Mobile apps and smartphone repairs have been named as two of the top 10 business opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2012, according to a new report from Startups.co.uk, the online resource for entrepreneurs.

The report, entitled What Business to Start in 2012, pinpoints the 10 specific business openings which offer the greatest potential for the year ahead. It is the product of two months of research, which involved analysing market trends and data, and interviews with industry experts, prominent investors, business and thought leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Apps come in at No.5 in the list, with smartphone repairs close behind at No.6. Frozen yoghurt heads the list, with annual UK sales currently standing at around £4m, and forecast to soar to £150m by 2013. Independent coffee shops is at No.2, with hobby and crafts at No.3, and social gaming at No.4. Places 7 – 10 in the list are occupied by, respectively, the Olympics; cycling; careers advice; and dance & fitness.
“During our research we uncovered dozens of fascinating business opportunities, and it was extremely difficult to drill down to a final 10,” says Startups.co.uk editor, Steph Welstead. “We also unearthed some fantastic entrepreneurs who are already capitalising on these opportunities…However, it’s important to stress that starting up in one of these sectors is by no means a guarantee of success. Starting a business is a huge commitment and there are no golden tickets. With any business, you need the right business model, pricing, location, people and attitude to make it work. That said, we hope our report will provide much inspiration for anyone thinking about becoming an entrepreneur in 2012.”

According to recent research from Creditsafe, the number of new businesses launched in the UK in 2011 was almost 20 per cent higher than 2010, and early indications show this rise looks set to continue in 2012.