It’s nearly Christmas and that puts a strain on most peoples cash, so you might well be looking for ways to earn extra cash, here are my top 20 home based business ideas:

1. 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
2. Ironing and Laundry Services – Always popular and you can start with friends and family
3. 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.
4. Blogging – Blogging has taken off and many businesses are looking for people to write blogs for them
5. Candle Making – You can sell the candles on line and its easy to buy the wax and things you need to make the candles
6. Car Boot Sale – As with E Bay but without going on line
7. Cake Making – Make sure everything is labelled correctly and you comply with Health & Safety issues
8. Data Entry – The internet makes it easy to enter data from where ever you are
9. Social Media – Similar to blogging, businesses need help to manage Twitter, Facebook and Linked In
10. Website Design – If you have the expertise, go for it
11. Sales Parties –  Cosmetics to Ann Summers, there is a long list of opportunities
12. Sewing and Clothes Alterations – Perfect before and after Christmas
13. Jewellery – Making and selling jewellery is always popular and great for Christmas presents
14. Car Repairs – Assuming you have the skills needed and comply with legal requirements
15. Pet Care – Walking dogs or grooming is popular
16. Virtual Assistant – Also personal organiser or personal shopper
17. Wedding Planner – You could start by creating a blog about your expertise
18. Direct Sales – For example Utility Warehouse
19. Computer Repair – Great provided you have the skills
20. Marketing – Telesales to leaflet design and freelance writing

steve@bicknells.net