Local personal concierge

Busy professionals, working parents, older people and people living away from family who want someone reliable to do the jobs they cannot fit in.

Hourly rate or fixed price per task, plus mileage or expenses. Some regular clients take a monthly retainer for a set number of hours.

• Reliable and well organised
• Trustworthy with keys and money
• Good communication and customer service

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers handling client property and keys
• If you drive clients or their goods, check your motor insurance covers business use; carrying passengers for payment may need a taxi or private hire licence, so check with your council
• Keep clear records of client money and receipts, and register as a sole trader with HMRC
• Set clear boundaries on what you will and will not do, to avoid liability for risky or unsuitable tasks

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £200 to £1,000, depending on your insurance, transport and any basic equipment. Check that your public liability insurance covers handling client property and keys.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. Keep clear records of client money and receipts, and register as a sole trader with HMRC.

Check public liability cover for client property and keys, and whether your motor insurance covers business use. Carrying passengers for payment may need a taxi or private hire licence, so check with your council. Set clear limits on the tasks you take on.