The Rise Of The 5-9'ers

[newsroom]

The rise of the 5-9’ers - over 5 million people now run a business in their spare time

A new book from best-selling author, Emma Jones, reveals that over 5 million people are holding down a day job and building a business at nights and weekends. Working 5 to 9 – how to start a successful business in your spare time delves in to the world of the part-time entrepreneur, offers 50 ideas for businesses you can start on the side, and features 60 successful 5 to 9’ers alongside advice on sales, marketing, technology and how to maintain a social life whilst working day, and night!

“It was in late 2008 when I spotted a new angle to the businesses we were profiling on Enterprise Nation” says Emma, “people were still identifying gaps in the market or turning a passion, hobby or skill into a way of making a living, yet they were doing so at the end of their normal working day.”

Motivated by fear of being made redundant or just a desire to earn extra cash and unleash creative talent, 5 to 9’ers are operating across the UK and across a range of sectors, from fashion to farming, and magic to mobile applications.

Gwen Howell is a fine example. By day, found in suit and heels carrying out duties as an estate agent, before heading home to pull on wellies and work on her part-time business as a rare breed pig farmer. Students, Mums and semi-retirees are also embracing this way of working; John Randall studies by day before turning attention to his fast-growing bouncy castle business, and it’s during baby’s sleep time and toddlers school time that Victoria Dixon works on her successful picture business, Enhance Me. Profiled 5 to 9’ers share the story of how they got started and offer tips on topics ranging from time management to financial planning.

“Starting a business whilst still in employment is the best way to start” offers Emma “it’s low cost and low risk and you give yourself time to build confidence and the all-important cashflow.”

What did come as a surprise is that not all 5 to 9’ers are in a hurry to give up the day job. Of the 60 appearing in the book, 51% confirmed they are planning to go full time self-employed in the next 12 months, leaving 49% who are not.

“You get the best of both worlds by being your own boss outside of 9-5 and taking home a regular salary” says business adviser by day/magician by night, Jonathan Dowden, in a view that’s reflected by others.


Emma Jones is the founder of home business website Enterprise Nation (entreprisenation.com) and author of best-selling book Spare Room Start Up: How to start a business from home.

Emma started her first business at the age of 27 (by working 5 to 9!) and successfully sold it within two years of trading. She launched Enterprise Nation in January 2006.

The site is a free resource for anyone starting and growing a business from home. Over 100,000 people visit the site each month to read fresh daily content, watch the home business show, and meet peers in the forum. As well as the site, Enterprise Nation hosts the Home Business Awards, produces the annual Home Business Report and advises the British government on the topic.

Emma appears regularly in the media talking about small businesses, working from home and setting up a business in your spare time.