How Much Is IT Support for a Small Business?

A Complete Guide to Costs, What’s Included, and Why It’s Worth Every Penny

If you’re running a small business, you’ve probably asked at some point: “How much should IT support actually cost?”

The short answer?
Most small businesses in the UK can expect fully managed IT support from around £250 per month upwards — depending on the number of users, devices, and the level of service included.

But the real question isn’t how much does it cost, it’s what do you get for your money and what does it save you? — and how that support protects your time, data, and reputation.

In this guide, we’ll break down IT support costs, what services are typically included, and why a professional, proactive approach is worth far more than a basic “break/fix” contract.

Step 1: Understand What “IT Support” Actually Covers

Not all IT support is created equal.
At its simplest, some companies still pay for “break/fix” support — where you call an engineer after something goes wrong.

But modern businesses now rely on fully managed IT support — where a dedicated team continuously monitors, protects, and optimises your systems before problems arise.

Core components of managed IT support typically include:

• 24/7 Device & Server Monitoring – constant oversight of your network health, performance, and alerts

• Managed Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) – advanced cybersecurity that detects and contains threats instantly

• Firewall & Patch Management – keeping systems secure and up to date without you lifting a finger

• Cloud & Data Backup – automated, encrypted backups that protect against data loss or ransomware

• Unlimited Helpdesk Support – fast remote support from real engineers who know your business

• Proactive Maintenance – updates, tune-ups, and hardware health checks that prevent downtime

• IT Strategy & Reporting – quarterly reviews and recommendations that align tech with business goals

So when you see £250+ per month quoted, you’re not just paying for someone to fix computers — you’re buying peace of mind, productivity, and resilience.

Step 2: Typical IT Support Pricing Models in the UK

Different providers use different pricing structures, but they generally fall into three categories:

For a small business (say, 5–15 staff), an all-inclusive managed package from £250–£600 per month is typical.

That price includes ongoing support, maintenance, security, and backup — removing the need for in-house IT staff or unpredictable hourly call-outs.

Step 3: What’s Usually Included for Around £250+ per Month

Let’s break down what a professional managed service at that price point should provide:

If your provider doesn’t include most of the above — you’re probably not getting full managed support.

Step 4: Why Cheap or Reactive IT Support Ends Up Costing More

It’s tempting to save money by hiring a “pay as you go” IT engineer or using a friend who “knows computers.”
But in the long run, reactive IT support costs far more — not just in downtime, but in risk.

Hidden costs of poor IT support:

• Hours of staff time lost waiting for issues to be fixed

• Data loss or breaches due to missed patches or weak backups

• Reputational damage from downtime or email compromise

• Compliance risks if GDPR or Cyber Essentials aren’t properly managed

• Unplanned bills every time something breaks

In contrast, a proactive managed IT partner prevents problems before they disrupt your business — saving time, money, and stress.

Step 5: What to Look for in an IT Support Partner

When comparing providers, use this quick checklist:

✅ 24/7 remote monitoring and helpdesk
✅ Managed endpoint protection (EDR, antivirus, threat response)
✅ Cloud backup and disaster recovery
✅ Patch and update automation
✅ Transparent pricing (no surprise invoices)
✅ Clear SLAs for response and resolution times
✅ Experienced engineers — not outsourced call centres
✅ Regular IT strategy reviews

Providers like Aurora Tech Support deliver all of the above as part of their fully managed IT support packages for small and medium businesses across Leeds and the UK.

Step 6: Estimating Your Ideal Budget

Here’s a practical guide to help you set expectations:

Your exact figure depends on system complexity, data security needs, and whether you include extras like VoIP, compliance reporting, or automation.

Step 7: What You’re Really Paying For — Peace of Mind

Think of managed IT support not as a cost but an insurance policy for your productivity.

For roughly the cost of a single missed workday, you get:

• Around-the-clock system monitoring

• Advanced EDR protection

• Cloud backups you can actually rely on

• Instant access to IT experts who know your environment

• Predictable, fixed monthly costs

That’s the difference between firefighting and future-proofing.

Conclusion: Investing in IT Support Pays for Itself

For small businesses, managed IT support from around £250 per month provides far more than technical help — it delivers stability, continuity, and the confidence that your systems are secure, compliant, and performing optimally.

With comprehensive monitoring, managed endpoint security, proactive maintenance, and a responsive helpdesk, your technology stops being a worry and starts driving your business forward.

If you’re ready to modernise your IT and remove the stress of constant tech issues, start with a free consultation from Aurora Tech Support — Leeds’ trusted MSP for small and medium businesses.