Start a Database Design and Management Studio

Growing small and medium businesses, wholesalers, membership organisations and online sellers that have outgrown spreadsheets.

Project fees for design and migration, plus monthly support contracts covering maintenance, backups, user help and reports.

• SQL and a database system such as PostgreSQL, MySQL or SQL Server
• Data modelling and migration experience
• Project and client management
• Clear written quotes and documentation

• UK GDPR: put data processing agreements in place with clients and check security expectations
• Check whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee
• Professional indemnity, cyber and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Data loss or breach risk, so agree clear responsibilities, backups and access controls in contracts
• Relying on one or two big clients can leave income uneven

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on tools, insurance and how you set up your business. Check which insurance you need, including employer's liability once you hire staff.

Check UK GDPR requirements, put data processing agreements in place with clients, and check security expectations. Also check whether you need to pay the ICO fee, and agree responsibilities, backups and access controls in contracts in case of data loss or breach.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your clients and projects. The estimate starts at about 30 hours a week. Relying on one or two big clients can leave income uneven.