Tech service business ideas you can start for under £1,000
8 ideas
These 8 ideas suit people who are comfortable with technology and enjoy helping others solve practical problems. Because most of the work is skills and time rather than equipment, a modest budget can go a long way.
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
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
Done-for-you online store management
Run day-to-day online shop tasks for businesses on a monthly retainer: listings, orders, updates and reporting.
- £100-1k
- Part-time
- Online
Reseller web hosting for small businesses
Rent hosting space from a larger provider and resell it with your own brand, support and domain services.
- £100-500
- Side hustle
- Online
Send-and-receive fax service
Fax documents for people and small firms that still need a fax but have no machine, working from home.
- £150-750
- Side hustle
- From home
Local card terminal reseller and installer
Visit local shops, cafes and market traders to supply, set up and support card machines.
- £200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home computer and wifi help
Visit households to fix slow laptops, set up wifi and printers, and remove viruses.
- £200-1k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Remote video call support for small firms
Help small teams get their video calls working, with remote fixes and managed meeting accounts.
- £100-1k
- Side hustle
- From home
About these ideas
You might start with home computer and wifi help, which builds on everyday troubleshooting, or look at reseller web hosting for small businesses if you prefer recurring, relationship-based work. Done-for-you online store management is another option for those who understand e-commerce platforms. Before choosing, think about which skills you already have, who would pay for them, and how you will find your first customers locally or online. Check whether any idea involves handling customer data, taking payments or signing up with a provider, as these can bring extra responsibilities and costs. Start small, test demand, and keep your outgoings low.
Questions
Do I need qualifications to start a tech services business in the UK?
Often not for general support work, but it depends on the service. Check whether customers expect specific certifications, whether a supplier or provider sets its own requirements, and whether your insurance provider asks for evidence of your skills.
What should I check about customer data and privacy?
If you access customers' devices, accounts or business systems, you may handle personal data. Check whether you need to register with the Information Commissioner's Office, and consider written terms, secure password practices and a clear privacy policy.
What costs might I overlook on a £1,000 budget?
Look beyond software and equipment. Check for professional indemnity or public liability insurance, accounting tools, website and domain fees, supplier or platform charges, and tax registration. Keeping a small reserve helps cover early surprises.