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Business-based side hustles have emerged as a popular option in the UK. A new study commissioned by Team GB partner NatWest reveals that 45% of people aim to boost their income by launching or expanding a side hustle.
Many people are turning to these opportunities to earn extra income alongside their main occupation. Through them, people can use their skills and interests to create financial security, while also developing their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
A side business is not only an opportunity to increase income, but it also provides an opportunity for professional development, networking and independence.
Why Business-Focused Side Hustles are the Ultimate Financial and Career Boosters:
Extra income opportunity
Business-focused side hustles create additional income streams beyond primary earnings, which can be reinvested to expand the business, reduce household expenses, or enhance savings.
Freedom and flexibility
Running a business side hustle offers the flexibility to set one’s schedule and work at one’s pace, enabling a better lifestyle and improved work-life balance.
Skills development
Those who pursue a business-focused side hustle gain vital skills like marketing, money management, and customer service, all of which are critical for long-term job development and professional advancement.
Developing a business mindset
These side hustles cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, providing a foundation for scaling operations into larger, more successful business ventures in the future.
Here in this article, we will discuss the top 8 business-focused side hustle opportunities in the UK, detailing their potential income, required investment, and essential skills for successfully running each venture.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change. The side hustle businesses are listed from most profitable to least profitable according to the average estimated earnings.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing has become a popular side hustle in the UK, offering the opportunity to earn passive income by promoting products and services. According to the latest APMA (The Affiliate and Partner Marketing Association) 2024 State of the Nation report, the affiliate marketing industry has seen 17% growth, bringing the total market value to £1.67 billion.
In this business model, freelancers can create blog posts, reviews or videos, add affiliate links, and earn a commission when someone purchases through their referral. This is especially beneficial for those who already have an online platform or social media following.
As your digital presence grows, so does your income, making affiliate marketing a profitable and scalable business opportunity in the UK.
Estimated income:
The average annual income of a freelance affiliate marketing business in the UK is around £59,060.
Investment required:
The initial investment to start a freelance affiliate marketing business in the UK includes creating a website or blog, domain and hosting costs, and subscriptions to the necessary tools or platforms for marketing. In addition, in some cases, there may be costs for social media advertising or content creation.
Required Skills:
To run a freelance affiliate marketing business in the UK, you need digital marketing, content creation and blogging, and SEO skills.
2. Property Investment or Management
Property investment or management in the United Kingdom can be a lucrative side hustle. As of July 2024, the average house price in the UK has increased by £2,400 to £278,000, indicating market stability and growth potential.
Rental demand is increasing in several cities, particularly London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham. By investing in a location-based property, investors can benefit from higher rental income and capital appreciation.
Government policies and support, such as the expansion of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, are helping first-time buyers, which is encouraging overall activity in the property market. In addition, the government’s emphasis on sustainable construction is increasing demand for environmentally friendly homes, creating new opportunities for investors.
Estimated income:
The average annual income of a freelance property investing or managing business in the UK is around £44,681.
Investment required:
To become a freelance property investor or manager in the UK, you will initially need to invest in the purchase or rental management of a property. This may include the cost of purchasing the property, maintenance costs, and the cost of rental management software or consultants.
Required Skills:
To succeed in the freelance property investing or management business in the UK, you need skills in market analysis, contract negotiation, and property maintenance. In addition, time management and client communication skills are essential.
3. Digital Marketing
Nowadays, the importance of an online presence is increasing and businesses are keen to invest in digital marketing services to boost their visibility. As a digital marketing consultant, an individual can provide services such as search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, content marketing, and social media management.
This is a particularly attractive side hustle, especially for marketing professionals who have experience in creating online campaigns. The demand for effective digital strategies is growing across a variety of industries, making this side hustle a great opportunity for growth and development.
After reaching an estimated US$30.14 billion in 2024, the digital marketing sector in the UK is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% between 2025 and 2034, and its value could reach an estimated US$77.61 billion by 2034. As a result, new opportunities and increased demand have been created for digital marketing consultants, especially those who can create effective digital strategies.
Estimated Income:
The average annual income of a freelance digital marketer in the UK is around £41,868.
Investment Needed:
Working as a digital marketing consultant in the UK requires some initial investment. First, you need a reliable computer or laptop and some software for digital marketing tools such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs and social media management platforms. You may need to invest in advertising platforms such as Google or Facebook Ads to promote your services.
Requirements:
Working as a freelance digital marketing consultant requires SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media management, and analytical skills.
4. Online Teaching or Tutoring
Freelance online teaching or tutoring side hustle in the UK is a flexible way to earn extra income while sharing one’s skills. The UK online tutoring services market is growing rapidly and is estimated to reach $1,119.9 million in revenue by 2030, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 12% from 2025 to 2030.
This growth is due to the increasing demand for personalised learning and the convenience of virtual learning platforms. Using digital tools, individuals can connect with students nationwide and provide customised lessons ranging from academic subjects to specialised skills. This not only caters to the diverse learning needs of students but also allows tutors to work from the comfort of their homes and easily balance other responsibilities.
Additionally, the inherent flexibility of online tutoring allows teachers to set their schedules and control the amount of teaching, making it an ideal side hustle. As the market continues to expand due to technological advancements and the growing acceptance of online learning, freelance tutors have the potential to benefit from this changing educational environment.
Estimated income:
The average annual income of a freelancing service-providing business in the UK is around £36,118.
Investment required:
The investment required to start a freelance online teaching or tutoring business in the UK is relatively low. A reliable computer or laptop, a stable internet connection and a headset to use a video conferencing platform are required. Free or paid virtual tools, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, help make the teaching process more effective.
Required Skills:
Freelance online teaching or tutoring businesses in the UK require subject knowledge, good communication skills, and the ability to use virtual tools. It is also important to provide customised lesson plans and support for students.
5. Website Development
In the United Kingdom, the web design services industry has seen notable growth, with approximately 2,130 businesses operating in this sector as of 2024. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% between 2019 and 2024.
As a result of this growth, the website development business is becoming a profitable side business in the UK. With the increasing importance of digital presence, various organisations are interested in working with independent business owners to acquire web development services.
This trend indicates that people skilled in web development can successfully enter this sector as a side business in the UK. It provides them with flexible schedules and the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele.
Estimated income:
The average annual income of a freelance web developer in the UK is £35,243.
Investment required:
Starting a freelance web development business in the UK requires a focus on essential tools and resources rather than significant financial outlay. A dependable computer, a stable internet connection, and access to necessary software such as code editors and design tools are fundamental.
Required Skills:
Key skills for a freelance web development business include proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend technologies like Node.js or PHP. Knowledge of frameworks, database management, and SEO is important, along with problem-solving and design skills.
6. SEO Consulting
In the UK, the freelancing SEO consultancy business has become a popular side hustle, offering individuals the opportunity to increase their income by using their search engine optimisation skills. With the increasing reliance on online visibility, businesses are now looking for professionals who can improve their search engine rankings and increase organic traffic.
A recent study by Finder UK found that 44% of British people are now involved in side hustles, with an average additional income of £206 per week. This trend demonstrates the growing demand for a flexible source of income, and SEO consulting can be a viable option for someone with these skills.
By working as an SEO consultant, individuals can help businesses optimise their online presence, thereby contributing to the success of clients and increasing their income. In addition to the financial benefits, this side hustle helps professionals stay up to date with the latest trends in digital marketing.
Estimated income:
The average annual income of a freelance SEO consultant in the UK is £34,554.
Investment required:
To start working as a freelance SEO consultant in the UK, you will need to make some initial investments. First, you should ensure that you have a good computer or laptop and an internet connection. In addition, you can create a free account to use SEO tools such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz, and use Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Required Skills:
To work as a freelance SEO consultant in the UK, one must have in-depth knowledge of search engine optimisation, keyword research, on-page and off-page SEO, and Google Analytics. In addition, data analysis and content marketing skills are also important.
7. Online Course Creation
Freelance online course creation in the UK can be a lucrative side hustle. By 2025, the online education market could be worth around $11.68 billion, indicating the potential for investment in this sector.
Experts in various fields create courses by sharing their knowledge, and selling them on platforms such as Udemy or Teachable, which can be a source of passive income. Once the course content is created, it can be promoted and earned from each enrollment.
With the growing interest in online education, this side hustle is becoming more popular. The number of participants in online courses in the UK increased from 4% to 17% between 2007 and 2019, indicating the potential of this sector.
Estimated income:
The average annual income of a freelance online course creation business in the UK is around £27,338.
Investment required:
To start a freelance online course creation business in the UK, you may initially need equipment such as a camera or microphone to produce good-quality videos. In addition, there may be subscription fees and marketing costs to the course platform.
Required Skills:
Creating freelance online courses in the UK requires in-depth subject knowledge and the ability to create good content. In addition, video editing, marketing, and audience interaction skills are essential.
8. E-commerce / Dropshipping
E-commerce businesses using the dropshipping model have become a popular side hustle in the UK. According to Statista, the UK e-commerce market is expected to reach US$144.20 billion in revenue by 2025. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be 6.97% between 2025 and 2029, leading to market revenue reaching US$188.80 billion by 2029. Dropshipping eliminates the need for merchant warehousing, as suppliers take care of storage and shipping.
There are opportunities to sell a variety of products, from fashion to gadgets. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make setup easy, and digital marketing helps reach customers. This side hustle can be done part-time or full-time.
UK entrepreneurs can build scalable online businesses based on customer demand by leveraging global suppliers.
Estimated income:
The average annual revenue of a dropshipping or e-commerce business in the UK is around £18,000.
Investment required:
Starting a freelance e-commerce or dropshipping business in the UK requires minimal investment, including costs for an online store, domain, hosting, and digital marketing. Affordable tools for inventory and customer management further streamline operations.
Required Skills:
Dropshipping or e-commerce businesses in the UK require skills in digital marketing, customer service, and supply chain management. In addition, knowledge of website management and product research is important.
Conclusion
Side hustles have emerged as a powerful avenue for UK citizens to boost their income, enhance their skills, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. The options highlighted in this article—ranging from e-commerce and freelancing to property investment and SEO consulting—demonstrate the diverse and lucrative opportunities available to those willing to invest their time and effort.
Each of these work-from-home opportunities offers unique advantages, from minimal startup costs to scalable earning potential, making them suitable for individuals with varying skills and resources. They also provide opportunities for personal growth, allowing participants to develop valuable skills, build professional networks, and foster a business mindset that can lead to long-term success.
As the UK’s gig economy continues to grow and technology facilitates greater access to global markets, now is the ideal time to explore these side hustles. Whether you’re seeking financial freedom, professional independence, or a stepping stone to a full-fledged business, these ventures offer promising pathways to achieve your goals.
By selecting a side hustle aligned with your interests and skills, you can turn your aspirations into tangible outcomes—while contributing to a dynamic and innovative business landscape.
If you want us to add a suggestion here based on your experience, please get in touch with us!
Author Profile
- Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Contributor to many Education, Business & Lifestyle Blogs in the United Kingdom & Germany | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and Course Instructor at the SeekaHost University.
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