10 Innovative Business Concepts That Solve Everyday Problems

An innovative business concept doesn't need new technology. Usually it's enough to take a situation that regularly frustrates people and offer an easier way out. For each of the ten concepts below you'll find the problem it solves, how the service works and where the money comes from.

10 business concepts by the problem they solve

1. A mobile service that comes to the customer

Problem: Getting the car serviced, the bike fixed or new tyres fitted often means taking time off work.

Solution: A van full of tools comes to the customer's home or office. People mainly pay for the time they save, so they accept a higher price than at a garage.

Revenue: one-off jobs, maintenance contracts for company fleets.

2. A repair shop built on ‘fix it, don't bin it’

Problem: Repairing an appliance or a phone often costs almost as much as buying new, so working items end up in the bin.

Solution: A workshop that specialises in one type of product, such as phones, coffee machines or e-bikes. Quick appointments and a clear price up front. On the side, buying and selling refurbished devices.

Revenue: repairs, sales of spare parts and refurbished devices.

3. Hire for things you rarely need

Problem: A breaker, a scarifier or a party marquee gets used once a year. Buying isn't worth it and neither is storing it.

Solution: A hire service with online booking and collection from a locker or delivery. A narrow niche works too: baby kit, camping gear or equipment for corporate events.

Revenue: daily rate, deposit, optional damage cover.

4. Selling surplus food from cafés and bakeries

Problem: Cafés and bakeries throw away perfectly good food at the end of the day.

Solution: A local service that sells the surplus as discounted bundles or delivers it to offices. You don't need an app from day one. A booking form and a few partner businesses are enough to start. Food hygiene rules apply.

Revenue: commission on sales or a monthly fee from partners.

5. An unstaffed shop

Problem: The village shop has closed and town is a long drive away. In cities, people shop outside normal opening hours.

Solution: A small shop or container with long opening hours where customers pay by card or app. It works well for local produce from nearby farms. Check Sunday trading rules before you set your hours.

Revenue: margin on goods, shelf rental for local producers.

6. A subscription for things that run out

Problem: Coffee, pet food, water filters or contact lenses always run out at the worst moment.

Solution: Regular delivery on a schedule the customer chooses. They no longer have to remember to reorder, and you know how much stock you need and when.

Revenue: recurring payments that make your income predictable.

7. Help with tech and online admin

Problem: Setting up a new phone, online banking or a GOV.UK One Login account is needless stress for many people, especially older ones.

Solution: Home visits or help over the phone. Often it's the adult children who book and pay, because they can't be there in person.

Revenue: hourly rate or a bundle of several visits.

8. Pet sitting and dog walking

Problem: The dog is home alone all day and the cat can't come on holiday.

Solution: Walks during the working day, feeding during holidays, trips to the vet. It all comes down to trust, so reviews and public liability insurance help.

Revenue: one-off services or a monthly walking package.

9. Storage for seasonal kit

Problem: Bikes, camping gear, garden furniture or the Christmas decorations need space the flat doesn't have.

Solution: Storage with collection and return before the season. It fits well alongside a bike shop, a hire business or a garage.

Revenue: seasonal fee for storage and transport.

10. Home maintenance for a monthly fee

Problem: Finding someone to fix a dripping tap or adjust the windows is hard. Nobody wants the small jobs.

Solution: A monthly fee covering a regular check and a few small repairs. The customer knows someone will turn up, and the tradesperson has steady income.

Revenue: monthly or annual fee, extra work at list prices.

The concepts at a glance

The table gives a rough idea of what it takes to start. Actual costs depend on your location and how big you start.

How to tell if a concept has legs

A good idea isn't yet a good business. Before you put money into any of these concepts, run through these points:

• The problem has to really bother people. If people complain but won't pay for a fix, demand is weaker than it looks.

• Test demand before you invest. If you're still weighing up options, our guide to unique niche business ideas shows how to spot an underserved market.

• Aim for recurring revenue. A subscription, a monthly fee or seasonal storage brings steadier income than one-off jobs. MyInvoiceOnline Premium creates recurring invoices automatically.

• Check registration and industry rules. Food businesses must register with their local council before trading, and some activities need a licence.

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