IT support for local small businesses

Small businesses with no in-house IT person, such as offices, practices, shops, tradespeople and charities.

Hourly rate for call-outs and projects, or a fixed monthly fee for regular support and check-ups.

• Solid knowledge of Windows, Mac and common business software
• Explaining technical issues in plain English
• Patient problem solving
• Reliable and well organised

• Professional indemnity insurance, since bad advice or lost data could lead to a claim
• Data protection: if you can access client data, check your UK GDPR responsibilities and whether you need to register with the ICO
• Keep clear written agreements on what you are and are not responsible for, especially backups
• Support calls can come at awkward times, so set expectations on response hours

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on your tools, software, insurance and how you market to local firms. You can visit clients on site or connect remotely.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around £600 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you support and how you charge. That is revenue, not profit. Time starts from around 8 hours a week, and calls can come at awkward times.

Check professional indemnity insurance, as bad advice or lost data could lead to a claim. If you can access client data, check your UK GDPR duties and whether you need to register with the ICO. Keep clear written agreements, especially on backups.