How IT experiments at University library laid foundations for Chester digital support business
A University of Chester student who spent long days studying IT skills in the library is now helping businesses grow online through his own.
Reza Razm, who graduated with First Class Honours in Cybersecurity in 2024, runs Hand On Web at the University’s Riverside Innovation Centre.
The origins of Reza’s business came through his experiments with cybersecurity, automation, e-commerce and developing AI technologies in 2023. Through his research, he developed an AI-powered eBay optimisation and automation system.
Reza said: “Some of the first ideas behind Hand On Web were developed during long days in the University of Chester library. At the time I was experimenting and learning; I certainly didn’t imagine that one of those systems would later help an e-commerce store achieve more than 42 million impressions in just 90 days. Seeing technology that I had worked on as a student produce results on that scale completely changed the direction I wanted to take after university.”
The academic work was also recognised by the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec), where Reza received the Student of the Year – Best Project Award (Undergraduate) for his University of Chester project. He was also nominated for the Fred Piper Award.
Following his graduation, Reza decided to continue developing Hand On Web, focusing on combining technology with business: using AI, automation, cybersecurity, websites and digital visibility to solve practical problems for businesses.
Hand On Web has now helped more than 10 businesses, the majority based in Chester and the surrounding area. Initially helping firms with web design and e-commerce optimisation, Hand On Web also provides support in AI assistants, AI telephone agents, workflow automation, smart business systems, search engine optimisation (SEO) and modern web development.
Reza explained: “What matters to me now is bringing that knowledge back to Chester. AI and automation shouldn’t only be accessible to very large companies. Sometimes solving one problem for a small local business – missed calls, repetitive administration, poor online visibility or an outdated system – can make a significant difference.
“Our aim is not to introduce AI simply because it is new. We sit down with a business, understand where they are losing time, customers or opportunities, and then look at how technology can solve that specific problem.”
While technological solutions can be AI-powered and delivered digitally, the personal touch remains a significant factor. Reza said: “Recently, a local organisation preparing for a conference in Chester contacted us at short notice after experiencing delays with an external supplier. Because we were based in Chester, we were able to meet them quickly, understand the problem face-to-face and begin helping them immediately.
“It was a good reminder that even as technology becomes increasingly digital and AI-driven, having trusted expertise available locally still matters.”
Reza credited two key members of his growing team for developing Hand On Web. Reza works alongside Fahimeh Hassani, an MBA student at the University of Chester who contributes to the company’s business strategy and growth, and Pezhman Azizi, who is completing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of East London and supports the development of its AI-powered systems.
Looking ahead, Reza is keen to forge closer links with University of Chester students, “giving back to the place where the business began”, while helping more local businesses adopt new technologies in an affordable and practical way.
For more information on Hand On Web, visit: https://www.handonweb.com/.
Main image: Reza Razm and Fahimeh Hassani of Hand On Web at the University of Chester’s Riverside Innovation Centre. Pezhman Azizi, who works remotely as part of the team, is not pictured.
Image 2: Reza Razm of Hand On Web.