Thinking of starting your own business in 2025? You don’t have to have a new idea, but you do need to create something for which the demand is there and do it in a way that is different or better than something already available. It’s a good idea to choose an idea that is tried, tested and doesn’t look to go out of demand any time soon. Or you can look at the current trends.
We’ve identified 22 promising business ideas based on emerging trends across seven areas:
- AI
- Sustainability
- Mental wellbeing
- Hybrid and remote working
- Working with older people
- Education
- Food
AI
For those interested in technology and artificial intelligence and prepared to keep up as it rapidly involves.
1. AI Consultant
Helping businesses and institutions implement and optimise AI software and tools. Running workshops to train employees and advising on ethics and compliance.
2. AI VA
Become a small business’ tech and creative rock by handling their admin and other tasks like marketing and automating where possible with AI.
Sustainability
If you’re environmentally conscious, create solutions for individuals and businesses to get greener.
3. Carbon footprint tracking and reduction
Energy audits, ongoing monitoring, recommendations and advising on changing regulations.
4. Energy efficiency consulting
Review, educate and implement ways for homes and commercial properties and operations to become more environmentally friendly.
5. Sustainable packager
The consultation or creation of sustainable packaging options.
Mental wellbeing
The happier and healthier we are, physically and mentally, the better we will be at work.
6. Digital detox coach
Programmes for those who want to take back their time from the screen.
7. Wellness community founder
Find a wellness niche and create a crew. You can charge people to join an online platform, hold (virtual) meet-ups, host webinars, have a newsletter, and connect people to one another.
8. Neurodiversity business coaching
The realisation is that way more of us are neurodiverse than we realised, and lots of people are getting diagnosed in later life.
Hybrid and remote working
Many companies have struggled with the move from office-based work to fully remote work during the pandemic and are now trying to strike some sort of balance. Job seekers are increasingly looking for fully remote or hybrid roles to be location-independent and take back the commute time.
9. Remote work consultancy
Advising and setting up the infrastructure for businesses to have their teams happily and successfully working remotely.
10. Virtual recruitment
Building virtual teams for businesses.
11. Remote/Hybrid work technology consultant
Training and advising on digital collaboration tools for teams.
Working with older people
38% of the population (21 million people) are aged over 50 in England, up from 32% in 1981, an increase of 6.8 million people.
12. Tech support for seniors
Training the older generation on how to keep up to speed with technology advancements.
13. Transport services
Carve out a niche in providing travel options to the generations who might no longer want to drive or get public transport.
14. Interior design and home modifications
Become a consultant for adapting older people’s homes in a stylish way that doesn’t just involve whacking in a stairlift.
15. Personal trainer
Strength, balance, and fitness naturally decrease as we age, and we need to put in the effort to maintain our physical health. Here’s where you can help. You could work one-on-one and offer classes in retirement communities.
Education
People will always be looking to upskill themselves, especially if it will benefit their lives by earning more money, saving more, or getting healthier.
16. Personal tutor
Think of all the skills you have. You don’t need to be an absolute expert in something; you just need to be better than the person you’re tutoring and a good teacher.
17. Career coach
Help professionals upskill, get their next big promotion, or transition to careers.
18. Online courses
Online courses work well when you have built or are part of a niche community that wants to learn what you know.
Food
Veganism is waning and flexatarianism is in. Completely plant-based diets are dropping in numbers, but being conscious about what you eat and where it comes from is still growing in popularity.
19. Food waste reduction consulting
Help organisations reduce food waste and manage food sustainably.
20. Zero waste restaurants and shops
Reducing the carbon footprint of the food and hospitality industry by reducing packaging, reusing, recycling and composting. To be classed as zero waste, you must direct 90% of your waste from landfills.
21. Farm-to-table delivery services
Food miles are big for sustainability, and increasingly, people want to know where their food comes from and support local producers. Create farm or veg boxes or connect local suppliers with hospitality businesses.
22. Urban farming
Repurposing urban spaces (and helping others to) for growing crops, beekeeping and keeping animals for agriculture.
Just because an idea is growing in popularity, it doesn’t mean the success of your business is a surefire thing.
It’s easy to go slightly too early with trending ideas, particularly if you tend to be an early adopter yourself or you’ve discovered something before most of the market has their heads around it. Just because you’ve realised the benefits of using your smartphone less, it doesn't mean everyone has. Find your market.
The more research you can do before starting your business, the better. Your business will be more likely to flourish if you take into account these factors:
- Don’t target a price-sensitive market.
- Don’t expect it to be quick or easy; enjoy the process.
- Consider a business with low start-up costs like consulting.
- Have a strong marketing and distribution plan.
- Have a clear niche or unique selling point (USP).
- Build different revenue streams to spread risk.
- Never stop learning or adapting.
- Grow a great reputation and strong relationships with your customers.
- Make sure you can scale with systems and processes.
Conduct your research, write a plan and go for it.