Enterprise Nation

We’ve profiled some hot home businesses over the past four years; a good number of them started by students, graduates and people under the age of 25. We feature ten of them now as the ones to watch in 2010 as they continue to make their mark.

Ten of the best

Ratemyplacement.com

From the moment Oliver Sidwell appeared on our podcast in November 2007 we’ve watched this company grow and prosper. You can see the three founders in action here - we’ll continue to keep our eye on them this year!

Ratemyplacement on Enterprise Nation

• Happy Birthday, Home Business
• Our guest for the day: Oliver Sidwell

Enternships

As soon as he left Oxford University (having been president of the Entrepreneurs Society) Raj Dey started making waves. He launched Enternships to enable students to have work placements with entrepreneurial start-up businesses. He’s winning awards and appears regularly in the press to promote the business. You can read his interview with Enterprise Nation on the link below.

• Q&A with Enternships

Huxley Clothing

When we came across him, he was working from his parent’s garage in Kent. Benjamin Benton now has a store in London but still considers the business to be home based. He’s designed a stunning collection of clothes for men and we’re sure to be hearing more of him.

• Q&A with Huxley Clothing

Fluxedo Shirts

Another personality from the clothing sector, Graham Milton is fast filling his home with orders of designed tuxedo shirts and fast filling his head with business wisdom.

• Q&A with Fluxedo Shirts

Capital Cooking

Imogen Krupski gained her training and stripes by cooking for people across the UK and Europe. She’s now her own boss and has great ambitions for her high quality catering business. Good luck, Imogen!

• Q&A with Capital Cooking

SmallcarBIGCITY

Another delightful story and a success in the making. Co-founders Oliver and Rob met at a recruitment fair after being turned down by an IT company. Thank goodness they did as the result (after a long lunch in the pub) is a company that offers London visitors a whole new experience of a tour round the streets of the city in a classic mini. Catch them if you can, we’re expecting great things from this great little business.

• Q&A with smallcarBIGCITY.com

pibidi.com 

Started by Richard Myerson, Joshua Tyler and Alistair Ridley, this is the only company for which we don;’t have a profile (we’ll remedy that soon) but, profile or not, this young threesome have grand plans for pibidi in 2010 – it’s a site that’s useful for home businesses as you can have your calendar online and, with a business application on the way, customers will be able to see when you have available appointments - and book in to reserve your time.

We’ll be watching their pibidi progress with interest.

• pibidi.com

Rock’n’Needle

As we said in the introduction to this feature of this young entrepreneur:

"Kelly Goss is only 20 years old but she’s already displaying her fashion line Rock ‘n’ Needle alongside famous brands and Topshop concessions. In this Q&A feature she shows true commitment to her work which goes so far as giving up a bedroom, for the sake of a studio.’

It’s an interview worth reading as Kelly’s passion for fashion shines through. Looks like she’s in for some good times this year.

• Q&A with Rock 'n' Needle

John Randall

Winner of our 2009 Young Home Business of the Year, John Randall has not yet left University but watch out business world when he does! John runs JV Bouncy Castle Hire from his dorm room during the week and returns home to service contracts at the weekend. At an early age, he’s got what it takes to be a true entrepreneur.

• Young Home Business Owner of the Year

Stitchin’ Kitten

We simply couldn’t complete the list without mention of Hannah Aaron, the 6 year old crafty girl who runs her company alongside mum’s business, Covetables. Together they make desired products and attend craft fairs to make sales. Hannah gets to spend what she earns and has plans to continue doing her own thing and being her own boss. It’s good to see home businesses starting so young!

• Like Mother, like daughter

Main image: the Enternships team