Business Trends

Looking to start a business in the UK? Consider this your essential guide to small business ideas that can significantly boost your finances while positively impacting your community. Whether you're considering a simple venture like a Virtual Assistant service or a more complex operation like market research or homecare services, we’ve got you covered with multiple business ideas to explore. Each section outlines the essential skills to help you assess your readiness, startup costs, and the ideal business structure. 

Quick Tips for Starting a Small Business In the UK

High Skill Unique Business Ideas

As we delve deeper into the digital age, businesses' challenges are evolving at a pace that’s never been experienced before. The business ideas in this section stand out because they directly tackle the most pressing issues and rapidly growing concerns of our time. These ideas aren’t just limited to niche markets; they offer solutions essential for the growth and success of every organisation—and even individuals—in today’s digital landscape.

According to the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, many businesses and charities experience cyber attacks annually, illustrating the need for adequate protection. Cyber threats such as phishing, impersonation, and malware are not just technical nuisances—they pose serious financial risks and operational disruptions, particularly for medium and large organisations. As the frequency and impact of these breaches continue escalating, the demand for specialised cybersecurity services is rising. 

The infographic below presents key statistics and insights on the most common types of cyber attacks, their impact on organisations, and the financial consequences of breaches. These growing threats highlight a significant business opportunity in the cybersecurity industry. By setting up a cybersecurity-focused business, you can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, helping organisations protect their valuable data and maintain operations in an increasingly digital world.

This presents a unique and timely opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish cybersecurity-focused businesses that address these critical needs.

The possibilities are vast, from threat detection and vulnerability assessments to compliance consulting and incident response. Depending on their expertise and market demand, this variety allows business owners to target specific niches or provide comprehensive solutions.

• A cybersecurity venture is one of the best business ideas to start in the UK because of its scalability. Entrepreneurs can start small, offering specialised services to a few clients, and gradually expand their offerings and client base as they gain experience and recognition in the market. This flexibility makes it attractive for those looking to grow a business over time.
• Unlike some industries vulnerable to economic fluctuations, cybersecurity remains a priority for businesses regardless of the economic climate. Protecting digital assets and sensitive data is essential, making cybersecurity services indispensable even during downturns. This resilience makes a cybersecurity business a stable and sustainable venture.
• Small—to medium-sized businesses and high-income charities often lack in-house cybersecurity expertise, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. A cybersecurity business can offer invaluable services that protect these organisations from potentially catastrophic breaches by focusing on these markets.
• Beyond the financial and operational benefits, running a cybersecurity business carries an ethical responsibility. By helping to safeguard sensitive data and protect online communities, your company contributes to a safer digital environment. This moral dimension adds value to your services and strengthens your reputation as a trustworthy provider.

The best registration format for your cybersecurity business is a UK limited company structure. Your business will deal with high-value clients, and an LTD provides the framework for professionalism. Furthermore, an LTD and a professional indemnity cover will protect you from personal liability and business obligations. You could also consider working with an LLP, allowing you to pair your skills with a strategic business partner.

Documents required to register a cyber security company in the UK include —

• For a limited liability company, you require an article and memorandum of association indicating a preferred company name, director and PSC details and the registered office and director addresses.
• Form LL IN01 for registering an LLP, through which you will provide the partner and PSC details and registered office address.  

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can impose fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of your annual global turnover—whichever is greater—for non-compliance with GDPR. However, the risks extend beyond regulatory breaches. Companies that fail to implement robust cybersecurity measures also face severe financial penalties, mainly when these failures result in privacy breaches compromising client data.

A GDPR/ data privacy firm helps businesses avoid such hefty fines by advising them on privacy issues and data security concerns. 

• Much like a cybersecurity business, a GDPR/Privacy Consulting Firm provides critical services that every company, regardless of industry, needs to avoid severe penalties and risks associated with non-compliance. These services are essential in any economic climate, as businesses must continuously adhere to privacy regulations, making this type of firm a stable and resilient business with consistent demand.
• As an emerging and constantly evolving field, there is a significant demand for knowledgeable privacy consultants. Brands need experts who can navigate the complexities of data protection laws, making this a lucrative area for those with the right skills and qualifications.
• GDPR and privacy consulting typically involve ongoing support and training rather than one-time engagements. Once a business secures a client, effective marketing and customer retention strategies can significantly enhance that client's lifetime value, leading to increased revenue and sustained business growth.

Starting a GDPR/Privacy Consulting Firm is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a growing field. To get started, simply set up a company limited by shares, which offers the benefit of limiting your liability to the amount of your investment.

Building strong networks and engaging with potential clients is crucial to your success in this professional area. Focus on establishing yourself as a subject matter expert and thought leader. Look for opportunities to speak at industry events or contribute articles to high-value publications. This will enhance your credibility and help you connect with potential clients seeking trusted expertise in GDPR and privacy compliance.

Working From Home Businesses to Start

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and flexibility of working from home. With 16% of employees worldwide working exclusively remotely and 44% embracing a hybrid model, it's clear that flexible work arrangements are here to stay. This section highlights easy entry home business ideas you can start right from the comfort of your home.

Over 4,500 VA jobs are open worldwide on LinkedIn, with new positions being added daily. With the rise of remote work, virtual assistant services are on the rise, and the market is expected to expand even further in the coming months. 

Businesses seek to work with VA service providers due to their flexibility. Depending on the market, they can dial up or down the time allocated to the VA, from simple tasks like email and calendar management to more complex tasks such as content creation and social media marketing.

• 45% of UK businesses hired a virtual assistant. The opportunity to access cost effective local and offshore talent makes human virtual assistants a desirable option for businesses. 
• Starting a virtual assistant (VA) business from home is affordable, with minimal upfront expenses. Additionally, if you're working from home because your employer doesn’t provide an office, you may be eligible for tax relief, further reducing your operational costs.
• An abundance of online resources are available to help you build and enhance the value you offer to clients. Major companies like Google and HubSpot offer free courses that can give you a competitive edge and improve your skills, making you more attractive to potential clients.
• The demand for highly skilled and results-oriented virtual assistants is on the rise. Businesses are constantly looking for efficient solutions to their problems, and VAs play a crucial role in helping them achieve their goals while reducing overhead costs.
• VA services are beautiful to small business owners because they help save on costs. By outsourcing tasks to VAs, businesses can avoid the expenses of hiring full-time staff, making VA services a highly sought-after solution.

Starting a Virtual Assistant (VA) business is straightforward and highly flexible. You can opt to operate as a sole trader, which eliminates the need to register with Companies House and simplifies the setup process. To get started, you can set up an online profile on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn or even set up your own website to begin attracting clients.

While the administrative burden is minimal, you will need to file a self-assessment tax return with HMRC. Operating as a sole trader is ideal for a VA business due to its low-risk nature, allowing you to concentrate on growing your client base and honing your skills without the complexities of extensive paperwork or personal liability concerns.

See also: Register Your Company and Get a Certificate of Incorporation.

With over 90% of B2B and B2C sales processes beginning with an online search, the demand for digital marketing services has never been higher. As more businesses embrace the digital space with online stores to sell their products and services, the need for skilled digital marketing agencies and freelancers continues to grow. Whether it's social media management, SEO, or comprehensive digital marketing strategies, professionals in this field are in high demand, making it a lucrative and rapidly expanding industry.

• In today’s competitive landscape, businesses are constantly vying for top Google rankings and innovative ways to engage their customers. This creates a strong demand for digital marketing professionals who can help companies stand out online.
• As online businesses seek creative strategies to connect with their audience through social media, email marketing, and other digital platforms, the need for skilled digital marketing specialists continues to rise. Your expertise can be crucial in helping businesses build and maintain meaningful connections with their clients.
• A digital marketing business offers exceptional scalability, making it one of the best small business ideas to start. With a wealth of resources and information readily available online, it's easier than ever to get started in this field. As you refine your skills and consistently deliver measurable results, you'll naturally attract new clients and have the opportunity to expand your services. This inherent growth potential allows your business to evolve alongside your expertise, driving increased success and revenue over time.

Starting as a sole trader is advisable for a digital marketing freelancer, especially in your first year of business. This approach minimises the administrative burden of managing a Limited Company (LTD), enabling you to focus on building your client base and refining your services. As you grow your business and require more formal structures to support that growth, transitioning to an LTD can provide the necessary framework and legal protections to scale your operations effectively.

In the United Kingdom, over 950,000 people currently receive domiciliary care, a number that is expected to rise significantly as the population ages. Despite this growing demand, only around 809,000 professionals are employed in the home care service industry, highlighting a substantial opportunity for those entering this field.

Moreover, the deeply personal and empathetic nature of care services offers a unique advantage: the ability to build a strong reputation quickly. By consistently demonstrating genuine care and compassion for your clients, you can establish a trusted and respected name for yourself and your business, fostering long-term relationships and community trust.

• The need for homecare services is continually growing, driven by an ageing population and increasing preference for in-home care. This creates a steady and reliable demand for providers in this industry.
• With the right business model and a strong commitment to customer-centred values, your homecare business can experience unlimited growth. By focusing on personalised, compassionate care, you can differentiate your services and build a loyal client base.
• Starting a new business as a domiciliary service provider offers a unique opportunity to show compassion and make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families. Your work not only provides essential care but also adds significant value to the well-being and comfort of those you serve.

While you have the option to start as a sole trader or partnership, it's advisable to establish your business as a Limited Liability Company (LTD). This structure helps protect your personal assets by limiting your liability to the business. Additionally, it's crucial to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) specific to your region—whether in England, Scotland, or Wales—to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to legally operate your domiciliary care business.

B2B Small Business Ideas

Two great business ideas are particularly impactful when it comes to helping other businesses succeed. First, market research firms play a crucial role in guiding entrepreneurs by assessing the feasibility of their concepts and staying attuned to evolving customer preferences. Second, HR-focused companies provide essential support in managing talent, ensuring businesses can attract, retain, and develop the people they need to thrive. These services are vital for the long-term success and growth of any business.

Do you have a talent for qualitative and quantitative research methods? Are you eager to apply your skills meaningfully? Market research is essential for businesses looking to enter new markets and established companies striving to keep pace with ever-changing consumer trends and preferences. A successful UK market research firm plays a vital role in helping businesses capture and maintain their industry positions, whether as market leaders or competitive challengers.

• By offering insights into growth matrices and market trends, you can local businesses identify new markets and expand their reach. This makes your services highly valuable to companies looking to scale and capture new opportunities.
• Running a market research company sharpens your analytical skills and enhances your ability to make informed decisions. These skills are transferable and beneficial across all areas of business and personal life.
• As a market research expert, you are constantly attuned to the latest market trends and shifts, making you an invaluable asset to your clients. This deep market knowledge allows you to offer complementary services such as:some text
  • Guide businesses in developing new products that meet emerging customer needs.
  • Help companies assess potential risks and devise strategies to mitigate them.
  • Your ability to foresee market changes allows you to advise clients on adapting proactively, ensuring they stay ahead of the competition.

By leveraging these advantages, your market research company can become a critical partner for businesses aiming to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Starting a market research company is a straightforward process. Begin by registering a company limited by shares, which provides a flexible and protective business structure. Generally, additional licenses are required only by your official registration if you plan to operate in specialised sectors such as pharmaceuticals. In that case, you must ensure that your market research materials comply with industry-specific regulations, such as having them reviewed by qualified personnel under the guidelines of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

The HR landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by the rise of artificial intelligence and a shifting focus towards efficiency over creativity and quality. In this dynamic environment, the role of corporate wellness programs is becoming increasingly crucial.

A staggering 91% of UK companies report difficulties filling job roles and retaining talent, while 64% of small businesses face similar challenges in retaining skilled staff. As companies grapple with these issues, they often become frustrated by the constant cycle of hiring, training, and losing employees to better offers.

By integrating corporate wellness programs into your recruitment and staffing agency, you can provide a comprehensive solution to these challenges. These programs help attract top talent and enhance employee well-being and loyalty, reducing turnover rates and driving long-term success for your clients in a market where talent retention is vital; offering such holistic services positions your agency as a critical partner in fostering a thriving workforce. 

• Running a staffing agency allows you to make a meaningful impact by helping businesses find the right talent while enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. You play a crucial role in connecting people with opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations.
• The ongoing need for staffing solutions ensures your business remains in demand. Whether the economy is booming or facing challenges, companies will always require skilled professionals to fill positions, making your services essential and resilient.
• You can hit the ground running as soon as you set up your agency, especially if you have a strong network. Even without an established network, you can leverage job boards and collaborate with companies seeking to fill positions. There's always someone looking to hire, providing immediate business opportunities and the flexibility to scale as you grow.

How to Start a Recruitment Business 

Registering your business as a private limited company provides you with legal protection and a professional framework. Once registered, you'll be ready to start building your client base and placing candidates.

In this digital age, businesses that leverage cutting-edge applications and technologies enhance their operational efficiency and rise to the top. That's why we carefully curated this compilation of top apps for business owners and professionals looking for solutions to various business needs across domains such as organisational management, financial tracking, customer engagement and more. 

Check out these 21 small business management apps, presented in categories, to help you discover innovative solutions that can revolutionise how you organise, operate, and propel your business towards success.

Best Scheduling Apps for Small Business Owners 

One notable advantage of scheduling apps is their ability to mitigate the impact of external meeting demands on business owners. By allowing individuals to set their availability times, these apps empower prospects, clients, and teams to schedule meetings in alignment with the entrepreneur's predefined availability. 

The applications also help eliminate scheduling conflicts and overlapping appointments by centralising availability information and automating the scheduling process. 

Top scheduling applications for small business entrepreneurs in the UK include —

Calendly 

Calendly is a scheduling automation platform designed to streamline the process of scheduling, preparing for, and following up on internal and external meetings. Users can create a personalised scheduling link and booking page according to their availability, which they then share with others, allowing them to book a meeting easily at a mutually convenient time. 

It offers the flexibility of setting meeting rules, such as 15-minute or 30-minute increments, enabling participants to optimise their time efficiently during these interactions.

Pros 

• Simple and intuitive 
• Enhances the professional image of the user
• Has an automatic time zone conversion that removes meeting time confusion for international teams 

Cons

• Limited branding options for scheduling pages 

Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome and Firefox extension 

Pricing: Offers a free forever plan with the standard plan starting at $10 per monthly seat.

Website: https://calendly.com/ 

Appoint.ly

Appoint.ly is a scheduling application for individuals and businesses. Users create a calendar, set their availability and share with clients and coworkers for bookings. It seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar, Microsoft Office, or iCal and automatically syncs appointments while addressing time zone differences. 

Pros

• Free plan available
• Simple, intuitive and functional interface
• Minimises confusion due to timezone differences

Cons

• No mobile app
• Limited functionality compared to other tools

Platforms: Cloud-based 

Pricing: Free basic plan with the pro version starting at $10 per seat per month

Website: https://appoint.ly/ 

Best Project Management Apps

To meet the demands of a dynamic market, companies often rely on multiple teams overseen by either the founder or a designated manager responsible for setting timeframes and objectives. Project management applications are pivotal in facilitating adequate supervision from home, the office, or while on the move. These applications streamline workflows across teams and ensure meticulous attention to detail, mitigating challenges that impede project success.

Techopedia reports a remarkable 92% success rate in meeting project objectives for organisations consistently utilising project admin apps, highlighting the transformative impact of employing the right tools. 

On the other hand, the State of Project Management Report 2021 highlights the most significant challenges in project and portfolio management: benefits management, resource management, and project prioritization. 

With the above in mind, let's dive into the top 2 project management applications for small enterprises in the UK. 

Trello

Trello is a user-friendly project management software for organising projects into Kanban boards. At a glance, a manager can tell the main task, the individual handling it, and its status. With a generous free plan that accommodates up to 10 boards and unlimited users, it's a versatile tool accessible to all. Small teams, freelancers, and solo entrepreneurs use Trello for individual assignment planning or comprehensive project workflows.

Pros 

• Easy to manage tasks (to-do lists) with an intuitive drag-and-drop system; 
• Leaders can assign tasks with due dates and role-specific access privileges; 
• Users can share images and documents from other apps like Google Drive; and
• It's super versatile, with multiple templates to get new users started. 

Cons

• The process of integrating with third-party plugins is clunky;
• Some basic features are only available through power-ups; and
• The free plan has limited features.

Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android

Pricing: Offers free plan with paid plan starting at $5 per user per month.

Website: https://trello.com/home

Freedcamp 

Freedcamp's free version is considered one of the best apps to help organise. It offers unlimited tasks, users, projects, and storage, an excellent choice for SMBs seeking efficient project management software. Their paid plans, including the business and enterprise packages, provide exceptional value compared to rival platforms. The well-crafted native desktop and mobile apps facilitate convenient project administration beyond web browsers and while on the go.

Pros 

• It is easy to use and has excellent support;
• Supports French, German, Croatian, and Russian;
• Has a time-tracking feature that’s connected to tasks;
• Inexpensive with the free option including unlimited users, assignments, projects, and storage; and
• Kanban view allows users to mark tasks as No Progress, In Progress, and Completed.

Cons

• Few native integrations; 
• Dull and basic user interface; and
• Complex integration with third-party applications like Outlook.

Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS 

Pricing: Free pro package starts at $1.49 monthly per user. 

Website: https://freedcamp.com/

Small Business App for Communication 

Communication is essential for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). However, most cost-effective project administration tools are intentionally designed without a built-in communication or team chat feature. Consequently, businesses find it necessary to explore standalone chat or messaging apps offering unlimited chat history, private and public channels, and video and voice calls. Among the popular choices for this purpose are

Slack

Slack has become a leading messaging app in business communication. Its intuitive and user-friendly interface sets it apart, providing teams with an efficient platform for streamlining communication. The distinctive feature of Slack lies in its channel organisation system, allowing teams to work with designated spaces for different topics, projects, or teams, fostering a more organised and focused communication environment within the application.

Pros 

• Has a fair, free plan; 
• User-friendly interface;
• It's quick and easy to send messages to individuals or groups;
• Customisation options for individual users; and
• Advanced search functionality.

Cons

• Relatively higher costs for the paid plans;
• The free plan restricts the number of historical messages accessible, making it susceptible to losing crucial information easily.
• The free plan limits the number of participants in a huddle to two, affecting team collaboration.

Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS

Pricing: Free plan with the pro plan starting at £5.75 per active user per month paid annually. 

Website: https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/ 

Flock

Flock is a messaging and collaboration tool that offers direct and channel messaging, video conferencing, screen and file sharing, and unlimited chat history. Users can create multiple teams and both public and private channels for communication. It is designed for businesses of all sizes and operates on a freemium pricing model, with additional features available in paid plans. The app is known for its fast and reliable communication, making it a popular choice for collaboration and coordination.

Pros 

• Ideal for instant messaging;
• Free mobile app for on-the-go communication;
• In-built to-do list feature for task assignment and progress monitoring; and
• Users can send themselves messages for safekeeping or access from other devices.

Cons

• Some users report poor audio and video quality; and
• Users can delete unread messages without a trace. 

Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android phones. 

Pricing: Freemium with the pro plan starting at $4.50 /user/month

Website: https://www.flock.com/

Microsoft Teams 

Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform that seamlessly integrates workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration. Its user-friendly interface enables easy connections, communication, and collaboration, rendering it a favoured choice for businesses and organisations across different scales.

Pros 

• The centralised document storage and communication system helps boost productivity.
• Easy collaboration with internal and external contacts
• Enables access to previous meeting notes and recordings
• Can hold meetings or webinars with up to 10,000 attendees
• Has a robust free version for personal use. 
• Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem
• Comes with end-to-end security

Cons

• Not built for phone use
• Its online meeting experience isn’t as intuitive as with other apps

Platforms: Web, Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS,

Pricing: Business packages start at £3.30/user/month, paid annually

Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

The Best Business Apps for Time Tracking 

With time-tracking tools, companies save time, maximise productivity, identify potential areas of improvement, and monitor performance remotely. For the employee, a time tracking app helps them make the most of their workday and manage distractions.

Some of the best small business apps for time tracking include -

Toggl Track 

For the web app, toggl track facilitates accurate invoicing by enabling real-time or manual mode tracking of the amount of time spent on an activity, which can be connected to a specific client, project or task. It also has a calendar view that shows weekly time entries in a colour-coded grid format, with which everyone can see the project that dominates an employee's/freelancer's time.  

Toggl has a free forever plan with limited features for up to 5 users and a premium plan for $18 for those who want additional features like fixed fee projects and integrations with third-party applications like Jira or Salesforce. 

Pros

• User-friendly and versatile;
• Ideal for individuals, freelancers, and teams of any size;
• Provides in-depth reports and productivity analytics;
• Promotes employer and employee acceptance with its anti-surveillance feature; and
• Effortlessly integrates with a variety of third-party project administration and collaboration tools.

Cons

• Few native integrations;
• Users find it difficult to fix time-tracking mistakes; and
• The desktop application is cumbersome compared to the Chrome extension and mobile app. 

Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Pricing: Free plan for up to 5 users, starter $ 9 per user per month and $18 for the premium package. 

Website: https://toggl.com/track/

HourStack 

Hour Stack is a premium time management application suitable for individuals, starting at $12 per month and $ 15/member/month for large teams. It has over 15 native integrations, with an additional 1,500 through Zapier. The tool helps teams create projects, set budgets and timelines, schedule tasks, balance workloads across teams, track time, pull weekly and monthly reports and customise according to their unique workflow. 

Pros 

• Intuitive interface;
• Users can plan for an entire week, both tasks and meetings; 
• The reporting feature enables users to view time estimates vs actual time spent on a project; and
• Easily integrates with third-party applications like Asana and Google Calendar. 

Cons 

• Mobile device applications sometimes don’t work as expected; and
• The integration with Asana can be unreliable.

Platform: Web

Pricing: No free trial, $12 per month for the personal and $15 for the team package

Website: https://hourstack.com/ 

Best Payroll & Employee Management Apps for Small Business or Remote Teams 

According to the UK Parliament post, fully remote or hybrid arrangements enhance employee wellbeing, but the impact on productivity is uncertain. Yet, business owners report that a remote workforce provides an opportunity to embrace a lean model and tap into a cost-effective offshore talent.

If you are leaning towards going remote or hybrid, here are some of the best HR apps for small ventures — 

Deel 

Deel is one of the preferred solutions for distributed workforce management applications with free and pay-as-you-go plans starting at $49 per active contract/month and a footprint in over 150 countries. With their employer-on-record product, Deel helps businesses undertake background checks, hire, offer employees localised benefits, and comply with complex local regulatory requirements. 

Pros 

• Completely free for contractors and employees;
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface for ease of use;
• Streamlined payroll automation feature for efficient processing; and
• The payment system provides clear tax and compliance requirements guidance, ensuring smooth financial operations. 

Cons 

• Customer support may, at times, be unreliable; and
• No mobile application. 

Platform: Cloud-based

Pricing: Free for HR automation, $49 for contractors and $599 for Employer on Record (EOR)

Website: https://www.deel.com/

Motivosity 

Motivosity is a business software solution for those seeking to manage employee recognition, motivation and engagement designed to help companies build a positive workplace culture. Through the app, staff members get a sense of community and belonging. With the option to give regular coaching-oriented feedback, teammates feel they have a positive relationship with their boss and managers. 

Its premium plans start at $2, allowing businesses to use it to motivate their workforce as among the strategies underscore success and get insights that help enhance productivity and retention. 

Pros  

• Intuitive interface that works like a social media page; and
• Makes it easy for co-workers to compliment and recognise each other efforts, building a positive company culture.

Cons

• Limited native integration with third-party tools. 

Platform: Cloud-based

Pricing: Starts from $2

Website: https://www.motivosity.com/

3. Goco

GoCo is a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) business application starting at $5/employee/month that handles onboarding, benefits, time tracking, payroll administration and compliance. 

Pros 

• Automates all aspects of hiring - from sourcing to onboarding
• Handles HR, including benefits and payroll management
• Ideal for small enterprises and large enterprises with remote teams

Cons

• Difficulty mastering advanced features
• Available on the web with no mobile application on-the-go access

Platform: Cloud-based

Pricing: Starts from $ 5 per employee per month

Website: https://www.goco.io/

Best Credit Card, Inventory Management, POS System, & Payment Apps for E-commerce 

E-commerce enterprises depend on efficient and secure payment solutions to ensure a seamless shopping experience, significantly contributing to customer satisfaction and trust. Top payment applications for e-commerce companies include — 

PayPal Express Checkout

PayPal is one of the earliest and most popular online payment solutions. To access the service, you only need to sign up for the express checkout and add it to your website. You can add the checkout through a partner or build your custom integration for your website. Paypal charges 2.90% + £0.30 per transaction. See more details on the UK fees page.

Website: https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/get-started-express-checkout

Square

‍

Square is a free stock management and payment processing app for small enterprises. It enables small and medium-sized businesses to accept credit card payments using smartphones or tablets as point-of-sale system registers. It has the following features 

Pros 

• Clean and intuitive interface
• Free basic plan with robust features
• Wide range of hardware to choose from
• Real-time sales tracking

Cons 

• Cluncky hardware design

Platforms: iOS and Android. 

Pricing: Free for small businesses with the plus plan starting at £49 per month, per location

Website: https://squareup.com/us/en

Best Small Business Apps for Accounting & Invoice Management

The best accounting software for small and medium businesses is affordable and easy to use, recognising that most small and medium business owners are not professional accountants. These tools enable companies to manage their finances and record expenses, profit, and losses. Some of the best tools include —- 

Zoho 

Unlike Freshbooks, Zoho is a free accounting invoicing software for small business owners, solopreneurs and freelancers. 

Pros 

• Simple and intuitive; and
• Multiple customisation options available.

Cons

• Free version is limited to 1,000 invoices per year.

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

Pricing: Offers a free version with enterprise quotations available on request. 

Website: https://www.zoho.com/invoice/

Xero

Xero is tailored for medium-sized businesses that need high-level accounting software for sending invoices, accepting payments, managing contracts, and more. Its pricing starts at £15 to £55 per month. 

Pros 

• Cost-effective; 
• Unlimited users and plans;
• Enables collaboration with accountants or business advisors;
• Cloud-based and accessible anywhere with an internet connection;

Cons

• Steep learning curve for new users;
• It takes a long for customer service teams to respond to people; 

Platforms: Cloud-based

Pricing: £15 for the starter package

Website: https://www.xero.com/uk/accounting-software/

Quickbooks Online

QuickBooks is an online business accounting software specifically crafted to simplify cash flow management. It boasts robust features, including automated expense tracking, efficient invoice creation, integrated payroll services, and insightful financial reporting. 

Pros 

• It's easy to use and learn;
• Integrates well with third-party applications
• It is cloud-based, enabling users to access real-time data anytime, anywhere;
• Tools suitable for various business types, including accountants, sole traders and limited companies. 

Cons

• Lacks industry-specific features
• Experiences regular system crashes
• Limited to accounting-specific reporting

Platforms: Cloud-based, iOS, Android, iPad, Tablet, MacOS and Windows

Pricing: $29.90/user/month

Website: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/uk/ 

Best Marketing Apps Or CRM Software

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) refers to business development, systems or strategies to promote client acquisition and retention. A comprehensive solution gathers customer information from all the contact points with the business, such as the website, social media, phone line, email, and marketing content. It uses this data to equip the relevant staff with in-depth customer insights such as purchasing history, preferences and prospects' challenges. 

Nimble

Nimble is primarily considered a collaborative CRM that integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, Office 365, and multiple third-party applications. 

It emphasises organisational communication and cooperation to improve customer interactions and relationships. Additional features include —

• Marketing automation;
• Lead and pipeline management;
• Task management; and
• Analytics and dashboards. 

Pros 

• Neat, user-friendly interface;
• Connect on the go with its mobile application;
• Best CRM for Microsoft Office, including Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Teams and Outlook. 

Cons

• Reporting and analytics are not as robust;

Platforms: iOS, Android and Windows

Pricing: $29.90/user/month

Website: https://www.nimble.com/

Zen‍Desk

Zendesk is a cloud-based operational CRM that automates customer support ticket management, helping users track, prioritise, personalise and solve email support interactions. Its suite plans start from $49/per month for up to 5 agents. 

Pros

• Workflow automation;
• Feature-rich interface; and
• Multi-channel support (chat, email, social media) on a unified platform;
• Integrates with multiple third-party solutions for comprehensive reporting and analytics. 

Cons

• It’s unintuitive and takes a long time to understand the platform;

Platform: Web

Pricing: Starts at £45 per agent per month. 

Website: https://www.zendesk.co.uk/

Copper Google Workspace CRM

One of the best CRM software for small businesses tailored for G Suite applications, Copper empowers sales teams by effectively managing their leads, contacts, and communication from a unified platform.

Pros 

• Cost effective 
• Simple and easy to use, since the interface is similar to most Google applications
• Effortlessly extract leads from Gmail, enhancing contact and lead management.
• Workflow automaton for repetitive tasks
• track and log email chains, meetings, and files from Gmail using the Chrome extension.

Cons

• May issue unnecessary notifications

Platform: Web, iOS and Android Apps

Pricing: The basic plan starts at $23 monthly per user, paid annually.

Website: https://www.copper.com/

Final Word.

When selecting the best app for your business, choose one that will address the most significant bottleneck. For instance, if you are not making the most out of your existing customer database - you’ll need an analytical CRM to gather insights from client interactions with your business for targeted marketing campaigns and product recommendations. 

Key features you should look out for in a business application should include — 

• Ease of use — The applications should be intuitive and easy to use. However, you may need software with elaborate features and functionalities. In such cases, consider if the software company offers product walkthroughs, onboarding sessions, and reviews comments from past clients on their customer support culture. 
• Integrations — You’ll find that many business processes are interdependent. For instance, an order management system may need to communicate with an accounting app. Your email marketing software may require integration with a lead generation tool. Therefore, consider how easily your app of choice connects to third-party applications. 
• Cost — Determine if the software is the most cost-effective for your business needs. In addition to the monthly charges and price per seat, consider if you’ll have to pay extra to integrate with a non-native application. 

The United Kingdom has a fiercely autonomous, advanced, and global trade economy that was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The 1990s saw economic growth rates that were competitive with those of other major industrialized nations. After the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and India, the United Kingdom has the sixth-largest economy, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.83 trillion in 2019 and a population of over 66 million.  It is known for having a great overall quality of life and a somewhat diverse economy. The majority of the U.K.'s GDP is comprised of services, manufacturing, construction, and tourism; one of its unique regulations is the free asset ratio.

According to the U.K. Office for National Statistics (ONS), the services sector makes up the majority of the UK economy and contributes to more than three-quarters of GDP. United Kingdom's service includes a variety of sectors, such as finance and business services, as well as consumer-oriented sectors like retail, food and beverage, and entertainment. Agriculture contributes about 0.60% of the GDP, and manufacturing and production contribute less than 21 percent.

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Table of Contents

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• A Bulwark of European Economy

• Trading

• Tourism

• BREXIT

• Health & Medical Sources

• Conclusion

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A Bulwark of European Economy

The United Kingdom, notably London, has long been a center for finance. The banking, insurance, London Stock Exchange, shipping, and commodity markets all underwent substantial changes as a result of the sector's extensive restructuring and deregulation in the 1980s and 1990s. Over time, certain clearly defined boundaries between financial institutions have blurred. Around the turn of the century, the financial services industry employed over a million people and accounted for around one-twelfth of the GDP. While the financial services industry has seen significant expansion in certain medium-sized cities, notably Leeds and Edinburgh, London has maintained its position as the industry leader and has grown in both size and effect as a hub for international financial operations.

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Trading

Trading in foreign exchange and securities has increased along with capital movements. Engineering, food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), and tobacco, chemicals, paper, printing, and publishing, metals and minerals, textiles, apparel, footwear, and leather, are the most significant industrial industries in terms of their proportionate contribution to the GDP. Chemicals and electrical engineering have seen the fastest growth. The chemical industry has seen the biggest increases in pharmaceuticals and specialty goods. Within the engineering industry, electronics products have seen the quickest growth, followed by electrical and instrument engineering, transport engineering, which includes motor vehicles, and aerospace products.

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Tourism

Another significant source of revenue for the UK is tourism. According to the ONS, foreign nationals spent £28.4 billion, or $35.9 billion, on travel and tourism in the UK in 2019. In June 2019, which is the busiest month for travel, there were 9% more visitors than the previous year. According to Visit Britain, foreign tourists spent £2.34 billion, up 13% from the prior year.

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BREXIT

Brexit, which stands for "British exit," the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union (EU), became official on January 31, 2020. Since the vote, a wide range of governmental and nongovernmental organizations have predicted that the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Brexit negotiations has had a negative impact on the U.K. economy. However, this could represent a better opportunity for the nation.

A 100-page report titled "The Benefits of Brexit" was released by the UK government to commemorate two years since the country's withdrawal from the EU. This lays out a range of benefits in many areas of spending, policy, and regulation in an enthusiastic, upbeat manner. A few days later, Jacob Rees-Mogg was named to the Cabinet as the Brexit Opportunities Minister to oversee this initiative.

Brexit has changed astonishingly little in many aspects of health and care, despite the fact that the UK's health industry has already felt the effects of trade and migration. This is because there isn't a clear, widely accepted strategy for life after the single market. The UK has stagnated in a number of areas as the EU advances.

Each of the health-related "benefits" can be broken down to reveal a recurring pattern. Many of these are either places where the UK has a real chance of doing something new and different or where the UK must make a crucial decision between going it alone and attempting to stay close to larger markets.

The document's first section emphasizes the UK's capacity to "manage its own money" and avoid making contributions to the EU. Following that is a bullet point that states that healthcare spending will increase by £57 billion in 2024–2025 compared to the year of the EU referendum.

The report avoids explicitly stating any sort of causal relationship. The Office for Budget Responsibility, which oversees public finances for the UK government, predicts that the net result of Brexit will be less rather than more money available due to a slowdown in economic growth.

Instead, the UK is funding the entire recovery effort through its own accounts. It is using this to invest in health in a way that is somewhat similar to what we see in the EU. The NHS is receiving additional funding to reduce waiting lists, and thanks to a spending review based on higher borrowing, its capital budget is expected to increase to its highest level in many years. This, however, has been packaged with a strong emphasis on new hospital building investment and meeting targets rather than investing in new care models or pandemic preparedness. In addition, rather than using the EU's seven-year timeframe, the UK has restricted its spending horizons to its typical spending review period. This doesn't seem to be a completely new direction at all.

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Health & Medical Sources

Regarding medications, the new minister has said that "we can use our freedom to approve life-saving drugs faster and at better prices than ever before." The recent rapid approval of vaccines and new methods combining the approval of medicines with value-for-money checks have all been done in accordance with retained EU law, indicating a lack of concrete plans. According to reports, a strategy of general alignment and fast tracks for specific innovative projects has been proposed. The logic is sound, but the details will be challenging, just like with medical devices.

Despite the fact that many international processes are still in their very early stages, the document's sections on trade once again emphasize a high level of general ambition. There is a lot of discussion about diplomatic and trade promotion initiatives that are independent of Brexit.

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Conclusion

The probability of the UK joining the Pacific Trade bloc CPTPP is a major topic of discussion. As we have noted, while this is advantageous for industries subject to tariffs, it is typically not the case for goods related to health. The agreement could reduce the UK's latitude in food and drink regulation and introduce Investor-State Dispute Settlement systems, which are sometimes linked to legal action against public health measures by large corporations.

They say that by removing a portion that made you heavy, you will move more quickly. Will this be applicable across the board?