Technology Second Opinion
An independent review before you approve an IT proposal, supplier contract, cloud project, security investment or other important technology decision.
From £350
For business
Senior technology advice, without employing a CTO.
For owner-managed and growing businesses that need an experienced, independent view of technology, suppliers, cyber risk and AI — without adding another full-time executive.
Your independent technology adviser
YOU ASK
“Our IT supplier says we need to spend £40k on this project. How do I know it's the right approach?”
WE HELP YOU DECIDE
Challenge the assumptions before approving the spend. We'll review the proposal, risks, alternatives and the questions your supplier should answer.
01
Independent
We don't sell hardware, software or installation services, so there is no incentive to recommend something you don't need.
02
Experienced
Advice grounded in senior technology leadership and years of making practical technology decisions.
03
Plain English
No jargon-filled reports. You get a clear recommendation, the reasons behind it and what to do next.
Ways TechMates can help
Experienced judgement when the decision matters.
For owner-managed and growing businesses that need an experienced, independent view of technology, suppliers, cyber risk and AI — without adding another full-time executive.
✓
Talk about your business Your side of the table.
TechMates doesn't resell IT services or software. The advice is for you, not the supplier.
Based in Sevenoaks, supporting businesses across Kent and remotely across the UK.
Technology Health Check
A practical review of your technology, suppliers, spend, cyber resilience and opportunities. You'll get a short prioritised action plan, not a consultancy doorstop.
£795
AI Opportunity Review
Identify where AI can genuinely save time or improve service, the risks to manage, and the sensible first steps for your business.
From £500
Fractional Technology Adviser
Ongoing access to experienced technology leadership when you need it — helping you challenge suppliers, make decisions and keep technology moving in the right direction.
From £750 / month
How it works
Senior advice without the consultancy overhead.
Start with a specific decision or a broader review. The aim is a practical recommendation and clear next actions, not a long report.
01
Tell us what you're deciding
Send the product, quote or problem and explain what you actually need technology to achieve.
02
We assess the options
We look past the marketing and specifications to work out what matters for your situation.
03
Get a clear recommendation
You'll know what we'd do, why, what to avoid and what your next step should be.
TM
Independent advice
For your business
For your business
About TechMates
Technology expertise, used on your side of the table.
TechMates is led by Ben Lloyd, an experienced technology leader and former CTO with a career spanning financial services, technology transformation, cyber resilience, data and practical AI adoption. After years of making large technology decisions for businesses, TechMates brings the same independent judgement to smaller companies and households — without selling the technology itself.
- Independent of vendors and installers
- Practical CTO-level experience
- Home and small-business advice
- Based in Sevenoaks, working remotely across the UK
Questions
Things people usually ask.
If you're not sure whether the issue is big enough for TechMates, send a quick email. We can usually tell very quickly whether an independent review would add value.
hello@techmates.appDo you sell the products you recommend?+
No. TechMates does not sell hardware or take commission from manufacturers, retailers or installers. The point is to give you an independent view.
Do you only work in Sevenoaks?+
No. Most advice can be delivered remotely anywhere in the UK. Local home consultations can also be arranged around Sevenoaks and West Kent.
Can you work with our existing IT company?+
Yes. For business clients, TechMates can provide the independent client-side view while your existing IT provider continues to deliver the service.
Need an independent view?
Challenge the decision before you commit.
Get experienced technology judgement on the proposal, supplier, risk or opportunity in front of you.