Small businesses looking to survive the global financial crisis are carving out ever stranger niches for themselves in a bid to get an edge, claim leading independent business consultants Aspire Management Services.

Even for a country famous for its love of individuality there appears to be a marked increase in professions that fall under the: ‘you won’t find many of those in the Yellow Pages’ category.

While traditional trades such as chimney sweeps make a comeback in response to a boom in real fires as an antidote to energy prices other minority jobs are also finding a new lease of life.

”As business coaches we help a variety of trades and professions but the recession is forcing people to become more creative in finding new roles for themselves,” said Gordon Mowat, Chief Executive of Aspire Management Consultants.

”Necessity is the mother of invention and a new breed of entrepreneurs are creating unique selling points for themselves. So far this year we have heard of people starting up as dog psychologists, smell makers, vibration consultants and saddle specialists.

“We’ve heard of all kinds of weird and wonderful enterprises such as badger consultants, who advise people how to keep within the laws protecting nocturnal animals, and vibration experts offering advice on vibration and noise problems for construction companies and manufacturers.

Mr Mowat said some of the really imaginative start ups were filling a gap in the market.

“Companies who find an unusual Unique Selling Point (USP) and have done their research properly to make sure the demand exists for their unusual services will make a killing,” said Mr Mowat. New business owners include dog psychologists who analyse the behaviour and characteristics of troublesome pups, saddle consultants who ensure horse lovers enjoy a comfortable ride, painting authenticators who aim to burst the bubble of fraudsters and a kosher food certification consultant.

Have you heard of any other weird USPs? Rgds – Gordon http://www.aspiremanagement.co.uk