Home-Based admin and data entry service

Small businesses, sole traders, trades firms and agencies that have no time or no need for a full-time office employee.

A monthly retainer for an agreed number of hours or tasks, or an hourly rate for ad hoc work. Regular clients give steadier income than one-off jobs.

• Fast, accurate typing and data handling
• Confident with spreadsheets and common office software
• Reliable and good at keeping deadlines
• Clear written communication

• Handling client data means checking your duties under UK data protection law, and whether you need to register with the ICO
• Written contracts or terms covering confidentiality, scope and payment terms
• Professional indemnity insurance, and possibly cyber cover, may be worth checking
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows you to work from home
• Relying on one or two clients is risky, so plan to spread your work

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £100 to £1,000, depending on the computer, software and any insurance you choose. Check whether professional indemnity and possibly cyber cover would be worth having.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week. Relying on one or two clients is risky.

Check your duties under UK data protection law and whether you need to register with the ICO. Also use written contracts covering confidentiality, scope and payment terms, and check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows you to work from home.