A new year seems to be the most inspiring time to throw off worn-out excuses and in the encouraging words of a sportswear company, “just do it”. Here are six business concepts that appear to be a safe bet in 2023.
And the opportunity exists.
This year may be summarised as post-pandemic, environmentally sensitive, and in the midst of a recession. That level of change and uncertainty is the test tube in which creative ideas emerge, so you may already have a fully unique concept. One venture capital investor recently informed me that the finest bets are made in this climate.
6 best small business ideas for 2023
#1 Elderly care services
It’s worthwhile to consider recession-proof industries, and this one may be found on the streets you walk, drive by, and live on. Furthermore, you will not be replaced by artificial intelligence. Any profession involving touch is a safe bet.
The country is growing older and more lonely.
With over one-fifth of the UK population over the age of 65, there are more senior individuals than ever before in the UK. More than 40% of these retirees see television as their primary companion.
This year, several new firms have emerged to assist alleviate the loneliness problem, such as The Joy Club, a community-based platform that helps retirees locate activities, interests, and create friendships.
However, there are several methods to assist the elderly.
What services are needed?
Because the elderly may not always have family or friends on whom to rely, residential services such as window and gutter cleaning, technical assistance with gadgets, and gardening are all realistic examples of companies that may be in demand in 2023.
There is also a need for medical services such as physiotherapy. Medical treatment or medical technology, such as digital therapy platforms, can assist lessen the pressure on the NHS, which is dealing with record-breaking wait times.
There is also demand on the medical side such as physiotherapy. Medical care or medical tech such as digital therapy platforms can help reduce the workload on the NHS, which is facing all-time high waiting lists.
How do I become a geriatric physiotherapist?
As a geriatric physiotherapist, you may be in charge of arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip replacements, and co-ordination issues.
Day-to-day evaluations will entail visiting a patient in their home and evaluating them. Before providing recommendations to maximise the individual’s freedom, the individual’s routine, habits, and social life are all taken into account.
The fundamental need is a BSc degree in physiotherapy or geriatric physiotherapy that has been authorised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Full-time studies require three years to finish, whereas part-time courses take six years.
To become self-employed, you must first register with the HCPC, and it is recommended that you also register with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) to keep your skills and training up to date.
You’ll need a permanent place to work, so check if you can collaborate with a local health centre or physiotherapy clinic.
Create a website and begin advertising.
How much can I expect to earn?
In the United Kingdom, the average income for a geriatric physiotherapy ranges between £34,000 and £41,000.
As a self-employed person, this can vary and potentially skyrocket based on experience, reputation, location, how much you charge, and any specialised abilities.
The average number of hours worked each week is 37.5, and weekends may be required.
#2 Online tutor
Being an online tutor is no longer the exception; it has a bright future in the metaverse.
Several institutions, including the Neoma Business School in France, have already joined this virtual arena.
Although the digital world of avatar students, digital lecture halls, and virtual campuses may seem a long way off, it is projected to expand significantly over the next five years – and you can be a part of it.
How do I become an online tutor?
Obtaining or using a master’s degree or PhD in the subject field you intend to teach is one strategy to explore if you want to work as an online instructor.
“With greater qualifications, you may charge higher fees and find it simpler to get clients,” The Geography Tutor’s Sebastian Weiss adds. “A university degree and if you have a teaching certificate like PGCE, then better.
“You don’t have to register with any organisations since I am not myself. A laptop, headphones, and a decent internet connection are required. Some tutors, including myself, prefer to use online whiteboards.”
You may also need to obtain qualified teacher status (QTS) or enrol in a university postgraduate teacher training degree.
According to Gov.uk, admission criteria for a level 3 study typically include 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), as well as a DBS check.
“I would suggest that you should be an expert in your profession, exam requirements, and exam style,” Weiss says.
“In terms of marks, my classes are extremely test orientated.
“In terms of recruiting students, it will take time and you have to start with a lesser pricing, then rely on word of mouth, which takes time and excellent feedback. To begin, I would recommend collaborating with many competent organisations and considering offering brief free trial classes.”
You’ll then have to register as self-employed with HMRC, which includes completing a self-assessment every year, just like everyone else on the list.
How much can I expect to earn?
According to Glassdoor, you can expect to work 37 to 39 hours a week as a virtual tutor and earn around £36,000.
Hourly prices range from £30 to £50, depending on the topic matter, degree of expertise, and level of coaching.
#3 Repairer
Furniture, upholstery, clothes, and even computers have been recycled. The drive for more sustainable living has resulted in the possibility of earning money through repair labour.
From the days of make-do and repair, the circular economy has gone full circle.
The popularity of The Repair Shop has also prompted us to grab for the work apron.
Take, for example, upholstery.
How do I become an upholsterer?
To enter into the sector, you have two options: an apprenticeship or a course. It’s worth considering the latter because you’ll be self-employed.
Upholstery classes normally last 36 weeks. The following courses are available:
- Level 2 Certificate in Upholstery
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Furnishings – Traditional Upholstery
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Furnishings – Modern Upholstery
Once you’ve completed one of those, it’s best to establish your own workshop, although you may even work at the client’s house on occasion.
Your day job will be to organise work, advise on textiles, and cut fabrics to the appropriate length.
In addition to home furnishings, you may work on automotive and aeroplane interiors.
How much can I expect to earn?
The average income for an upholsterer in the UK is £20,240, with 34 hours worked each week. However, for a self-employed upholsterer, that pay may soar to £52,000.
#4 Videographer
Marketing departments frequently seek videography to showcase their brand, product, or service on websites and social media. As Google begins to rank videos highly, businesses are growing increasingly interested in the expertise.
It’s also a varied professional path.
You can not only work as a business videographer, but you can also record weddings, as more newlyweds prefer video over photographs to capture their special day.
How do I become a videographer?
It is not necessary to obtain a formal qualification to pursue a profession in videography, and many videographers are self-taught. A media studies degree, on the other hand, may be an excellent way to learn the fundamentals, the foundations of how to refine your style, and how to utilise video editing software.
It is also good to search for apprenticeships or to shadow a professional videographer by assisting with equipment transport so that you can begin to comprehend the procedures and develop expertise.
Because videography may be a solitary vocation, there’s nothing keeping you from establishing your own portfolio by performing little engagements or practising on your own when you first start out, as Sam Charlesworth of The Camera Guys suggests.
“You can buy really decent cameras now for around £400, combine that with a couple of prime lenses, some good sound gear, and a reasonably good computer to edit the material, and you’re looking at £1,800 to £2,100 to get into the industry,” he says.
“First, conduct extensive study. Watch a lot of YouTube videos, such as the Wedding Film School.
Contact various videography businesses; some will gladly train you.
“The majority of my work – 80 to 90% – is done from home, whether it’s admin or editing. When I’m out and about, I go all over the nation, sometimes even abroad, and it’s new every day, so it’s always intriguing.”
How much can I expect to earn?
A videographer’s typical pay in London is £42,000, and you can expect to work 37.5 hours each week. It is worth mentioning, however, that some days can be long when filming, sometimes up to 12 hours, so being physically fit is recommended. On other days, you can be stuck to your chair, editing from the previous day.
#5 Tattoo artist
According to recent reports, cafés and tattoo parlours are taking up more empty shopfronts on our high streets, sending a clear signal that now could be a good time to ponder ink.
One in every five adults in the UK has a tattoo, with the rate rising to one in every three young adults.
How do I become a tattoo artist?
Before you start with the ink, you need receive a licence and work as an assistant at a tattoo parlour or body piercing workshop.
You may take a course at places like the UK Official Tattoo Academy. This is a two-week intense 10-day workshop that consists of sketching designs, colouring methods, and learning the differences between needles. Courses typically cost around £3,000.
Once qualified, you can look into opening your own studio.
How much can I expect to earn?
According to Indeed, working hours might range between 30 and 40 hours per week, and you can expect to earn around £37,000 once well established.
If you work for yourself, you may expect to earn between £20,000 and £60,000 each year.
#6 Freelance programmer
If we only look at industry trends, coding is big business. With a global lack of developers, there is enough of demand, and the promise of an appealing wage makes this one endeavour to try in 2023.
How do I become a self-employed coder?
A degree in computer science is the most common entry point into the sector, and you should start by building your own programming portfolio alongside your present work.
If you don’t already have a history in the business, it’s a good idea to enrol in a development course.
Code First Girls, for example, is a course that aims to encourage more women into the coding field.
In the field of coding, there are several specialisations.
Web development, user experience design, software engineering, and data science are just a few examples.
Once certified, you may offer yourself on a freelancing marketplace like Upwork or Fiverr and work from home, in a shared workplace, or at customers’ offices.
“I’ve been a freelance programmer for over ten years; it’s allowed me to be flexible and fluid with my time, and it’s allowed me to take control of my life and income,” Ryan Gittings says. “It’s also rewarding to make judgements and interact with clients directly.
“My advise is to be cautious with time management – log out at 5 p.m.! – and to establish a working atmosphere where you can close the door at the end of the day and finish your job.”
How much can I expect to earn?
The current average compensation in the UK for a freelance coder is £45,000, and this will only rise as you get more expertise.
