Are you one of the third of workers with a part time business?

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:

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

Here are my top 20 home based business ideas:

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