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Get your business tech sorted
A straightforward guide to the basic tools most small businesses actually need, without paying for things you will never use. This page helps you choose a simple, practical setup for email, files, payments, admin and security.
Start with the essentials
Most businesses do not need a huge tech stack. In most cases, these are the core tools worth getting right first.
Professional email
Use a business email address linked to your domain so your business looks credible and stays organised.
Cloud storage
Keep files accessible, backed up and easy to share using a reliable cloud system.
Payments
Choose a simple way to take card payments, online payments or payment links.
Invoicing
Create quotes and invoices properly so you can track what has been sent and paid.
Calendar and bookings
Use a calendar or booking system to manage appointments and avoid confusion.
Passwords and security
Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication and a password manager from the start.
A simple starter setup
Here are some tried and tested options to help you get set up. These tools are popular, reliable and work well for most small businesses.
Email and documents
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Invoicing
QuickBooks, Xero or a simple invoicing tool
File storage
Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox
Forms
Google Forms, Jotform or Typeform
Payments
Stripe, PayPal, SumUp or Zettle
Passwords
1Password, Bitwarden or LastPass
You don’t need to use every tool here. The point is to choose a setup that fits how you work.
Before you buy anything
Ask yourself these questions before signing up for a new tool or service.
1. What job do I actually need this tool to do?
2. Will I use it regularly?
3. Does it work with the tools I already have?
4. Is the pricing clear and sustainable?
5. Will it still make sense as the business grows?
Common mistakes to avoid
A few things to watch out for, so you can save time, money and hassle.
Signing up for too many tools too early
It can get expensive and confusing very quickly.
Saving files in random places with no structure
Makes things harder to find and easy to lose.
Ignoring passwords, backups and account security
Ignoring passwords, backups and account security
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