The 7 Best Trades & Local Businesses to Start in the UK (Ranked by Ease, Cost & Profit Potential)

Thinking of starting your own local or trades business in the UK, but struggling to know where to begin?

Whether you are looking to get away from your existing job, are sick of the 9–5 - 40 hour plus weeks, or want to finally take control of your income, these are the best trades and local service businesses to launch right now in 2025!

We have ranked them by how easy they are to start, how much capital you need, and how much money you can make.

So let’s get into it 👇

✅ 1. Cleaning Business (Domestic & Commercial)

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Setup Cost: £300–£1,000
Earnings Potential: £25K–£60K+/year

Cleaning is one of the lowest-cost, highest-demand services in the UK. You can start solo with basic supplies and insurance, then grow into a team. Domestic cleans, end-of-tenancy, oven cleans, commercial contracts - tons of opportunity. More details on starting a cleaning business here.

📈 Fast to start, fast to profit.

✅ 2. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Setup Cost: £1,500–£5,000 (machine + van)
Earnings Potential: £30K–£70K+/year

This niche adds higher ticket pricing to standard cleaning. With the right equipment and basic training, you can charge £60–£150+ per job. Great for repeat business and upsells. More details on starting a carpet cleaning business here.

✅ 3. Garden Maintenance & Lawn Care

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Setup Cost: £500–£2,000
Earnings Potential: £20K–£50K/year (solo), more with team

Start with basic tools and grow into landscaping, patios, or fencing. Great for anyone who enjoys outdoor work. Super flexible and repeatable, especially in spring/summer. More details on starting a gardening maintenance business here.

✅ 4. Loft Boarding & Ladder Installs

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Setup Cost: £1,000–£3,000
Earnings Potential: £40K–£80K+/year

This niche is booming in the UK thanks to homeowners wanting storage space and insulation upgrades. Low running costs, high demand, and jobs typically priced between £300-£1,200. More details on starting a loft conversion business here.

✅ 5. UPVC Spraying (Doors, Windows, Kitchens)

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Setup Cost: £3,000–£6,000 (spray gun, masks, materials)
Earnings Potential: £40K–£100K/year

This service transforms old kitchens and windows at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Amazing margins and growing popularity, you’ll need training and practice, but the results are impressive. More details on starting a UPVC Spraying business here.

✅ 6. Dog Grooming

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Setup Cost: £2,000–£5,000
Earnings Potential: £30K–£60K+/year

If you love animals, this one’s a winner. You’ll need training and tools, but pet owners are loyal and spend consistently. Great potential for mobile services, upsells, and recurring bookings. More details on starting a Dog Grooming business here.

✅ 7. Solar Panel Sales & Installations

Ease to Start: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Setup Cost: £5,000–£10,000 (training, certs, gear)
Earnings Potential: £50K–£150K/year+

A longer setup time, but massive demand as the UK shifts to renewables. If you’re already in electrical work or want to break into green energy, this could be the big one. More details on starting a solar panel install business here.

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And no contracts, just results.

🎯 Ready to Build Your Business the Smart Way?

Whether you're starting with a van and a dream or turning a side hustle into a full-time gig — we’re here to help you get found, get leads, and grow faster.

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