Microsoft Access Database Rescue, Support & Modernisation - UK Specialist
Julian Baker — UK Microsoft Access specialist with 30+ years' experience
Have a problem with an existing Access database?
- 30+ years with Microsoft Access
- Established consultancy since 2003
- UK-based Access specialist
- Access • SQL Server • Azure
Access Database Rescue, Support & Takeover Services
The specialist people companies call when their Access database becomes a business risk
Many organisations rely on Microsoft Access databases that have evolved over 5, 10, or even 20 years. These systems often underpin core business operations — yet the original developer is no longer available, documentation is limited, and internal knowledge has been lost.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- Your Access database is critical to the business
- The original developer has retired / disappeared
- You don’t fully understand how the system works
- You’re afraid to change anything in case it breaks
- Rebuilding from scratch would cost a fortune
- You’ve been told to rebuild from scratch
- The database has grown over many years and is extremely complex
I specialise in taking over existing, complex Access databases and providing long-term support, troubleshooting, and enhancement — without forcing unnecessary rebuilds or migrations.
Why organisations trust me with their most critical Access systems
- I specialise in complex existing and long-established Access systems
- Deep experience analysing undocumented, complex, inherited systems
- Safe, methodical and risk-aware approach
- Focus on stability first, improvement second
- Honest advice: fix, extend, or when necessary plan a gradual migration
- No push to rebuild unless it’s genuinely necessary
- Clear explanations in plain English
- One experienced specialist — not a junior team
Trusted With Long-Established Business Systems
With more than 30 years’ experience developing and supporting Microsoft Access systems, I’ve worked with businesses and organisations across a wide range of industries.
Other Microsoft Access Services
Alongside Access database rescue and takeover work, I also provide a full range of Microsoft Access consultancy and development services.
Why work with The Access Man?
I’ve worked with Microsoft Access for more than 30 years, helping businesses develop, rescue, support and modernise systems that are often central to their day-to-day operations.
When you work with The Access Man, you deal directly with me — an experienced Access specialist who understands both the technology and the business processes behind it.
Expert
Specialist in developing Microsoft Access database solutions, I know the software and its many different applications inside out.
Established
I’ve worked with Microsoft Access since 1995 and established The Access Man consultancy in 2003.
Experienced
As an Access database developer I have built a variety of solutions for different types of clients, from multinational corporations to local SMEs.
Custom-built
No two clients are the same so I build customised database solutions to fit your individual business requirements.
Best Practice
Creative and technically up-to-date, I build using the best possible Access database solutions currently available.
Flexible
I offer adaptable solutions according to your needs, updating existing systems and developing new ones as your company grows.
Personal
Providing a friendly, UK-based service I work with you and your business. My support is on hand via phone, email or remotely if you need me.
Efficient
Microsoft Access will help solve your business information problems, streamlining your data and boosting your company’s efficiency.
Our Clients
Latest Case Study
Rescuing a 20-Year-Old Business-Critical Access Database After the Original Developer Left
A family-run manufacturing company relied on a Microsoft Access database that had been developed and extended over approximately 20 years. The system had become central to the operation of the business, managing customer records, quotations, order processing, stock control and operational reporting.
Access Modernisation & Upgrades
We have the skills to enhance your existing database and upgrading it so it grows with your business.
An established Access database doesn’t necessarily need replacing. I can modernise your existing system — upgrading Access, improving performance, moving data to SQL Server or Azure SQL, and introducing APIs, mobile or web functionality where appropriate.
- Upgrade your database to the latest version of Access
- Migrate your data from Excel to Access
- Upgrade to SQL Server and Azure
- Add mobile functionality and enable remote access
Bespoke Microsoft Access Development
When off-the-shelf software doesn’t fit the way your business works, I can develop a bespoke Access application built around your processes, users and requirements.
Access Support & Development
Already have an Access system that needs expert attention? I provide troubleshooting, fixes, enhancements and ongoing development for existing Access applications — whether I originally developed them or not.
Extend Access with Mobile & Web Apps
Your Access database doesn’t have to be replaced just because some users need mobile or web access.
By combining Access with SQL Server or Azure SQL, secure APIs and purpose-built mobile or web applications, office users can continue working with Access while field-based or remote users access the information they need from other devices.
FAQs
I work with Microsoft Access systems at every stage of their life — from troubleshooting and ongoing development to taking over complex inherited databases, modernising older applications and migrating data to SQL Server or Azure SQL.
1) Can you take over an Access database developed by someone else?
Yes. A significant part of my work involves taking over existing Microsoft Access systems, including complex applications where the original developer has retired, moved on or is no longer available.
2) Is Microsoft Access still supported and suitable for business use?
Yes. Microsoft Access remains part of Microsoft 365 and can still be an excellent platform for business applications. For larger or more demanding systems, I often combine Access with SQL Server or Azure SQL.
3) Does my Access database need replacing?
Not necessarily. Many established Access systems can be modernised rather than rebuilt. This might involve improving the existing application, upgrading older components, moving data to SQL Server or Azure SQL, or adding APIs and mobile/web functionality.
4) Can you fix and develop an Access database you didn't originally build?
Yes. I regularly troubleshoot, support and extend databases developed by other people. I’ll first understand the existing design and business processes before making significant changes.
5) Can Access work with SQL Server, Azure and other systems?
Yes. Access can make an excellent front end to SQL Server or Azure SQL and can integrate with APIs, Microsoft 365, accounting systems and other business applications.
6) Do you develop new Microsoft Access databases as well?
Yes. Although I have particular expertise in rescuing and modernising existing systems, I also develop bespoke Access applications where Access is the right technology for the requirement.
7) How much does Microsoft Access development or support cost?
Every Access system is different, so the cost depends on the complexity of the database and the work required.
For smaller, clearly defined tasks I can usually give you an indication of likely costs before starting. For larger or more complex projects, I prefer to break the work into manageable stages, so you understand the likely cost and can see progress before committing to subsequent phases.
If you have an existing database, I’m happy to take an initial look at what you have and discuss the most practical way forward.
8) Can you give me a fixed price?
Most of the projects I work on involve complex, business-critical systems, and it’s often difficult to define every requirement accurately at the outset — particularly when I’m taking over a large or long-established database developed by someone else.
I therefore normally work to agreed estimates rather than fixed prices, keeping you informed as the work progresses. I work collaboratively with clients, and requirements often evolve as we explore the existing system, identify opportunities for improvement and better understand how the business uses it.
For larger projects, I usually recommend a phased approach, so we can agree priorities and likely costs for each stage before proceeding. This provides flexibility without committing you to a large, rigid specification or unnecessary redevelopment.
