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.
- Security
- Process
£5k–£15k per project
Gross margins are estimated to be around 70%, given the service-based nature of the business.
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.
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.
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
Costs
- Training and certification courses1000
- Marketing materials and website500
- Business registration fees100
- Professional indemnity insurance300
- Tools and software subscriptions1000
- Office utilities and supplies100
- Website hosting and maintenance50
- Professional memberships and subscriptions50
- Marketing and advertising200
First steps
- 1Get LA cert
- 2Build template SoA
- 3Pitch SaaS
Your first 90 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.
- 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
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
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide | Free | Easy business banking for managing finances. |
| Xero | £10/month | Cloud accounting software to manage invoicing and expenses. |
| Calendly | Free for basic | Streamline appointment scheduling with clients. |
| Notion | Free for personal use | Organise project management and documentation. |
| Stripe | 2.9% + 20p per transaction | Facilitate 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
- 1Start solo by consulting and building a client base.
- 2Hire subcontractors for specific areas of expertise as demand grows.
- 3Develop a training programme and offer workshops to scale services.
- 4Consider forming a partnership with other consultants to broaden service offerings.
Risks & mitigations
Market saturation leading to increased competition.
Differentiate services by specialising in specific industries.
Clients may not achieve certification, affecting reputation.
Set realistic expectations and provide thorough preparation.
Changes in regulations impacting ISO requirements.
Stay updated with industry changes and adapt services accordingly.
Difficulty in client acquisition during initial phases.
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.
Written and maintained by
Business Pathfinder Editorial TeamEditorial research and publishing team
The Business Pathfinder Editorial Team researches and maintains practical guides for UK founders.
Guides are reviewed against relevant primary sources where practical. Financial, legal and tax content is general information, not personal advice.
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