Side Hustles You Can Start in the UK

With the rising cost of living and the desire for financial independence, more UK residents are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a holiday, or build long-term wealth, a side hustle can provide the extra income you need. This comprehensive guide explores the best side hustles you can start in the UK, from online opportunities to local services.

Online Side Hustles

Freelance Writing

High demand for quality content:

Blog posts and articles
Website copy
Social media content
Technical writing
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Contently
Potential earnings: £15-£100+ per hour

Virtual Assistant Services

Support businesses remotely:

Email management
Social media management
Data entry
Customer service
Appointment scheduling
Potential earnings: £10-£25 per hour

Online Tutoring

Share your knowledge and skills:

Academic subjects
Language teaching
Music lessons
Professional skills
Platforms: Tutorful, MyTutor, iTalki
Potential earnings: £15-£50 per hour

Graphic Design

Creative services in high demand:

Logo design
Social media graphics
Website design
Print materials
Platforms: 99designs, Fiverr, Behance
Potential earnings: £20-£75 per hour

Gig Economy Opportunities

Food Delivery

Flexible delivery work:

Deliveroo
Uber Eats
Just Eat
Flexible hours
Use bike, scooter, or car
Potential earnings: £8-£15 per hour

Rideshare Driving

Transport passengers:

Uber
Bolt
Need valid driving license and insurance
Vehicle requirements apply
Potential earnings: £10-£20 per hour

Task-Based Services

Help with various tasks:

TaskRabbit
Airtasker
Furniture assembly
Moving help
Handyman services
Potential earnings: £15-£30 per hour

Creative Side Hustles

Etsy Shop

Sell handmade or vintage items:

Crafts and artwork
Vintage clothing
Digital downloads
Personalized items
Low startup costs
Potential earnings: Variable

Photography

Monetize your photography skills:

Stock photography
Event photography
Portrait sessions
Product photography
Platforms: Shutterstock, Getty Images
Potential earnings: £20-£100+ per hour

YouTube Channel

Create content and monetize:

Ad revenue
Sponsorships
Affiliate marketing
Merchandise sales
Long-term income potential
Potential earnings: Variable

Local Service Side Hustles

Pet Services

High demand in urban areas:

Dog walking
Pet sitting
Pet grooming
Platforms: Rover, Wag, BorrowMyDoggy
Potential earnings: £10-£25 per hour

Cleaning Services

Always in demand:

House cleaning
Office cleaning
End-of-tenancy cleaning
Window cleaning
Potential earnings: £12-£20 per hour

Gardening and Landscaping

Seasonal opportunities:

Garden maintenance
Lawn mowing
Hedge trimming
Seasonal planting
Potential earnings: £15-£25 per hour

Investment and Passive Income

Buy-to-Let Property

Long-term investment strategy:

Rental income
Capital appreciation
High initial investment required
Ongoing management responsibilities
Potential earnings: 5-10% annual yield

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Lend money for returns:

Platforms: Zopa, RateSetter
Higher returns than savings accounts
Risk of borrower default
Potential earnings: 3-7% annually

Dividend Investing

Build passive income through stocks:

FTSE 100 dividend stocks
REITs
Dividend-focused funds
Regular income payments
Potential earnings: 3-6% annually

Skill-Based Side Hustles

Consulting

Monetize professional expertise:

Business consulting
Marketing advice
Financial planning
HR consulting
Potential earnings: £50-£200+ per hour

Web Development

High-demand technical skills:

Website creation
E-commerce sites
Web applications
Maintenance and updates
Potential earnings: £25-£75 per hour

Translation Services

Leverage language skills:

Document translation
Website localization
Interpretation services
Platforms: Gengo, Rev
Potential earnings: £15-£40 per hour

Getting Started

Assess Your Skills and Interests

Choose side hustles that match:

Your existing skills
Available time
Income goals
Risk tolerance
Long-term objectives

Start Small and Scale

Begin with manageable commitments:

Test different opportunities
Build reputation and reviews
Gradually increase workload
Reinvest profits for growth

Set Up Proper Systems

Organize your side hustle:

Separate business bank account
Track income and expenses
Set aside money for taxes
Create professional profiles
Establish work-life boundaries

Tax Considerations

Trading Allowance

£1,000 annual allowance for trading income:

No tax on first £1,000 of side hustle income
Can deduct allowance instead of expenses
Applies to most side hustles
Separate from employment income

Self-Employment Registration

Register by October 5th after tax year end
Complete self-assessment tax return
Pay income tax and National Insurance
Keep detailed records

Allowable Expenses

Deduct business expenses:

Equipment and supplies
Travel costs
Marketing expenses
Professional development
Home office costs

Time Management Tips

Balance with Main Job

Avoid conflicts and burnout:

Check employment contract restrictions
Don’t compete with employer
Maintain performance in main job
Set clear boundaries

Efficient Scheduling

Maximize productivity:

Use evenings and weekends
Batch similar tasks
Set specific work hours
Use productivity tools
Prioritize high-value activities

Scaling Your Side Hustle

Building a Business

Transform side hustle into main income:

Develop systems and processes
Hire help or outsource
Build recurring revenue
Create multiple income streams
Plan transition carefully

Investment and Growth

Reinvest profits strategically:

Better equipment or tools
Marketing and advertising
Skills development
Business expansion
Emergency fund for business