Family history researcher

Individuals and families curious about their roots, people who have hit a dead end with their own research, and those wanting a gift or keepsake for relatives.

Hourly rate or a fixed fee per project, plus charges for report writing, certificates and record office copies. Larger bound family history books can be priced as extras.

• Patient, detail-focused research
• Clear report writing
• Knowing UK record sources and how to read old handwriting
• Good communication with clients

• Subscriptions to record websites (such as Ancestry or Findmypast) are a running cost; check their terms for commercial use
• Data protection: you will hold personal information, so check whether you need to register with the ICO and how to store client data safely
• Professional indemnity insurance is worth checking, as clients rely on your findings
• Research can take longer than expected, so agree a budget and scope in writing before starting

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on which record website subscriptions you take, the equipment you need and any insurance. These are estimates, and subscriptions are a running cost, so check their terms for commercial use.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on how many clients you take on, the scope of each project and your fees. Research can take longer than expected, so agree a budget in writing. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check data protection, including whether you need to register with the ICO and how to store client data safely. Also check professional indemnity insurance, the commercial-use terms of record websites, and agree your scope and budget with clients in writing before starting.