Tech Services Business Ideas You Can Start in the UK

95 ideas

This page brings together 96 tech services ideas for people who are good with technology and want to turn that into paid work. Some are skills-led, such as freelance remote IT consultant or custom software for small businesses, and can often begin with little more than a laptop.

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Under 1k1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOwn premisesOnline
Technician repairing a camera lens with small tools on a workbench.

Home camera and lens repair bench

Repair and service cameras and lenses from a home workbench, with customers posting items to you.

  • £500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,549 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
Shelves of alarm panels and CCTV cameras in a security equipment shop.

Home alarm and CCTV installer

Supply and fit burglar alarms, video doorbells and CCTV for homeowners and small shops in your area.

  • £2k-8k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
10,030 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
A technician repairing a laptop on a workbench with tools and circuit boards.

Computer repair at people's homes

Visit homes and small offices to fix slow, broken or virus-hit laptops and PCs.

  • £300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
4,732 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years
A technician replacing a cracked screen on a smartphone at a repair counter.

Mobile phone repairer who comes to you

Fix cracked screens and tired batteries at people's homes, workplaces or market stalls, with no shop rent.

  • £500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
1,514 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
A technician replacing a cracked screen on a smartphone at a repair counter.

Phone repair shop or kiosk

Open a small shop or kiosk offering walk-in screen, battery and fault repairs, plus cases and accessories.

  • £5k-25k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
1,514 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
A security specialist analysing code and threat data on multiple computer screens.

Home and small office computer security

Remove malware and set up protection for households and tiny offices, at their place or by remote session.

  • £200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
91,318 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
A security specialist analysing code and threat data on multiple computer screens.

Small business security audits and setup

Review small firms' systems, fix weak spots and set up protection, working mostly remotely on set-price or retainer deals.

  • £500-3.5k
  • Part-time
  • Online
91,318 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Engineer mounting a CCTV camera on the outside wall of a building.

Home CCTV installer

Fit and set up security cameras and video doorbells for homeowners and landlords in your area.

  • £800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
10,030 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
Engineer mounting a CCTV camera on the outside wall of a building.

Business CCTV install and maintenance

Install and look after camera systems for shops, offices and units, with regular checks and repairs.

  • £2.5k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
10,030 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
Technician repairing a phone circuit board at a small repair shop bench.

Home-based electronics repair bench

Fix phones, tablets, laptops and small gadgets from a home workbench, with customers posting or dropping off devices.

  • £300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,549 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
Technician repairing a phone circuit board at a small repair shop bench.

Electronics repair shop on the high street

Open a small shop fixing phones, laptops, consoles and household gadgets for walk-in customers.

  • £5k-25k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
1,549 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
Technician installing a card payment terminal on a shop counter.

Card machine reseller for local traders

Help local shops, cafes and market traders choose and set up card machines through a payment provider's reseller scheme.

  • £100-800
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,604 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years
Technician installing a card payment terminal on a shop counter.

Card terminal supply and install service

Supply, set up and support card terminals and mobile readers for shops, restaurants and traders in your area.

  • £1.5k-7k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
6,604 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Mobile phone and tablet screen repair

Replace cracked phone and tablet screens at customers' homes, offices or a meeting point.

  • £500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
1,549 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Home workshop screen repair by post or drop-off

Repair phone, tablet and laptop screens from a tidy home workspace, with drop-off or postal customers.

  • £400-2k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
1,549 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Repair shop or kiosk for phones and laptops

Run a small shop or kiosk offering walk-in screen repairs on phones, tablets and laptops.

  • £5k-25k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
1,549 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
An IT consultant reviewing a computer network with a client at a desk.

IT support for local small businesses

Help local offices and shops choose, set up and fix their computers, networks and software.

  • £300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
161,348 UK companies in this field, 30% registered in the last 2 years
An IT consultant reviewing a computer network with a client at a desk.

Freelance remote IT consultant

Advise businesses on systems, software and technical problems from home, billed by the day or project.

  • £200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
161,348 UK companies in this field, 30% registered in the last 2 years
Customer tapping a contactless card on a payment terminal at a counter.

Local card machine reseller

Sign up local shops, cafes and traders to card machines from an established provider and earn commission.

  • £100-500
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
91,318 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Customer tapping a contactless card on a payment terminal at a counter.

Card terminal supplier and support service

Supply, set up and support card terminals for small businesses, with hands-on help that big providers often skip.

  • £2k-8k
  • Part-time
  • From home
91,318 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Engineer checking rows of server racks while managing database systems in a data centre.

Freelance database tidy-up and upkeep

Clean, organise and maintain customer, stock or sales records for small businesses, working from your own desk.

  • £200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
91,318 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
Engineer checking rows of server racks while managing database systems in a data centre.

Database design and management studio

Design, build and look after databases and reporting for growing businesses, with a small team and monthly support plans.

  • £1k-6k
  • Full-time
  • Online
91,318 UK companies in this field, 34% registered in the last 2 years
A technician opening a desktop computer to upgrade its components.

Mobile computer repair and help

Visit homes and small offices to fix, clean up and upgrade laptops and PCs.

  • £300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
4,732 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years
A technician opening a desktop computer to upgrade its components.

Small business IT support

Look after the computers, email and backups of local small firms on a monthly contract.

  • £500-3k
  • Part-time
  • From home
4,732 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years

About these ideas

Others are hands-on, like drone photography and video for property or mobile printer repair and servicing, and may need equipment, training or insurance first. Start by asking which skills you already have, who would pay for them, and whether customers are local businesses, households or both. Then think about start-up costs, how much time you can commit, and whether you want to sell your time or build something repeatable. Compare a few ideas side by side before choosing one to test.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need qualifications to start a tech services business in the UK?

Often not, but customers may expect proof of skill. Check whether your chosen service has recognised certifications, manufacturer training or supplier requirements, and whether any trade rules apply. References, a portfolio and clear examples of past work can also help build trust.

What should I check before offering tech services to customers?

Check what insurance you may need, such as professional indemnity or public liability. Also look at data protection duties if you handle customer information, plus contract terms, written quotes and any licences or permissions linked to your specific service.

How do I find my first customers for a tech services business?

Start with people who already know your work, such as past employers, local shops, and community groups. Ask for referrals, set up a simple website and Google Business Profile, and offer a clear, fixed-price starter service so new customers know what to expect.