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ServiceHard£500–£2kFirst sale: 3+ months

ISO 27001 Consultant

Help SaaS and agencies get ISO 27001 certified for enterprise sales

Help SaaS and agencies get ISO 27001 certified for enterprise sales.

As an ISO 27001 consultant, your day-to-day work involves assessing clients' current information security management systems (ISMS), identifying gaps, and advising on best practices to meet ISO 27001 standards. You’ll create tailored documentation, including a Statement of Applicability (SoA), and assist in preparing your clients for the certification audit with a UKAS-accredited body. Regular client meetings and training sessions will be part of your routine to ensure clients understand the process and maintain compliance after certification.

Now is an ideal time to start this consultancy due to the increasing emphasis on data protection and cybersecurity in the UK, especially following the rise in remote work. With SaaS companies and agencies increasingly targeting enterprise clients, demonstrating compliance with ISO 27001 offers a competitive edge and mitigates risks associated with data breaches, which can be financially devastating.

This venture suits founders with a strong background in information security and compliance, ideally with experience in ISO standards. Expect to invest significant time in building your knowledge and credibility in the early stages, attending relevant training courses or engaging with professional networks. Balancing client engagements with your marketing efforts will require a disciplined approach and a commitment to continuous learning.

In 12-24 months, you could build a solid portfolio of clients and establish a reputation in the market, potentially generating £100,000 in revenue if you secure multiple contracts. As your expertise grows, opportunities for upselling additional services, such as ongoing support or training, can enhance profitability and lead to referrals, providing a sustainable income stream.

Skills you'll need
  • Security
  • Process
Monetisation

£5k–£15k per project

Gross margins are estimated to be around 70%, given the service-based nature of the business.

Why now

The UK's heightened focus on data security and compliance, especially post-GDPR, creates a strong demand for ISO 27001 certification among businesses. With many companies seeking to enhance their credibility with enterprise clients, now is a prime time to offer these consulting services.

Who pays you

Your primary customers are SaaS companies and digital agencies looking to secure enterprise contracts. They require ISO 27001 certification to demonstrate their commitment to data security and gain a competitive advantage.

UK market

The UK information security consulting market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it may reach £3 billion by 2025. Increasing regulations and the need for cybersecurity measures are driving businesses to seek expert guidance to navigate compliance complexities.

Revenue & pricing

You will charge clients based on project scope, typically ranging from £5,000 to £15,000 per project. Additional revenue can be generated through ongoing support services and training.

  • Basic ISO 27001 consultation package: £5,000
  • Comprehensive ISO 27001 certification preparation: £10,000
  • Ongoing support and maintenance package: £2,000 per year
  • Workshops and training sessions for staff: £1,500 per session
Realistic year one: In your first year, revenue could realistically fall between £30,000 and £60,000. Profit margins will vary as you invest in marketing and initial client acquisition.

Costs

Startup costs
  • Training and certification courses1000
  • Marketing materials and website500
  • Business registration fees100
  • Professional indemnity insurance300
  • Tools and software subscriptions1000
Monthly running costs
  • Office utilities and supplies100
  • Website hosting and maintenance50
  • Professional memberships and subscriptions50
  • Marketing and advertising200

First steps

  1. 1Get LA cert
  2. 2Build template SoA
  3. 3Pitch SaaS

Your first 90 days

First 30 days
  • Complete relevant training in ISO 27001 standards.
  • Develop a detailed business plan outlining your service offerings.
  • Create a basic website to showcase your services and expertise.
  • Set up professional social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn.
  • Network with local business owners and attend relevant industry events.
30–90 day milestones
  • Secure your first client contract for ISO 27001 consultation.
  • Develop templates and documentation for your ISO services.
  • Launch targeted marketing campaigns to reach SaaS companies.
  • Join professional bodies or forums related to information security.
  • Collect testimonials and case studies to build credibility.

How to get customers

LinkedIn

Share insights and articles related to ISO 27001 and data security.

Email marketing

Send targeted emails to potential clients in SaaS and agency sectors.

Webinars

Host online sessions explaining the benefits of ISO 27001 certification.

Networking events

Attend industry events to connect with potential clients and partners.

Tools you'll actually use

ToolCostWhy
TideFreeEasy business banking for managing finances.
Xero£10/monthCloud accounting software to manage invoicing and expenses.
CalendlyFree for basicStreamline appointment scheduling with clients.
NotionFree for personal useOrganise project management and documentation.
Stripe2.9% + 20p per transactionFacilitate easy online payments from clients.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Underestimating the time required to prepare clients for certification.
  • Failing to tailor documentation to specific client needs.
  • Neglecting to follow up with clients post-certification.
  • Inadequate marketing efforts leading to slow client acquisition.
  • Overpromising on outcomes without a solid understanding of client systems.

How to scale this

  1. 1Start solo by consulting and building a client base.
  2. 2Hire subcontractors for specific areas of expertise as demand grows.
  3. 3Develop a training programme and offer workshops to scale services.
  4. 4Consider forming a partnership with other consultants to broaden service offerings.

Risks & mitigations

Risk

Market saturation leading to increased competition.

Mitigation

Differentiate services by specialising in specific industries.

Risk

Clients may not achieve certification, affecting reputation.

Mitigation

Set realistic expectations and provide thorough preparation.

Risk

Changes in regulations impacting ISO requirements.

Mitigation

Stay updated with industry changes and adapt services accordingly.

Risk

Difficulty in client acquisition during initial phases.

Mitigation

Leverage networking and referrals to build credibility early on.

UK legal & compliance

  • Register your business with Companies House to comply with UK regulations.
  • Ensure you have appropriate professional indemnity insurance for consultancy work.
  • Adhere to GDPR guidelines when handling client data and documentation.
  • Keep abreast of HMRC regulations regarding income and self-assessment.

FAQ

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems.

How long does the certification process take?

The process can take several months, depending on the client's readiness.

What industries benefit from ISO 27001 certification?

Any industry that handles sensitive data, especially tech and finance, can benefit.

Do I need to be certified to consult?

While certification is not mandatory, it adds credibility to your consultancy.

How will I find clients?

Networking, online marketing, and referrals are key to acquiring clients.