking regular weekly meals, catering intimate dinner parties, or providing specialised diet menus.

This career is ideal for skilled cooks who love creativity in the kitchen and enjoy working closely with clients. To get started, you’ll need excellent culinary ability, food hygiene certification, and possibly training in nutrition or specific cuisines.

• Startup cost: Moderate (certification, kitchen tools, marketing)
• Potential income: £25,000 – £55,000+ per year

💡 If this sounds like a perfect job for you, you can also check our article on how to start a food business.

7. Social media consultancy

Social media marketing spend in the UK is significant, with digital advertising (including social media) valued at around £35.5 billion in 2024. Businesses of all sizes require expert assistance to establish a strong online presence, develop engaging content, and effectively run targeted ads.

This trade is ideal for individuals who understand social platforms, possess strong content creation and copywriting skills, and can effectively interpret analytics to inform strategy. You don’t need formal qualifications, but courses in digital marketing and platform-specific certifications can boost credibility.

• Startup cost: Low (laptop, software, marketing)
• Potential income: £30,000 – £70,000+ per year

8. Cleaning services

The UK cleaning market is massive, with projections showing it will reach £20.62 billion by 2032. Cleaning is always in demand, whether for homes, offices, windows, or commercial spaces.

This business suits detail-oriented, reliable individuals who are comfortable with hands-on work. No formal qualifications are required, though having insurance and a professional approach helps secure contracts. With the right strategy, scaling up by hiring staff and investing in equipment can significantly boost earnings.

• Startup cost: Low to Moderate (supplies, transport, insurance)
• Potential income: £20,000 – £60,000+ per year

💡 For more information, check our article on how to start a cleaning business.

9. Virtual assistant services

Virtual assistants (VAs) support businesses remotely with administrative tasks such as scheduling, email management, and bookkeeping. The UK has a growing VA market, with thousands of professionals already active.

This role is ideal for organised, detail-oriented people with strong administrative and communication skills, as well as proficiency in office software and cloud-based tools. Formal qualifications aren’t required, but business administration or IT training can help.

• Startup cost: Very Low (computer, internet, home office)
• Potential income: £20,000 – £45,000+ per year

10. Dog walking & pet sitting

The UK’s pet care industry is booming, with dog walking and pet sitting worth around £133.5 million in 2024. With 34 million pets across the UK, demand for reliable pet carers continues to grow.

This career is best for animal lovers who are responsible, reliable, and have a basic understanding of pet care and first aid. No formal qualifications are required, but pet first-aid training or insurance can add a professional touch to your services.

• Startup cost: Low (insurance, transport, marketing)
• Potential income: £15,000 – £40,000+ per year

💡 If you want to start a pet-sitting business but can’t decide on a name, check out our article on 100+ creative dog walking business names.

11. Sewing & alterations

Driven by sustainable fashion trends, tailoring and alterations are increasingly popular in the UK. Services range from basic clothing repairs to specialist bridal or suit tailoring.

This business is ideal for people with strong sewing and garment-fitting skills. While not essential, formal training in tailoring or fashion design can enhance your reputation. Additionally, offering bespoke or premium services can significantly increase earning potential.

• Startup cost: Low to Moderate (sewing machines, workspace, materials)
• Potential income: £15,000 – £40,000+ per year

12. Event management

The UK events industry is worth over £60 billion, covering weddings, corporate conferences, concerts, and festivals. Businesses and individuals regularly hire professionals to plan and execute events.

This is perfect for organised, outgoing individuals with excellent negotiation and multitasking skills. Formal training in event management may be beneficial, but experience and networking often play a more significant role in achieving success.

• Startup cost: Moderate (marketing, staff, insurance, equipment hire)
• Potential income: £30,000 – £70,000+ per year

13. Website design/development

Almost every business in the UK needs a professional website or app, and freelancers and small agencies are in constant demand for new builds, redesigns, and ongoing updates.

It is ideal for people with strong technical and design skills. Key knowledge areas include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, website platforms (such as WordPress and Shopify), design software (Figma and Photoshop), and basic SEO principles. No formal qualification is required, but a strong portfolio is essential to attract clients.

• Startup cost: Low to Moderate (laptop, software, marketing)
• Potential income: £30,000 – £90,000+ per year

14. Removals/Moving services

The UK removals industry is worth over £1.3 billion, with steady demand driven by people relocating for work, housing, or schools. A small removal business can be highly profitable with the right local reputation and a strong online presence.

This trade suits those who are physically fit, have good logistical skills, and hold a valid driving licence (HGV licence is a bonus). Additionally, you’ll need a reliable van or truck and staff to assist with moves.

• Startup cost: Moderate to High (vehicles, insurance, equipment)
• Potential income: £40,000 – £80,000+ per year

15. Childcare services

The UK childcare sector is worth nearly £6 billion, with persistent demand as working parents need safe and reliable care for their children. Nurseries, nannies, or childminders can all build successful businesses.

This sector is best suited to patient, caring individuals with strong childcare skills. To operate professionally, you’ll need recognised qualifications (such as an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Childcare), along with DBS checks and certified first-aid training.

• Startup cost: Moderate to High (certification, insurance, premises/equipment)
• Potential income: £25,000 – £70,000+ per year

16. Gardening & landscaping

The UK gardening and landscaping industry is a multi-billion-pound sector, offering services from routine lawn care to complete outdoor transformations. Growing trends such as eco-friendly gardening and outdoor living continue to fuel strong demand.

This field is well-suited to individuals who are physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, and have either horticultural knowledge or a flair for design. While qualifications in landscaping or horticulture can enhance credibility, many professionals begin with simple services like lawn mowing or hedge trimming before expanding their offerings.

• Startup cost: Moderate (tools, transport, insurance)
• Potential income: £20,000 – £55,000+ per year

💡 For more information, check our article on how to start a gardening business.

17. Fitness & wellness coaching

The UK fitness market is booming, valued at around £5–6 billion in 2024, with millions of active gym-goers and growing demand for online coaching. Alongside fitness, wellness services, such as stress reduction and lifestyle improvement, are also expanding rapidly.

This path is perfect for individuals passionate about health who possess strong motivational and communication skills. To work professionally, you’ll need recognised fitness qualifications (such as REPs Level 3 or a degree in sports science), with additional certifications in nutrition or wellness providing an added advantage.

• Startup cost: Low to Moderate (training, insurance, marketing)
• Potential income: £25,000 – £60,000+ per year

18. Online tutoring/education

The UK online tutoring sector has experienced rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for academic support and lifelong learning. From GCSE and A-level preparation to language lessons and corporate training, the opportunities are broad.

This path is well-suited to individuals with subject expertise and strong communication skills. High-demand areas include maths, science, and languages. While a formal teaching degree isn’t essential, qualifications such as a PGCE, TEFL, or accreditation through tutoring platforms can enhance credibility and attract more clients.

• Startup cost: Very Low (computer, internet, marketing)
• Potential income: £20,000 – £50,000+ per year

Here are some of the best online tutoring platforms:

• GoStudent
• TutorHunt
• MyTutor
• Tutorful
• First Tutors
• Superprof
• Fleet Tutors
• Revision Centre

19. Marketing & copywriting

The UK marketing services sector is valued at nearly £20 billion, with copywriting playing a central role in the industry. Businesses need effective written content for blogs, websites, ad campaigns, email marketing, and social media, creating a steady demand for skilled writers.

This career is ideal for creative individuals with strong writing skills and a solid understanding of SEO and digital marketing techniques. While no formal qualifications are required, training in marketing, journalism, or related fields can be valuable.

• Startup cost: Very Low (laptop, internet, marketing)
• Potential income: £25,000 – £60,000+ per year

20. Graphic design

The UK graphic design industry underpins branding, advertising, and digital presence, with businesses consistently seeking designers for logos, packaging, websites, and social media content.

This field is ideal for creative individuals with strong skills in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma. A portfolio carries more weight than formal qualifications, though degrees or short courses in design can strengthen credibility. Expanding into UX/UI design can also open up additional opportunities.

• Startup cost: Low (laptop, design software, marketing)
• Potential income: £25,000 – £60,000+ per year

Best places in the UK to start your business

The success of these businesses will highly depend on the area where you start them, since demand, demographics, and competition vary across the UK.

Start and grow your business with ANNA

To turn a great business idea into reality, you need to set it up the right way. Registration, tax filings, and compliance may not be the exciting part of entrepreneurship, but they’re essential for keeping your business running smoothly while you focus on growth.

That’s where ANNA can help you. Designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses, ANNA makes it fast and simple to launch and manage your company, leaving you free to focus on clients, customers, and profit.

With ANNA, you can:

⚡ Check if your business name is available – Got a great idea for your brand name? Before you commit to it, make sure it’s available to register. ANNA’s free Company Name Checker does the hard work in seconds. If your first choice is already taken, ANNA suggests smart alternatives so you can keep your momentum without starting over.

⚡ Register your business in minutes – ANNA takes care of all the Companies House paperwork so you’re officially set up and ready to trade. You can even add a virtual office address to give your business a professional image while keeping your personal details private.

⚡ Open a business account built for small businesses – With ANNA, you’ll get:

• A UK sort code and account number
• A sleek contactless business debit card
• Smart “tax pots” to set money aside for VAT or Corporation Tax
• Automatic expense categorisation so you always know where your money’s going

⚡ Stay on top of tax and bookkeeping – From invoices to receipts, ANNA keeps your finances organised in the background while you focus on growing your business. It automatically tracks income and expenses, estimates Corporation Tax, and submits VAT returns in line with Making Tax Digital rules. No more spreadsheets, no more panic.

⚡ Send invoices on the go – Send polished invoices in seconds and get paid via a Payment Link or QR code. Send it to your customers via WhatsApp, add it to your Instagram bio, or let them scan it directly from your phone. ANNA will even send friendly reminders if clients forget.

⚡ 24/7 real human support – Got a question or stuck on something? ANNA’s support team is available anytime, with real people (not chatbots) who understand small business life in the UK.

Register your business with ANNA today and take the first step toward building real success!