TikTok fuels side hustle boom: personal training, pet services, and lawn-care among fastest-growing gigs in the UK

After analysing Google search trends for side hustles over the past year, we’ve found a clear rise in demand for wellness-focused roles, hands-on local services, and digital-first side gigs.

According to a recent Hiscox survey, 45% of Brits are either planning or considering starting a side hustle, and nearly half of them (49%) hope to turn it into a full-time venture in the future, highlighting a growing desire to gain more control over their careers and income.

Health and wellness hustles are leading the charge, with personal training and coaching seeing a 108% year-on-year increase and fitness instruction – including yoga, Pilates, and Hyrox – up 67%. TikTok has been a key driver, with creators using hashtags like #FitnessCoach and #OnlinePT to highlight client success stories, daily routines, and business-building advice. These roles offer flexibility and the chance to turn a passion for fitness into income.

Practical, on-the-move side hustles are seeing steady growth. Food and ice cream vans are up 30%, while delivery services and babysitting each rose by 24%. These roles attract those who prefer hands-on work, enjoy variety in their day, and value the flexibility to choose their hours. 

Digital side hustles are also growing, with social media marketing up 22% and virtual assistance seeing a 2% rise. TikTok is full of creators demystifying these roles, using hashtags like #SocialMediaManager and #VirtualAssistant to share tips, tools, and client success stories. These side hustles tend to attract people looking for scalable, remote-friendly income streams. 

Home and lifestyle services are gaining momentum, too. Garden tidying and lawn mowing (+19%), massage therapy (+17%), and pet services (+5%) offer hands-on work with a personal touch. TikTok trends like #LawnCare and #MassageTherapist showcase these roles in action, often turning everyday tasks into surprisingly satisfying content that inspires others to give them a go. Pet services are also growing in popularity, with dog walking, pet sitting, and grooming offering fun and profitable opportunities for animal lovers. The rise is driven by increased demand from busy professionals and remote workers looking for reliable, flexible pet care. 

Nick Thornhill, Direct and Partnerships Director at Hiscox, says: “Side hustles that draw on practical, everyday skills are becoming increasingly popular – especially in home and lifestyle services. From garden care to pet sitting, these ventures give people the flexibility to earn on their own terms while supporting growing demand in their local communities. It shows that success doesn’t always require a digital-first approach – sometimes, the most valuable services are the simplest and closest to home.”

Luke Barnett, LRB, podcast and video agency

Luke Barnett runs his own small podcast and video agency, LRB, in Bristol. But his journey first began as a videographer: “I attended an evening film school while working for various companies to hone my craft.” With experience at the BBC and working on pop promos for artists like Kylie Minogue in a professional London film studio, Luke steadily built his expertise. “By 2019, I had built the confidence to take the leap and go solo. After freelancing for a few years, I decided it was time to scale and turn my work into a fully-fledged business.”

For Luke, the turning point was recognising the value of his skills and network, gaining the confidence to operate independently. He explains, “I knew I had the technical abilities, but more importantly, I had built strong relationships with previous employers, which meant I had a foundation of trust and potential work opportunities.” These connections helped him secure his first clients, giving him the momentum to go full-time. 

The business was entirely self-funded: “When I started the business, I kept costs low and lived off a credit card, which I paid off at the end of every month. I didn’t take on any investments or loans - I took a slow and steady approach, reinvesting everything I earned back into the business. Rather than making big upfront purchases, I acquired equipment bit by bit, ensuring that every investment I made was sustainable.” 

Today, Luke has grown his business into a team of two. In just 18 months, he’s expanded his reach by collaborating with a global network of contractors to produce podcasts and videos for B2B clients. 

“Back in 2019, I was earning £20K a year in a full-time role. In my first year freelancing, I made around £40K before expenses, and now the business turns over around £300K annually. I currently pay myself roughly £55K.”

Jemma Fleetwood, Ninety Five PR agency

Jemma Fleetwood is the founder of Ninety Five PR, a creative PR agency in Manchester that she launched after leaving her career as a media and reputation management lawyer. She says, “The transition was very unconventional, leaving a prestigious job title to start from scratch.”

Her journey into entrepreneurship began with a side hustle, starting up an events company with a friend. Reflecting on that experience, she says, “My eyes were opened to how owning a business could give you time, freedom and flexibility. I also enjoyed the creative side of PR and events.”

Jemma’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t an overnight decision. After months of contemplation, she trusted her instincts: “After mulling over the decision for six months, I decided to quit my job as a lawyer with no real plan or clients. I started with £3,000 in my bank account and went from there. I had saved up 3-6 months' worth of expenses, so I knew I had to make money by the end of the 6 months or else. The first few months were difficult. I was finding my feet and learning about systems and processes. But I managed to land my first client, and the rest is history.”

She continues, “I’ve only been up and running for six months, so I probably won’t match the salary I earned as a lawyer for another 12-18 months. I take a modest salary now, with most of my profit going back into the business so I can grow.”

Donning your entrepreneurial hat and diving into business ownership is a thrilling journey - but it’s also a crash course of learning curves, unexpected twists, and a few challenges along the way! 

For Luke, the biggest hurdle was the unpredictability of work, as he explains, “Many clients needed content on a one-off basis, meaning I was constantly chasing new projects rather than relying on a steady income.” He became a salesperson overnight: “I had to shift my mindset from just being a creative to actively selling my services, pitching to businesses, and learning how to build long-term client relationships. It was a steep learning curve, but ultimately, it made me much more resilient and business-savvy.” 

Holding onto difficult clients can be draining. Knowing when to end client relationships is just as important as fostering them, as Luke discovered, “In the beginning, I held onto certain clients just because they were paying me, even though they consumed a disproportionate amount of my time and energy. Eventually, I realised that keeping them was preventing me from working with better, more aligned clients.” 

Jemma particularly battled with the opinions of others regarding her career pivot. She shares, “I had a lot of people ask me how I could take the salary cut and how long I’d expect to be earning a lower salary for. It really shocked me how intrusive people are about personal finances.” 

On top of that, confidence was something Jemma struggled with in the early days: “Gaining those first few clients is difficult and believing in yourself can be hard, particularly if you have left a well-paying career to start from scratch. I’ve since learnt to stay in my lane and focus, rather than let other people’s opinions impact me.”

Business finance specialist and advisor Sharn and Graeme share their expert advice to budding entrepreneurs. From knowing your market to protecting your business legally and financially, their advice can help set you up for long-term success, without the guesswork. 

Know your market – don’t skip the research 

Sharn’s advice: 

You need to ask: Who are my ideal customers? What problem does my product or service solve? How much are people willing to pay for it? Entrepreneurs should also learn who their competitors are and what makes their idea/business different – some call this the ‘unique selling point’ (USP). 

Graeme’s advice: 

Regardless of your passion and commitment, your business is much more about your customers than it is about you. A common issue I see is business owners letting ego dictate decisions instead of using data and objective feedback. The most successful entrepreneurs stay adaptable and receptive to market needs rather than clinging to assumptions. 

It’s also valuable to have an accountability buddy - someone you trust who understands your goals and can give honest, constructive feedback. Being part of a wider support network, like a Facebook group or a local business community, can also help. 

Create a clear business plan 

Sharn’s advice: 

Your business plan should cover your goals, target market, customer personas, pricing strategy, and financial projections. 

All funders and high street banks will ask to see it, and it’s not something you can blag or talk away. As part of the business plan, start-ups should also integrate a clear marketing and sales strategy. 

Graeme’s advice: 

You don’t need an overly complex plan, but a plan is nothing without action. Prioritise what truly matters and don’t get distracted by other aspects of the business you’d prefer to work on. 

Get finances in order 

Sharn’s advice: 

Cash is king! Understand your costs, including start-up expenses and operating costs, and identify your break-even point. 

It’s important to manage cash flow and keep track of income vs. expenses to avoid running into trouble and restricting business growth. You should also explore all funding options, from start-up loans and grants to private investors. 

Graeme’s advice: 

Poor financial planning is a major pitfall for business owners trying to handle everything themselves without the right skills. Many underprice their products, neglect cash flow, or fail to budget for taxes and expenses. Seeking the help of a qualified accountant can be a game-changer in understanding financial obligations and setting the right foundations. 

Additionally, securing adequate business insurance is often overlooked. Whether it’s professional indemnity, public liability, or business interruption cover, the right insurance can help to safeguard your business from unexpected setbacks. 

Curate your digital presence and build a brand 

Sharn’s advice: 

Having a strong brand and online presence is essential. Even if you’re not launching online, people will still Google you. 

Create a compelling brand identity - logo, colours, and messaging should reflect your business values. Set up a professional website, as a simple but well-designed site builds trust. Use social media strategically, focusing on the platforms where your audience is most active. You don’t have to be everywhere. 

Graeme’s advice: 

On reflection, many businesses regret trying to do too much at once. If you’re not a designer, consider outsourcing design work to a freelancer. While this requires a budget, it can mean the difference between a strong, professional brand and one that struggles to stand out. 

Protecting your intellectual property (IP) early is also crucial. Secure your domain names, social media handles, and trademarks to prevent others from using them. Many businesses overlook this step and face costly legal challenges later. 

Understand the legal & operational basics 

Sharn’s advice: 

Skipping legal and operational considerations can lead to costly mistakes. Ensure you register your business properly (sole trader or Ltd company, for example), understand tax obligations and bookkeeping requirements, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and have contracts in place for partners, suppliers, and employees.

Graeme’s advice: 

If your business is growing, consider transitioning from a sole trader to a limited company. This decision has financial and legal implications, so consulting a qualified accountant can help you understand your options.

Success in business is about planning, strategy, and, most importantly, acting. By taking strategic, financial, and operational steps early on, you can transition from a side hustle to a full-time business with confidence. Surround yourself with a strong support network, stay customer-focused, and be proactive in mitigating risks. The right foundation now will pay dividends in the long run. 

Nick says: 

"Starting a business is an exciting step, but it’s important to be mindful of potential risks along the way. Unexpected challenges, whether legal issues, client disputes, or operational setbacks, can impact both finances and business stability. Having the right protections in place early on can provide peace of mind and help keep things running smoothly. Public liability insurance covers you if a client or member of the public claims they have been injured, or their property damaged, because of your business activities.”

Methodology

We analysed Google search volumes for the top trending side hustles from February 2024 to February 2025 to identify those with the highest growth. 

In April 2025, Hiscox also surveyed 600 UK adults to explore their attitudes towards starting a side hustle and the potential to turn it into a full-time business.