Thinking of starting a small business in 2025? Great choice! The UK’s business landscape is evolving, and opportunities are everywhere—especially if you own or plan to open a convenience store.
The secret to success? Find a profitable niche that aligns with consumer trends. People want convenience, sustainability, and technology-driven solutions. If you tap into these needs, you can build a thriving business with high returns.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most profitable small businesses you can start in 2025, complete with real-world examples and actionable steps. Let’s dive in!
Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Start a Small Business
Before we discuss specific business ideas, let’s look at why 2025 presents a golden opportunity:
- Consumer trends are shifting: People prioritise time-saving, eco-friendly, and automated solutions.
- Technology is levelling the playing field: AI, self-service kiosks, and online platforms make running a business easier than ever.
- The UK economy is stabilising: Government initiatives are supporting small businesses, and digital payments are on the rise.
Now, let’s get into the most profitable small business ideas for 2025—specifically tailored for convenience store owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
1. Self-Service Kiosks & Vending Machines
Why It’s Profitable
Customers love self-service options because they are fast, convenient, and available 24/7. With rising labour costs, businesses are shifting to self-service solutions to improve efficiency and cut overhead expenses.
Case Study: London’s Self-Service Coffee Boom
A London entrepreneur installed automated coffee vending machines in busy office areas. Within a year, his passive income grew, and he expanded to multiple locations—all without hiring extra staff.
How to Get Started
- Find a high-footfall location (train stations, shopping centres, office buildings).
- Choose high-demand products (hot meals, snacks, electronics, or drinks).
- Invest in MPOS self-service kiosks to offer cashless transactions.MPOS kiosks streamline operations, reduce staffing costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
Pro Tip: Use MPOS payment terminals to support multiple payment methods, including contactless and digital wallets, ensuring seamless transactions.
2. Sustainable Convenience Products
Why It’s Profitable
The UK’s eco-conscious movement is stronger than ever. Consumers actively seek biodegradable, plastic-free, and locally sourced products. If your store embraces sustainability, you’ll attract loyal, environmentally aware customers.
Case Study: Manchester’s Green Makeover
A small shop in Manchester replaced plastic packaging with compostable alternatives. They also stocked reusable cups, bamboo cutlery, and paper-based snacks. The result? A 30% increase in eco-conscious customers!
How to Get Started
Switch to sustainable packaging.
Stock eco-friendly alternatives (reusable bags, biodegradable bottles).
Run a “bring-your-own-container” campaign for refills.
Pro Tip: Highlight your eco-friendly products on social media with engaging videos.
3. Online Grocery & Same-Day Delivery Services
Why It’s Profitable
People want groceries at their doorstep—fast. By offering a same-day delivery service, you can boost sales and increase customer loyalty.
Case Study: Birmingham’s Delivery Success
A convenience store in Birmingham partnered with local delivery drivers and launched an online ordering system. Their revenue jumped 40% in one year!
How to Get Started
- Build a simple website for online orders.
- Partner with services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat.
- Offer online-exclusive discounts to boost adoption.
- Use the MPOS mobile app to manage online orders efficiently. Real-time stock tracking helps prevent stockouts and ensures a smooth ordering process.
Pro Tip: Promote “midnight essentials” delivery for late-night shoppers.
4. Personalised Snack Boxes & Subscription Services
Why It’s Profitable
Subscription-based snack boxes are in high demand. Customers love curated, themed snack deliveries, whether for fitness, indulgence, or vegan lifestyles.
Case Study: Leeds’ Snack Box Boom
A small shop in Leeds launched a monthly office snack box subscription. Within a year, they had over 500 subscribers, creating a steady revenue stream.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche (vegan snacks, protein packs, luxury chocolates).
Offer customisable options based on customer preferences.
Use social media marketing to attract subscribers.
Pro Tip: Add a “mystery item” to each box to boost excitement.
5. Digital Vouchers & Prepaid Gift Cards
Why It’s Profitable
Digital gift cards are booming. Many customers prefer them for gifting essentials, emergency purchases, or special occasions.
Case Study: Edinburgh’s Prepaid Card Success
A convenience store in Edinburgh introduced prepaid grocery gift cards, leading to increased customer spending and repeat visits.
How to Get Started
- Partner with digital voucher platforms.
- Promote prepaid card discounts for special occasions.
- Offer bulk gift cards for businesses and corporate gifts.
- Leverage MPOS EPOS systems to manage digital vouchers and gift cards seamlessly. MPOS integrates with multiple payment solutions, making transactions smoother for both retailers and customers.
Pro Tip: Market your gift cards during Christmas and New Year for maximum sales.
6. Pet Food & Accessories Section
Why It’s Profitable
The UK pet industry is worth over £7 billion. More people are treating their pets like family, leading to an increase in premium pet food and accessories sales.
Case Study: Liverpool’s Pet-Friendly Strategy
A store in Liverpool introduced organic pet treats and eco-friendly toys. Within three months, footfall increased, as pet owners became regular customers.
How to Get Started
- Stock premium pet food and eco-friendly toys.
- Offer pet loyalty programmes (buy 10, get 1 free).
- Promote pet-friendly campaigns in-store and online.
Pro Tip: Create a dog-friendly corner with free treats for pets.
7. Second-Hand & Preloved Goods Section
Why It’s Profitable
The UK’s second-hand economy is growing, as people look for affordable and sustainable options.
Case Study: Bristol’s Thrift Revolution
A small shop in Bristol introduced second-hand gadgets and vintage fashion. The move attracted students and young professionals, leading to a 20% profit margin.
How to Get Started
Curate high-quality preloved items (tech, fashion, books).
Offer trade-in deals and store credit.
Promote your shop’s sustainability focus.
Pro Tip: Host “Swap & Save” events to encourage community engagement.
8. Tech Accessories & Mobile Repair Kiosks
Why It’s Profitable
People rely on their phones more than ever. Offering on-the-spot mobile repairs and accessories can drive consistent traffic to your store.
Case Study: Glasgow’s Tech Hub
A Glasgow retailer added a tech repair section and sold premium phone accessories. Within six months, store visits increased.
How to Get Started
Train staff in basic mobile repairs.
Stock high-quality phone chargers, cases, and wireless earbuds.
Offer same-day repair services.
Pro Tip: Provide express 30-minute repairs to attract busy professionals.
9. Specialty Coffee & Premium Tea Stations
Why It’s Profitable
The UK’s coffee and tea culture is booming. People love high-quality, on-the-go beverages.
Case Study: London’s DIY Coffee Station
A London convenience store added a self-service premium coffee bar, increasing daily sales by 25%.
How to Get Started
Invest in a small barista station.
Offer premium blends (cold brews, matcha, herbal teas).
Create a loyalty card programme.
Pro Tip: Introduce seasonal flavours (pumpkin spice, cinnamon latte).
10. DIY Meal Kits & Ready-to-Eat Meals
Why It’s Profitable
People want quick, healthy, and hassle-free meals. DIY meal kits and ready-to-eat meals cater to busy professionals, students, and families who don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Case Study: Cardiff’s Quick Meal Success
A small shop in Cardiff introduced DIY meal kits for students, featuring pre-portioned ingredients for easy cooking. Within six months, sales doubled, especially among young professionals and university students.
How to Get Started
- Offer pre-packed meal kits for popular dishes (pasta, stir-fry, curry).
- Stock high-quality, ready-to-eat meals like sandwiches, sushi, or pre-cooked roasts.
- Partner with local chefs or food brands for exclusive meal kits.
Pro Tip: Include QR codes linking to quick recipe videos for meal kits.
11. In-Store Parcel Drop-Off & Pick-Up Services
Why It’s Profitable
With the rise of online shopping, parcel pick-up and drop-off points have become essential. This service increases foot traffic as customers collecting parcels often buy additional items.
Case Study: London’s Parcel Hub
A convenience store in London partnered with Amazon Hub and DPD. Within a year, store visits increased by 35%, boosting snack and beverage sales.
How to Get Started
- Register your store as a pickup/drop-off point with services like Evri, Collect+, or Amazon Hub.
- Set up a dedicated parcel counter for easy management.
- Train staff to handle returns and customer queries efficiently.
- Use MPOS Till to process parcel drop-offs and pick-ups efficiently. MPOS can streamline transaction handling and provide an accurate reconciliation of sales and services.
Pro Tip: Offer small discounts on snacks and drinks for customers collecting parcels.
12. Smart Fridges & Grab-and-Go Sections
Why It’s Profitable
Smart fridges and grab-and-go sections cater to busy professionals looking for quick, fresh, and healthy food options. These AI-powered fridges reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Case Study: Manchester’s AI-Powered Fridge
A Manchester convenience store installed a smart fridge with fresh sandwiches, protein shakes, and salads. Using AI, the fridge adjusted pricing based on demand, reducing waste by 40%.
How to Get Started
- Install smart fridges for fresh and healthy grab-and-go items.
- Stock pre-packaged, high-protein meals, cold brews, and energy bars.
- Use contactless payment technology for easy access.
- Integrate MPOS Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs) to dynamically update product pricing and promotions, reducing waste and maximising efficiency.
Pro Tip: Partner with local delis or bakeries to keep the stock fresh.
13. Local Artisan Products
Why It’s Profitable
Consumers love unique, locally made products. Supporting local artisans not only boosts sales but also builds community trust.
Case Study: Bristol’s Handmade Goods Boom
A shop in Bristol dedicated a corner to local artisans, selling handmade candles, jams, and crafts. The shop’s brand loyalty grew significantly, attracting more foot traffic.
How to Get Started
- Collaborate with local artisans and small businesses.
- Stock handmade soaps, candles, organic jams, or craft chocolates.
- Highlight artisan products with special display sections.
Pro Tip: Host “Meet the Maker” events to showcase artisan stories.
14. Health & Wellness Products
Why It’s Profitable
The UK’s health and wellness market is booming. Customers are looking for organic, plant-based, and functional foods.
Case Study: Edinburgh’s Wellness Corner
A store in Edinburgh introduced a dedicated health & wellness section with organic supplements, herbal teas, and vegan snacks. Sales increased by 30% in six months.
How to Get Started
- Stock collagen drinks, vitamin-infused water, and herbal supplements.
- Offer keto, gluten-free, and plant-based snacks.
- Highlight gut health and immunity-boosting products.
Pro Tip: Use labels like “low sugar,” “high protein,” and “vegan” to attract health-conscious customers.
15. Seasonal & Holiday Pop-Up Stalls
Why It’s Profitable
Seasonal pop-up stalls increase sales during key shopping periods like Christmas, Easter, and summer festivals.
Case Study: Liverpool’s Christmas Pop-Up Success
A Liverpool shop launched a Christmas pop-up stall with hot chocolate, festive treats, and gift bundles. The store’s holiday revenue jumped by 50%.
How to Get Started
Create seasonal pop-up stalls for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and summer events.
Stock exclusive seasonal products like pumpkin spice snacks or Christmas gift baskets.
Promote seasonal items on social media and in-store signage.
Pro Tip: Offer custom gift-wrapping services to boost sales.
Final Thoughts
Starting a profitable small business in 2025 is all about understanding consumer needs. Whether you’re expanding your convenience store or starting fresh, these ideas offer high margins and long-term growth.
What’s Next?
1. Pick a niche that excites you.
2. Research your market demand.
3. Start small and scale up.
The UK’s business landscape is evolving—those who take action now will succeed. Whether you’re expanding your convenience store or starting fresh, leveraging MPOS’s advanced EPOS system can help you boost sales, streamline operations, and stay ahead of industry trends. With self-service kiosks, electronic shelf labels, and mobile payment solutions, MPOS makes running a retail business more efficient and profitable.
