Working from Home

Are you one of the third of workers with a part time business?

November 14, 201418:00

Almost a third of British workers run some kind of creative business outside their main jobcontributing an estimated £15bn to the UK economy, according to new researchfrom Moo.com. Profitability among this group of enterprises has increased by 32% in the past year. One in ten part-time creative entrepreneurs plans to leave their job to focus on their business full-time within the next year. However, 60% said it was their passion for the business, and not making money, that motivated them. The most popular part-time creative ventures are in food and cooking, gardening, photography and knitting. (According to Law Donut)

So why are microbusinesses taking off:

You can start off working at home

Your start up costs are low

You can do it part time when it suits you

With wages frozen and costs rising it can provide a useful additional income

Its easy to be price competitive with low overheads

The Internet makes it easy to sell your goods and services

Your social capital can be used to generate sales ie use your contacts and connections

There could tax advantages – employees generally pay more tax than sole traders

Some clients prefer the personal touch

It could be start of something big

Here are our top 20 home based business ideas:

Get a lodger – Under rent-a-room a taxpayer can be exempt from Income Tax on profits from furnished accommodation in their only or main home if the gross receipts they get (that is, before expenses) are £4,250 or less

Ironing and Laundry Services – Always popular and you can start with friends and family

E Bay Trading – as E Bay say… The first task is to sort through those bulging drawers and messy cupboards, finding stuff to flog. Get a big eBay box to stash your wares in, and systematically clear out wardrobes, DVD and CD piles, the loft and garage. Use the easy 12-month rule of thumb to help you decide what to offload: Haven’t used it for a year? Flog it.

Blogging – Blogging has taken off and many businesses are looking for people to write blogs for them

Candle Making – You can sell the candles on line and its easy to buy the wax and things you need to make the candles

Car Boot Sale – As with E Bay but without going on line

Cake Making – Make sure everything is labelled correctly and you comply with Health & Safety issues

Data Entry – The internet makes it easy to enter data from where ever you are

Social Media – Similar to blogging, businesses need help to manage Twitter, Facebook and Linked In

Website Design – If you have the expertise, go for it

Sales Parties – Cosmetics to Ann Summers, there is a long list of opportunities

Sewing and Clothes Alterations – Perfect before and after Christmas

Jewellery – Making and selling jewellery is always popular and great for Christmas presents

Car Repairs – Assuming you have the skills needed and comply with legal requirements

Pet Care – Walking dogs or grooming is popular

Virtual Assistant – Also personal organiser or personal shopper

Wedding Planner – You could start by creating a blog about your expertise

Direct Sales – For example http://www.netmums.com/back-to-work/working-for-yourself/direct-selling-opportunities

Computer Repair – Great provided you have the skills

Marketing – Telesales to leaflet design and freelance writing