Four Cutting Edge Small Business Trends for 2014

Did you know that in 2013, Startups.co.uk found that new businesses in the UK amounted to a whopping half a million! In such a competitive and saturated marketplace, it’s important to stay on the pulse with what’s going on. First of all, remember to sort out essentials like tax, office space, and a small business insurance policy before you dive into a venture. With this in mind, here are four killer ideas that will revitalise your positioning in a competitive marketplace.

1. 2014 is the Year of The Cloud

Although we’re not referring to those dark grey things floating outside of your window. Instead we mean the convergence between mobile, cloud, analytics and data. Each of these tech components have grown individually year on year. However the convergence of them all together means that powerful tools are at the disposal of all small business owners. In short – running an SME specialised in cloud-based services means big business in 2014.

2. The Micro-Brewery Boom

Microbreweries have become a burgeoning industry in the past couple of years. Leading the charge of coolness this year are bands Iron Maiden and Madness, who are creating a craft beer range. British drinkers love a good drop and experimental ingredients thrown in for good measure. The micro-brewery industry is predicted to grow by 12% in the next five years. So 2014 could be a good time to get in on the ground level.

3. Indie Funding

Niche and bespoke products that would never be given second glance by financiers are now being funded by their thousands on Kickstarter. Bespoke items of many disciplines have gained broad followings and funding from the online community. If you have been turned down by financiers for your start-up, and the item has a humanitarian, arty or quirky edge, perhaps Kickstarter is the place for you?

4. Virtual Admin

Outsourcing of key staff by using freelancers working remotely, has exploded in the past few years. This trend is set to continue in 2014. Outsourcing bookkeeping and office duties seems like a logical way of managing budget and office space restrictions. This will coincide with more strategic  outsourcing this year, as mid-sized enterprises look externally for support with management consulting and business partnerships.

Get your fingers in as many pies as possible. It looks as though 2014 will be an exciting year for small business!