Perhaps you are in the situation where you know you want to start your own business, but have the really tough dilemna of choosing what type of business to open. People using a particular skill or expertise often take it for granted that they will start a business in that area, but the same isn't true for all of us.

Some entrepreneurs are actively trying to leave a previous career behind or have several ideas but need to pinpoint the one that will be most profitable. Finding the next big thing or current hot areas is not easy, otherwise we'd all be millionaires. Plus, once a new trend emerges it's often then flooded with businesses, which means survival of the strongest. So, you've got to get in fast, and be the best. Your choice of business will also depend on your budget. Do you need office space, stock, staff, kit? All this costs money, and so the lower your start up costs the better chance you will have of success.

The best businesses for 2012? Well, according to startups.co.uk these are ten of the best...