Almost a third of British workers run some kind of creative business outside their main job contributing an estimated £15bn to the UK economy, according to new research from 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 micro businesses taking off:

1. You can start off working at home
2. Your start up costs are low
3. You can do it part time when it suits you
4. With wages frozen and costs rising it can provide a useful additional income
5. Its easy to be price competitive with low overheads
6. The Internet makes it easy to sell your goods and services
7. Your social capital can be used to generate sales ie use your contacts and connections
8. There could tax advantages – employees generally pay more tax than sole traders
9. Some clients prefer the personal touch
10. It could be start of something big

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 http://www.netmums.com/back-to-work/working-for-yourself/direct-selling-opportunities
19. Computer Repair – Great provided you have the skills
20. Marketing – Telesales to leaflet design and freelance writing

steve@bicknells.net