Researching secure remote access for very small businesses
Helping small businesses work securely away from the office
OfficeTether is researching how very small businesses access office computers, files and specialist systems when working from home, travelling or away from their usual workplace and whether a practical, fixed-scope setup service would help.
The short survey is the simplest way to contribute. An optional conversation can explore your current arrangements in greater depth.
Why we are researching remote access
Many small businesses still depend on computers, files or specialist applications located at their usual workplace. Owners and staff may occasionally need to reach those resources from home, while travelling or when they cannot get into the office.
Without an internal technology specialist, remote access can develop informally. Different tools may be used by different people, accounts may be shared, access may not be removed promptly, or nobody may be entirely certain how the arrangement works.
OfficeTether is exploring whether there is demand for a focused, practical service that helps a small business understand what needs to be accessed, select an appropriate approach, configure it with proportionate security controls, test it and document the finished setup.
The proposed service would be intended for businesses that need a defined remote-working solution without outsourcing all their IT or committing to a comprehensive managed-support contract.
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
We would like to understand how small businesses currently handle situations such as these.
What we are exploring
The research is focused on the practical arrangements very small businesses use when people need to reach office-based computers, files or systems from elsewhere.
Access to office computers
When owners or staff need to use a particular office computer remotely, what do they use today and how dependable is it?
Files and specialist systems
Which files, applications, servers or other resources still need to be reached from outside the workplace?
Controlling who can access what
How are employees, contractors and occasional users given only the access they genuinely require?
Accounts and sign-in security
Are business-owned accounts, individual sign-ins and multi-factor authentication being used appropriately?
Testing and recovery
Has the setup been tested from outside the office, and does the business know what to check when it stops working?
The right type of service
Would businesses prefer a one-off fixed-scope setup, a paid review, occasional scheduled assistance or a broader support arrangement?
What a future OfficeTether service might look like
The idea being tested is a planned remote-access project rather than an emergency helpdesk or an open-ended IT-support arrangement.
The client would retain ownership of its accounts, subscriptions and configuration. OfficeTether would not require the business to hand over permanent control of its systems.
The research is technology-neutral. A future service would select tools according to the business requirement rather than promote one particular product.
These are possible features being tested through the research and are not yet a guaranteed commercial service.
Who we would like to hear from
The research is primarily intended for UK sole traders and small owner-managed businesses that do not employ an internal technology specialist.
Peterborough and Cambridgeshire businesses may be prioritised for detailed research conversations, but the survey is open to suitable businesses across the UK.
The proposed model is unlikely to suit large or complex networks, safety-critical systems, organisations requiring guaranteed 24-hour availability, or businesses looking for fully managed IT support.
Who is behind OfficeTether?
OfficeTether is being researched by Tony Hewitt, an experienced software developer and practical technology problem-solver with around four decades of experience.
The research is exploring whether that experience could support a focused service helping very small businesses establish secure, understandable and properly documented remote access without unnecessary complexity.
This is a research project rather than a full commercial launch. Its current purpose is to listen to business owners, understand how remote access is handled today and determine whether a genuinely useful service can be developed.
How to take part
You can contribute through the short survey or, if your business has a relevant situation, request an optional research conversation.
1. Complete the remote-working survey
The survey asks how your business currently accesses computers, files and systems away from its usual workplace. It also explores security concerns, reliability, responsibility and the type of assistance that might be useful.
2. Request a 20–30 minute research conversation
A conversation provides an opportunity to discuss a real remote-access situation in more detail. It is intended for research and is not a sales call or a technical-support session.
Please do not send passwords, recovery codes, customer information, confidential documents or detailed technical configuration information.
Frequently asked questions
What do you mean by remote access?
Remote access means reaching a computer, file store, server or specialist application located at your usual workplace while you are somewhere else, such as at home, another business location or while travelling.
Is OfficeTether currently offering remote-access installations?
No. OfficeTether is currently conducting research through a short survey and optional research conversations. It is not yet offering live installations or technical support.
Is the research only relevant to businesses with remote employees?
No. It is also relevant when an owner or individual employee only occasionally needs access from home, while travelling or when unable to reach the usual workplace.
Is OfficeTether promoting a particular VPN or software product?
No. The research is focused on the business requirement and the completed outcome. A future service would select suitable tools according to the situation rather than require every business to use the same product.
We already have a VPN. Could this still be relevant?
Yes, potentially. Some traditional VPN arrangements work well, while others become harder to manage over time with shared credentials, unclear ownership of accounts, or awkward handovers when staff or suppliers change. The research is exploring whether small businesses would value a more controlled and clearly documented setup.
Would this replace our existing IT-support company?
Not necessarily. A future OfficeTether service could provide a defined remote-access project while an existing IT provider continues to handle everyday support, devices and other systems.
Would a future service require a monthly contract?
The principal model being explored is a one-off assessment and setup project, potentially with optional scheduled reviews or assistance. The research will help determine which arrangements businesses prefer.
Would support be available 24 hours a day?
No. The proposed model is planned, business-hours assistance rather than a 24-hour emergency helpdesk or guaranteed availability service.
Would OfficeTether own or control our accounts?
The intended approach is for the client to own its accounts, subscriptions and configuration. A future OfficeTether service would help configure and document the setup without creating unnecessary long-term dependency.
Will you need passwords or access to our systems during the research?
No. The survey and research conversation do not require passwords, account access, device access or confidential technical information.
Is the research limited to Cambridgeshire?
No. The survey is open to suitable small businesses across the UK, although Peterborough and Cambridgeshire businesses may be prioritised for detailed conversations.