What are managed IT services?
With managed IT services, one company looks after your IT for a monthly fee. Instead of calling someone when something breaks, you have a team that knows your setup, keeps it running and helps you plan what comes next. Clients often call it their IT department, and that's a fair description.
It suits businesses that have grown past the point where IT can be done on the side. Maybe the person who used to handle it is leaving. Maybe a client has sent a security questionnaire that nobody can answer. Or new systems and AI are arriving without anyone leading them.
It doesn't suit everyone. If you only want help when something breaks, an ongoing service probably isn't the right fit, and we'd tell you so.
How managed IT services work with us
We start with your business: your people, how you work, the systems you rely on and where the risks are. Then we give you a clear view of what we'd recommend.
If you go ahead, you meet the people who will look after you and see a clear handover plan. The handover is the part new clients worry about most, so we plan it with you.
After that, day to day looks like this. Your team rings or logs a ticket. A real person answers the phone, always, and every ticket gets a human reply. 98% of IT requests are solved in a quick remote session. For bigger problems, we aim to identify the fix within 30 minutes, and someone comes on site when that's what it takes. Support is 24/7.
What's included in our managed IT services?
Every business is different, so the mix varies. For most of our clients, it covers the following.
Everyday IT support
IT support and helpdesk for your whole team: laptops, phones, accounts, printers and Microsoft 365. You'll know us by name, and we'll know your business.
Looking after your systems
IT system management means keeping devices, servers and software updated, checked and working, so fewer problems reach your team in the first place.
Cyber security
Cyber security is where many clients need us most. We protect accounts, devices and data, and help you answer the detailed security questions your own clients, insurers and investors send. We hold Cyber Essentials Plus ourselves.
IT compliance
IT compliance covers help with Cyber Essentials and with the policies and evidence behind your answers to clients and insurers.
Networks
Managed network services for your office network and Wi-Fi, including dealing with your internet provider when something goes wrong.
Backup and disaster recovery
Backup, disaster recovery and business continuity, so your data can be recovered and the business can keep working if something fails.
AI and Copilot
Your team is probably using AI already. We help you use it confidently and safely, starting with Microsoft Copilot and a clear policy. For a law firm with 75 lawyers, we built a 12-week programme so the team felt confident using Copilot day to day.
IT projects
IT projects such as office moves, new systems and upgrades. We add most value when we're involved early.
Phones and Macs
Business phone systems and Apple Mac support, looked after by the same team as everything else.
Managed IT services or an in-house IT person?
A good in-house IT person is worth a lot. But one person can't cover every specialism, and they can't be available all year. With managed IT services you get the breadth of a team for less than the cost of a hire.
It doesn't have to be one or the other. We also work alongside in-house IT staff, taking on the specialist work one person can't cover alone.
How to choose a managed IT services provider
Most businesses that come to us have had a provider before and been let down. Tickets were closed, the same problems came back and updates only came when they chased. These questions help you avoid that:
- Who will look after us? Ask to meet the people, and ask how long they've been with the company. Continuity is what lets them get to know you. Several of our team have been here since 2016 to 2018.
- What happens when we call? Does a real person answer? Does every ticket get a reply?
- What's included? Get a clear list, including cyber security, on-site visits and projects.
- What are the service commitments? Response times should be in the contract, so you know what to expect.
- How will the handover work? Ask for the plan and who runs it.
- Can they help us answer our clients' security questions? Ask what they hold themselves and how they'd help you with Cyber Essentials.
- Will they help us plan ahead? A good provider gets involved in new systems and AI early, not after the decision is made.
- How do we leave if it doesn't work? Check the notice period and what happens to your data and passwords.
- What does it cost? Ask for a monthly figure and what's outside it.
How much do managed IT services cost?
Our managed IT services start from £1,000 a month. The figure depends on how many people you have, how complex your setup is and what you want included. Once we understand your business, we'll give you a clear view of what we'd recommend and what it would cost. There's more in our guide to IT support costs and on our pricing page.