Helping small businesses get more from their systems and workflows.
We help local small businesses in Surrey and beyond choose, set up, and improve the systems they rely on every day.
We design workflows, automate tasks, implement systems, and train your team, ensuring everything integrates and works efficiently for your business.
With clear workflows, trained teams, and ongoing support, you gain confidence in your operations and more time to focus on running and growing your business.
We Understand Small Business Challenges
Choosing and Implementing the Right Technology
Many small businesses struggle to choose the right technology and often don’t know which tools fit their needs. Owners and staff frequently lack the confidence or expertise to implement new systems effectively.
Financial Constraints and Cash Flow Pressure
Tight cash flow makes technology investment difficult. Many small businesses hesitate to adopt new tools because software is perceived as too expensive or too risky to commit to.
Operational Friction and Integration Failure
When systems don’t integrate, employees become “human middleware”, manually transferring information between platforms. This duplication wastes time, increases errors, slows daily operations and weakens decision-making.
Limited Skills and Capacity to Manage Technology
Learning new tools is one of the biggest challenges small businesses face, and staff discomfort often slows adoption. At the same time, many businesses lack the internal capacity to manage multiple technology suppliers, subscriptions, and ongoing maintenance, making it difficult to run a cohesive technology setup.
If this sounds familiar, get in touch today.
* Sage, TechUK, Ipsos, Grant Thornton, British Chambers of Commerce
Services
Small businesses don’t need complicated technology. They need systems that remove everyday friction.
We help you put the right systems and workflows in place – affordable, easy to use, and designed to reduce admin time, minimise errors, and keep your business running efficiently.
Workflow Optimisation
Clear, streamlined processes that eliminate unnecessary steps.
Task Automation
Routine tasks completed automatically, without manual effort.
Systems Implementation
Selection and setup of tools that genuinely fit your business.
Cloud Implementation
Secure, backed-up access to your files and information from anywhere.
AI for Business
Practical introduction and setup of AI tools to increase productivity.
Systems Training
Straightforward training so your team knows exactly how to use new tools with confidence.
We offer additional services to improve your online presence and keep your systems running.
Social Media Strategy
A simple, consistent plan to improve visibility and engagement.
Photography & Video
Professional photos, videos, or drone imagery to elevate your brand.
Support & Maintenance
We keep your systems functional, updated, and running reliably.
Clients
We support small businesses locally in Surrey and across the UK.
Many services can also be delivered online to clients internationally.
Our clients typically have fewer than 50 employees and under £10m turnover per annum.
Below are some of the sectors we commonly support, but not limited to. If you run a local small business and want easier, more efficient ways of working, we can help.
Retail
Fashion
Gift & Bookshops
Garden Centres
Bakeries
Hospitality
Cafes & Coffee Shops
Restaurants
Takeaways
Bars & Pubs
Personal
Hairdressers & Barbers
Beauty Salons
Health & Wellness
Fitness Studios
Trade
Garages & Mechanics
Plumbers
Electricians
Builders & Construction
Services
Solicitors
Accountants
Quantity Surveyors
Architects
Implementing the right technology offers small businesses a range of benefits*
How We Work
We take a holistic, flexible approach for small business needs.
Whether you need a single workflow fixed, a full system setup, or a completely custom solution, we keep everything simple, clear, and focused on delivering value for your business.
Our Approach at a High Level
Understand your business
We start by learning how you currently operate holistically – your processes, tools, pain points, and goals. This applies whether you’re asking for a full package or specific help in one area.
Simplify before we automate
We always streamline core processes first. Automation or new systems only follow when they genuinely add value. This ensures stability whether the work is small, large, or fully customised.
Choose tools that make sense
We select practical, affordable tools suited to your size and budget. For custom projects, we tailor the tools to your exact requirements – no over-engineering, no expensive software you won’t use.
Train you and your team
We make sure everyone knows how to use the tools confidently. Training is adapted to your needs – from a quick walkthrough to full-team onboarding.
Support you as you grow
For both package and custom clients, we provide optional ongoing maintenance and priority support to keep everything running effectively.
What This Means for You
Clear, confident technology choices
No more guesswork choosing the right systems. Lower risk decisions, clearer return on investment, and confidence that the tools you pay for genuinely fit your business.
Systems set up properly
Systems implemented correctly without stress, confusion, or failed rollouts, so they work as intended from day one.
Cost-effective solutions that deliver value
Tools and pricing plans selected to match your business size and budget, while delivering measurable value.
Simplified operations with less manual work
Integrated workflows that reduce manual effort, errors, and wasted time so your team can focus on high-value work.
Confident teams with worry-free support
Practical training for fast adoption, plus a single point of contact for ongoing support and maintenance, removing the burden of managing multiple systems and suppliers.
Technology We Work With
Small businesses use a wide range of technology, with no shortage of options. Rather than focusing on specific brands, we focus on selecting the right tools for your business so everything runs simply and effectively.
Our expertise isn’t tied to specific software. It’s about making technology work simply, reliably, and in a way that fits how your business actually operates.
Below are examples of commonly used categories, with a few familiar platforms listed for reference only. If your business uses something different, that’s absolutely fine – we assess it quickly and apply the same practical, structured approach.
Cloud: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Project & Workflow: Trello, Asana, ClickUp
CRM, Booking, Invoicing, Payments & POS Systems: HubSpot, HighLevel, Square, Stripe, SimplyBook, Fergus
Websites, Training Platforms, Online Stores: WordPress, Squarespace, Teachable, Shopify
Accounting: Xero, QuickBooks
Marketing: Canva, Meta Business Suite
Automation: Zapier, n8n, Make
AI Productivity: ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot, NotebookLM
We are Passionate About Small Businesses
GrowthPains was founded by Renier Janse van Rensburg, who brings over 28 years of business, technology and transformation experience across small local businesses, startups, and large global organisations. This blend gives him a practical understanding of how systems and processes work properly.
Renier’s background is firmly rooted in small business. From early work in retail, hospitality, automotive, and service businesses, to running his own ventures and mentoring others, he has experienced first-hand the pressures small business owners face: limited time, tight budgets, competing priorities, and systems that don’t quite work together.
After delivering large-scale transformation programmes across audit, process, regulatory, and technology domains in the UK and internationally, Renier refocused GrowthPains to bring that experience back to local small businesses with a goal of helping them work more efficiently and confidently using modern digital tools.
At GrowthPains, our focus is to keep things as simple as possible. We help small businesses streamline how work gets done and adopt technology that genuinely fits their needs and budget, without unnecessary complexity, disruption, or technical terminology.
We work directly with business owners and their teams, taking ownership of delivery with clear guidance, hands-on implementation, practical training, and ongoing support so systems are used as they should and deliver measurable value. We treat your business information, systems, and data with care and discretion at all times.
Connect with Renier on LinkedIn.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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We work with a wide range of small businesses with typically fewer than 50 employees and under £10m turnover. If you’re local and want simpler, more effective ways of working, we can help.
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No. Most of our clients aren’t. We keep everything simple, explain things clearly, and avoid technical terminology. Our aim is to make technology easier, not more complicated.
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That’s completely fine. You don’t need to buy a full package. We offer custom support for small, specific needs – from fixing a single workflow to setting up one tool or training one team member.
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Yes. We always start by assessing what you use today. If your existing tools can be improved or integrated, we keep them. New tools are only recommended when they genuinely benefit your business. The same goes for process or workflow redesigns.
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Yes. We’re happy to collaborate and work alongside your existing service providers. We’re honest about what we do best, and if specialist skills are required (e.g. advanced cyber security or marketing) and you don’t already have a service provider of choice, we can help you select a suitable provider or recommend a trusted partner. We can stay involved to coordinate the work and ensure everything aligns with your business goals and existing setup.
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Our onboarding process is simple and straightforward. We have an introductory call or in-person visit to discuss your goals, challenges, and what you need help with. You then receive a clear, easy-to-understand proposal outlining the recommended work, timelines, cost and payment stages. Once you're happy to proceed, we finalise the scope and confirm the project via an updated proposal that is signed by you and us. The project is then kicked-off and we take a closer look at how you currently work – your processes, tools, and pain points. We keep you updated throughout the project, and begin improving workflows, setting up tools, and training your team as agreed. Any ongoing support and maintenance requirements, should you wish to make use of it, comes into effect at the end to keep everything running reliably once implemented.
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Small fixes can be done in a day. Most setup projects take 1 to 3 weeks. Larger projects may take 4 to 6 weeks. We agree timelines upfront so you always know what to expect.
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No. We will however need time from you and your team depending on the project but we build improvements around how you already operate. Changes are introduced gradually, and training is provided so your team feels confident from day one.
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We provide clear pricing ranges for each package for typical small business implementations. Final quotes depend on your tools, workflows, and requirements. You only pay for what you need – no unnecessary software or complicated solutions.
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Payment depends on the size of the project. Small jobs under £250 are payable upfront. Medium projects use a simple split of 50% upfront and 50% on completion. Larger projects follow stage payments agreed in advance, typically 25% upfront, 25% at two stages mid project, with the final 25% payment on completion. Support and maintenance plans are billed monthly in advance. Any costs of software is incurred directly by you and we will guide you on the best pricing plans to choose based on feature requirements.
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Yes. Many small businesses prefer ongoing help. Our Support & Maintenance plan includes quarterly reviews, ongoing monitoring and small updates, and priority support to keep everything running reliably.
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Yes. While we’re based in Surrey, we also support small businesses across the UK and internationally. Most of our services – such as workflow optimisation, system setup, training, and ongoing support – can be delivered entirely online with no loss of quality.
Pricing & Packages
Every business is different, so we offer a mix of packages and fully custom options for specific work. Prices quoted below give you an idea of typical costs, but final pricing depends on your tools, workflows, and specific needs.
Workflow Assessment
£250
A stand-alone assessment for businesses that know things aren’t running as they should but aren’t sure where the real problems sit or what to fix first. A practical, low-risk way to gain clarity before investing more time or money.
What’s Involved
One structured 90-minute working session
Offline review of your current setup
Tool-agnostic assessment of processes, systems, and ways of working
Example Deliverables
One-page report with findings and prioritised recommendations
Outcome
You’ll know what the real issues are, what to prioritise first, and whether the problems are primarily process, systems, or people related – with a clear plan you can act on immediately.
Essential Setup
From £500 to £850
A practical setup package for new businesses or those needing a clean, reliable reset. Ideal for businesses that want the essentials in place quickly and correctly, without unnecessary complexity.
What’s Involved
Planning and setup sessions to confirm needs and priorities
Selection and setup of appropriate, integrated tools and workflows
Simple, standard configurations for day-to-day use
Training for relevant team members so everything is used confidently
Example Deliverables
Email and cloud workspace
Basic AI productivity tools setup
Task and workflow management
Website or online store
Payments, invoicing, or POS
Accounting software setup
Basic security and access setup
Post-implementation support for one month (+£150, optional)
Outcome
You'll have a robust, usable setup that’s ready to trade, invoice, manage customers, and run day to day without unnecessary complexity.
Smart Upgrade
From £1,500
A structured improvement package for established businesses that have outgrown their current setup and need integrated systems, clearer workflows, and less manual effort – without unnecessary complexity.
What’s Involved
Deep-dive sessions to understand goals, pain points, and priorities
Review and rationalisation of existing tools and systems
Redesign of core end-to-end workflows
Sensible automation to reduce duplication and manual work
Phased implementation to minimise disruption
Training and support to ensure adoption
Example Deliverables
System consolidation and integration
Workflow documentation and ownership
Social presence setup, clean-up, or basic strategy
Professional photos or videos for online use
Post-implementation support for one month (scope and pricing agreed separately, optional)
Outcome
More reliable day-to-day operations, fewer manual tasks, clearer ownership for your team, and systems that work together properly – giving you a stronger foundation to grow without added complexity.
Specific Projects
Fixed price, scoped per project
A focused option for businesses that need help with one specific problem or piece of work, providing a practical fix without committing to a larger programme or open-ended work.
What’s Involved
Planning discussion to clearly define the problem and desired outcome
Clearly scoped work with fixed pricing agreed upfront
Focused, time-boxed delivery with minimal overhead
Can stand alone or build on previous work
Example Deliverables
Fix or redesign a single process or workflow
AI productivity tools setup or workflow integration
Set up or improve one specific tool or system
Build sensible automations
Resolve a recurring operational or systems issue
Migrate from legacy or unsuitable tools
Deliver targeted training for an individual or team
Project management of a change delivery
Outcome
A specific problem solved efficiently, with something tangible and usable at the end – without being tied into a larger engagement.
Support & Maintenance
From £150 per month
Ongoing support designed to keep your systems running reliably, giving you peace of mind through monitoring, maintenance, and ongoing improvements – without you needing to manage the technology yourself.
What’s Involved
Agreed support scope based on your systems and business size
Priority access for support requests
Proactive monitoring and light maintenance
Regular check-ins to review system health and usage
Example Deliverables
Priority support for day-to-day issues and questions
Small workflow adjustments and refinements as your business evolves
Minor fixes, configuration changes, and clean-ups
Quarterly review of systems, workflows, and usage
Identification of risks, inefficiencies, or upcoming issues
Recommendations for improvements where appropriate (scoped and priced separately)
Outcome
Your systems stay reliable, workflows remain efficient, and issues are dealt with quickly – giving you stability, continuity, and confidence without needing to manage the technology yourself.
Media Refresh
From £250
A focused refresh of your visual assets to improve how your business looks online and in print – ideal for businesses that want to appear more professional, consistent, and credible without committing to a full rebrand.
What’s Involved
Briefing session to understand what’s needed and where assets will be used
Clearly scoped work agreed upfront
Efficient on-site or location-based shoot
Assets prepared and delivered ready for immediate use
Example Deliverables
Professional still photography (people, premises, products, or services)
Short-form video content suitable for website or social media
Drone imagery or aerial footage where appropriate
Outcome
Professional, ready-to-use visual assets that improve your online presence and help your business present itself clearly and professionally.
If you are unsure which pricing option is best for you, get in touch and we can talk through your requirements, or follow the below guide to get an idea.
Something is broken or feels messy but you don’t know why? → Workflow Assessment
Starting out or resetting the basics? → Essential Setup
Systems, processes and workflows exist but slow you down? → Smart Upgrade
One specific problem to fix? → Specific Project
Want things stable and kept running reliably? → Support & Maintenance
Need better visuals only? → Media Refresh
Save hours every week
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Avoid duplicate work and mistakes
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Use tools you actually need
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Lead a confident team
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Keep everything running reliably
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Focus on high-value tasks
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Save hours every week · Avoid duplicate work and mistakes · Use tools you actually need · Lead a confident team · Keep everything running reliably · Focus on high-value tasks ·
Book a Call Today
Book a free 15 mins slot in our calendar to discuss how we can save you time and make your workday easier.
No obligation, no hard sell.