Welcome to the second part of my blogging mini-series, all about opportunities that have emerged from lockdown. Whether you’re a furlough-preneur forced to try something new or a corona-preneur who has realised the attraction of working from home, there are plenty of great ideas for business start-ups.
I’ve used Startups.co.uk’s list of ‘best business ideas’ published over the past few years to take a look at what businesses might make the startup success list in 2021.
1. A sporting chance
Although somewhat interrupted during the coronavirus lockdown, sport is always going to be a part of our lives. Despite a lack of televised activity, the number of people currently getting out and about on pushbikes is estimated to be one of the fastest growing activities in the UK. Brompton, our largest bike manufacturer has reported a fivefold increase in online sales since the start of April and Halfords has reported a 23% increase in share price.
Startups.co.uk listed American sports, most specifically football, as one to watch in 2019, but perhaps sports-related businesses should keep an eye on whether lockdown trends look set to continue.
2. Alexa – don’t leak my data!
Crime, in respect of burglaries and car theft, may have reduced dramatically with everyone safely stuck at home but the criminals of the future exist in cyberspace. Predictions of an incredible 22.5 billion devices connected to the internet by 2021 mean a growing market has to be security for the Internet of Things (IoT).
There’s been no shortage of data breaches in the recent past and with more and more activity now moving to online platforms, devices need to be smarter and have increased protection. Cue the tech-savvy entrepreneur riding the wave of the demand for watertight security at device level over the coming months.
3. Plant Power
Veganism has been enjoying a high profile for some time now but two things have happened since we encountered COVID-19: firstly, we’ve all started to think about our health a little more seriously and, secondly, things that might never previously have been available can now be delivered to our doorstep. The outcome of these is no more excuses.
Plant-based foods are now entering the mainstream market as people hunt for the ultimate superfood and try to position themselves to avoid potentially harmful food imports post-Brexit. The fact that established research institutions have recognised the benefits of eating more plant-based foods surely signals the green light (pardon the pun) for business ideas in this sector.
From crisis comes opportunity, or so the saying goes. Watch this space for the next blog in the series investigating yet more post-corona business ideas including macramé, cocktails and yet more health apps.
If you missed part 1 read it here
