A UK small business should normally budget around £30 to £90 per user per month for managed IT support in 2026. Basic remote support can cost less, while comprehensive services with stronger security, licences, onsite work or extended-hours cover can cost more.
The headline price only makes sense when you know what is included. Two providers can quote different amounts while offering very different levels of responsibility and protection.
Typical UK managed IT support costs
| Service level | Indicative monthly cost | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|
| Basic remote support | £15-£40 per user | Reactive helpdesk and limited remote assistance |
| Standard managed support | £40-£90 per user | Helpdesk, monitoring, patching, Microsoft 365 administration and agreed security controls |
| Comprehensive service | £90-£150+ per user | Broader security, reporting, projects, compliance support or extended hours |
These are budgeting ranges, not fixed prices. Scope, VAT and minimum monthly charges vary, so always request a written quote.
What changes the price?
Users and devices
Every employee creates accounts, support demand and security responsibilities. Additional computers, servers, network equipment and shared devices may add cost.
Licences and security
Check whether Microsoft 365, endpoint security, backup, password management and monitoring software are included. Multi-factor authentication, device management and security monitoring require both tools and skilled administration.
Support hours and onsite work
Weekday support usually costs less than evenings, weekends or 24-hour cover. Ask whether onsite visits, migrations, new devices and major projects are included or charged separately.
Existing complexity
Old servers, unsupported software, poor documentation and shared accounts increase effort and risk. A provider may recommend an initial audit or remediation project.
Which pricing model is best?
Per-user pricing is clear and scales as staff join or leave. A fixed monthly fee can be predictable but still needs a defined scope. Pay-as-you-go support may suit a very small business, but it does not normally provide proactive maintenance or security oversight.
What should a quote include?
- Users, devices, sites and services covered
- Support hours and request channels
- Response targets for different priorities
- Remote and onsite support arrangements
- Microsoft 365 and licence responsibilities
- Monitoring, patching, endpoint security and backup scope
- New starter, leaver and device setup processes
- Project, travel and out-of-hours charges
- Contract length, notice period and exit arrangements
How to compare providers fairly
Give every provider the same information: users, devices, locations, working hours, Microsoft 365 plan, important applications, current security tools and known problems. Ask them to separate support, licences, security, backup and project work so hidden gaps are easier to identify.
Is managed IT support worth it?
It is worth considering when technology is essential to daily work, several people rely on shared systems, downtime is costly, or nobody internally owns device, account and security management.
Our independent view
Use £30-£90 per user per month as a broad UK planning range, then compare the actual scope rather than choosing on price alone.
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Pricing ranges reviewed in September 2026. Prices, scope and tax treatment vary.