Thousands of people across the UK earn extra income through platforms such as Vinted, eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, tutoring, dog walking, gardening and freelance services. A major change announced in the Government's 2026 Budget is set to make it easier than ever for residents to turn a hobby, skill or spare room venture into a small business.

What is changing?

Currently, individuals can earn up to £1,000 a year from trading activities before needing to consider registering for Self-Assessment under the Trading Allowance rules. From April 2027, that threshold will increase to £3,000.

The change means many people earning modest amounts from side hustles will be able to keep more of their income while avoiding the administrative burden of filing a tax return. HMRC estimates that around 100,000 people will no longer need to submit Self-Assessment returns because of the new threshold.

Government figures suggest up to 1.4 million people could benefit, with around 400,000 seeing a reduction in their tax liabilities.

What counts as a side hustle?

A side hustle can be almost any activity that generates income outside a person's main employment.

Examples include:

• Selling unwanted items or specialist products on Vinted, eBay or Etsy
• Craft businesses and handmade goods
• Dog walking and pet sitting
• Gardening and handyman services
• Private tutoring
• Website design and social media support
• Photography
• Music lessons
• Freelance writing
• Home baking and catering services (subject to regulations)

The Trading Allowance covers trading and miscellaneous income from these types of activities.

What does this mean for Pulborough residents?

For many local residents, the increase creates a low-risk opportunity to test a business idea before committing to full self-employment.

Someone selling vintage clothing or musical online, offering weekend gardening services or tutoring local students could potentially earn up to £3,000 per year before needing to deal with the complexities of Self-Assessment reporting under the new rules.

This is particularly attractive for:

• Parents seeking flexible income
• Retirees with specialist skills
• Young entrepreneurs
• Residents looking to supplement household finances
• People exploring a future business venture

In a village and rural community such as Pulborough, where practical skills, creativity and local knowledge are abundant, the opportunities are significant.

How many side hustles are operating in the UK?

The side hustle economy has expanded rapidly, particularly since COVID,

According to figures reported following HMRC data analysis, around 2.6 million people sold goods through online platforms including eBay, Vinted and Etsy during the last year, demonstrating just how mainstream additional income streams have become.

Industry analysts expect further growth as living costs continue to encourage people to diversify their income and as the higher threshold removes barriers to getting started. While future growth projections vary, the Government's estimate that 1.4 million people will benefit from the new allowance suggests substantial participation in small-scale trading activities.

How do you set up a side business?

Starting small is often the best approach.

Step 1: Choose a service or product

Focus on something you already know well:

• A practical skill
• A hobby
• Professional expertise
• Local demand

Step 2: Test the market

• Sell a small number of products or offer services to friends, neighbours and local groups.

Step 3: Keep records

Even if your income is modest, maintain simple records of:

• Sales
• Expenses
• Mileage
• Equipment purchases

Step 4: Check regulations

Some activities may require:

• Public liability insurance
• Food hygiene registration
• DBS checks
• Professional qualifications

Step 5: Register if required

If your trading income exceeds the relevant thresholds or other reporting obligations apply, you may need to register with HMRC as a sole trader.

The best opportunities for Pulborough Residents

Several side business ideas are particularly suited to the local area.

• Rural and outdoor services
• Gardening
• Hedge cutting
• Pet care
• Small property maintenance
• Poultry and smallholding support
• Digital services
• Social media management
• Website creation
• Virtual administration
• AI-assisted content creation
• Graphic design
• Creative businesses
• Handmade crafts
• Local photography
• Art commissions
• Personalised gifts
• Educational services
• GCSE tutoring
• Music tuition
• Online training
• Adult learning workshops

Heritage and tourism

Pulborough's location near the South Downs National Park, the South Downs Way and numerous heritage attractions creates opportunities in:

• Guided walks
• Local history experiences
• Photography workshops
• Visitor information services
• Reselling and upcycling

With the popularity of Vinted, eBay, Reverb and Facebook Marketplace continuing to grow, buying, restoring and reselling quality items remains one of the most accessible entry points into self-employment.

A chance to build confidence

For many people, the biggest barrier to starting a business is not the idea itself but the fear of paperwork, regulation and financial risk.

The increase in the Trading Allowance to £3,000 represents a significant shift towards encouraging experimentation and enterprise. It allows residents to test a business concept, develop customers and build confidence before deciding whether to expand further.

In communities such as Pulborough, where local knowledge, practical skills and community connections are strong, the new allowance could help unlock a new wave of micro-businesses and entrepreneurial activity.

The new £3,000 Trading Allowance and reporting threshold are due to take effect from 6 April 2027, subject to legislation through the Finance Bill 2026-27.

Professional advice should always be sought if circumstances are unclear.

 

Do you operate a side hustle?

Pulborough Post can help.

We offer you a free listing in our online Traders’ Directory. Simply contact us at editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk for more information.

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