Tech services business ideas you can start for up to £20,000
29 ideas
These 29 tech services ideas suit people with some technical skill who want to sell expertise rather than build a product. With up to £20,000, you can realistically fund tools, test equipment, insurance, a van or a modest stock of kit.
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
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
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
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
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
Small office network installer
Install, cable and look after networks for small offices, shops and clinics.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Freelance PLC and controls engineer
Programme and commission control systems for factories and machine builders as a one-person automation business.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
AV equipment hire for local events
Hire out speakers, screens, projectors and mics for parties, talks and community events from a home base.
- £2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
AV supply and setup for venues and offices
Supply and install screens, sound and meeting room kit for small venues, offices and schools.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Managed hosting for a niche, full-time
Run your own hosting on rented cloud servers, with hands-on care for one type of customer, such as WordPress sites.
- £1.5k-6k
- Full-time
- From home
Meeting room video kit supplier and installer
Supply and fit screens, cameras and speakers so small firms can run proper video meetings.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Office phone and data cabling installer
Install and fix network cabling, data points and phone systems for small offices, shops and surgeries.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
High street ink refill and printer supplies shop
Refill cartridges while customers wait and sell ink, toner and paper to locals and small offices.
- £5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
GPS tracking supplier for local fleets
Supply and fit vehicle tracking for local tradespeople, couriers and small fleets, with monthly service plans.
- £1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Lab microscope servicing for schools and labs
Service and calibrate microscopes for schools, colleges and small labs through visits and a workshop unit.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small e-commerce growth agency
Run online shops end to end for retailers: build, ads, email and sales support.
- £1.5k-7.5k
- Full-time
- Online
AV installation and event support service
Design, install and run sound and screens for meeting rooms, venues and events, with kit you own or hire.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile photocopier repair engineer
Visit local offices to fix and service photocopiers, on call-outs or simple maintenance contracts.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online telecoms and network kit reseller
Sell routers, business phones and cabling online to small installers and offices, without a shop.
- £1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Meeting room video setup and support
Fit and look after cameras, screens and sound so small firms can hold clear video calls.
- £1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer and copier repair
Visit small offices to fix and service printers and copiers, on call-outs or a regular maintenance plan.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer and cutter service engineer
Install, repair and service printers and cutters at print shops and offices, and sell spare parts on the side.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Print equipment and spare parts reseller
Sell printers, cutters and parts to print shops and offices online, working from home with supplier stock.
- £1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Small digital marketing agency
Build a small team that runs search, social and ad campaigns for a steady list of business clients.
- £1.5k-7.5k
- Full-time
- Online
About these ideas
Ideas range from hands-on trades such as a small office network installer or business CCTV install and maintenance, to specialist work like drone roof and site inspections. Others, such as an online telecoms and network kit reseller, lean more on sourcing and customer service. Before choosing, think about which qualifications or accreditations customers expect, what insurance you need, and whether you want residential or business clients. Business customers often pay better and return for support, but they may ask for references first. Start by pricing your tools and first three months of costs.
More ideas
- Drone roof and site inspections
- Cabling subcontractor for new builds and fit-outs
- On-site video kit repair for studios
- Hi-fi repair and restoration shop
- On-site AV repair for venues
Questions
Do I need qualifications to start a tech services business in the UK?
It depends on the work. Some jobs, such as electrical or alarm installation, may expect specific training, competence schemes or accreditation. Check what customers, insurers and any relevant trade bodies require before you take on paid work.
What should I budget for within £20,000?
List tools and test equipment, insurance, vehicle or transport, software, marketing and some stock if you resell. Keep a cash buffer for slow early months. Compare quotes from suppliers before committing, and check whether leasing equipment could spread costs.
How do I find my first customers?
Start with people you already know, local businesses and any past employers who might refer work. Check whether a Google Business Profile, trade directories or partnerships with IT firms and electricians suit your service. Ask early clients for written reviews.