The UK has always been a fertile ground for small businesses — from bustling high street boutiques to innovative tech startups. In 2024, with growing support for entrepreneurship, eco-conscious consumerism, and digital transformation, there has never been a better time to start a small business in the UK.
This article explores the best UK small businesses, what makes them successful, and the top sectors for aspiring entrepreneurs in today’s market.
What Makes a “Best” Small Business?
To define the best small business, we consider:
- Profitability
- Scalability
- Sustainability
- Market demand
- Innovation
- Customer experience
These factors combined can make even a small, home-based operation outperform a larger, less efficient one.
Top Small Business Sectors in the UK (2024)
Here are the sectors that are thriving for small businesses this year:
1. E-commerce & Niche Retail
Online retail is booming. Whether it’s handcrafted jewellery or eco-friendly household goods, niche e-commerce businesses are performing extremely well.
Example:
Notonthehighstreet.com sellers – Thousands of small sellers offer personalised gifts, art, and homewares to a national audience through marketplaces like Etsy or Shopify.
2. Health & Wellness Services
This includes everything from mental health coaching to fitness apps and mobile massage therapists. The UK public is prioritising well-being more than ever.
Example:
Mindful Chef – A healthy recipe box business founded in London, now one of the fastest-growing small brands in the UK food space.
3. Sustainable Products & Services
With increasing awareness of climate change, UK consumers are shifting towards green and ethical businesses.
Example:
Smol – A small UK brand offering plastic-free laundry and dishwasher tablets on a subscription model.
4. Pet Products and Services
Pet ownership soared during the pandemic, and spending on pets remains high. Businesses offering organic pet food, grooming, or pet sitting are thriving.
Example:
Bella & Duke – A UK small business offering raw dog food delivery subscriptions.
5. Food Trucks & Street Food
These low-overhead businesses are trending, especially those offering global flavours or vegan options. They are often more agile than traditional restaurants.
Example:
Makatcha – A small London-based Indonesian food business that started as a street food stall and now sells jars and sauces nationwide.
6. Home Services
From garden landscaping to home renovations, local UK tradespeople with excellent customer service are seeing repeat business and referrals.
Example:
Fantastic Services – Started as a small cleaning business, now offering nationwide property maintenance services with franchise opportunities.
7. Digital Content Creation
Podcasting, YouTube channels, and digital courses have allowed many UK entrepreneurs to turn their skills into scalable business models.
Example:
Ali Abdaal – A former doctor turned content creator who now runs a multi-million pound productivity business through YouTube and online courses.
Characteristics of Successful UK Small Businesses
- Niche focus – Serve a specific target market well.
- Digital-first – Even local businesses succeed by using strong online presence and marketing.
- Customer-centric – Prioritising reviews, fast service, and human touch.
- Agile – Small businesses adapt quickly to trends and disruptions.
- Ethical and values-driven – Sustainability and transparency resonate with modern customers.
Real Success Stories: Best UK Small Businesses
Pip & Nut
- Founded in 2015 by Pip Murray
- Specialises in natural nut butters
- Sold in major UK supermarkets
- Started from a market stall
Bloom & Wild
- Letterbox flower delivery service
- Emphasised digital-first and sustainable packaging
- Now a top floral delivery brand in Europe
Oddbox
- Reduces food waste by delivering “wonky” fruit and veg
- Social mission has helped scale quickly through subscriptions
Beavertown Brewery
- Craft beer brand started small in London
- Gained a loyal following and eventually attracted investment from Heineken
Top 5 Best UK Small Business Ideas for 2024
| Business Idea | Why It Works in 2024 |
| Subscription Boxes (beauty, books, pet items) | Predictable revenue, niche appeal |
| Virtual Assistant or Remote Admin | Low overhead, high demand from small firms |
| Online Courses or eLearning | Skill-sharing is more in demand than ever |
| Local Artisan Food Brand | UK customers love handcrafted, local items |
| Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services | Combines regular demand with green appeal |
Support for Small Businesses in the UK
The UK offers a range of support for small businesses:
💷 Grants & Loans
- Startup Loans Scheme – Up to £25,000 government-backed loan
- Small Business Grant Fund – Regional funding via local councils
- Innovate UK – Grants for R&D and innovation
📚 Mentorship & Networking
- Prince’s Trust – For entrepreneurs aged 18–30
- Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) – Business advice and support
- British Business Bank – Access to finance resources
🏛️ Tax Reliefs
- Small Business Rates Relief
- R&D Tax Credits
- EIS/SEIS investment incentives
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of the best UK small business — success depends on timing, passion, planning, and persistence. However, trends in sustainability, technology, health, and lifestyle point toward a bright future for those willing to innovate.
Whether you’re creating artisan chocolate in Cornwall, launching an eco-startup in Bristol, or building a fitness app in Manchester, the UK remains one of the best places to run a small business in 2024.
