For a rural land, agronomy or property consultancy, managed IT support usually costs between £45 and £100 per user per month. Where you land in that range depends on how many people you have, how many offices and rural sites you run, the specialist software you use, and how much proactive support and security you need.
Rural consultancies have needs a generalist IT company often misses: specialist software like Gatekeeper, BigHand and Argus, reliable connectivity at rural offices, and people working from the field. Here’s what you’re paying for and how to judge value.
What drives the price
Number of users and sites
Pricing is per user, so headcount is the starting point, and multiple rural offices add network and connectivity needs. It’s worth pricing for where you’ll be in two years, especially if you’re growing and taking on staff.
Specialist software
Supporting Gatekeeper and its database, BigHand dictation, Argus Developer through Citrix, Power BI and mapping tools takes real knowledge. A provider who knows these tools keeps them fast and available, which is worth far more than generic support.
Connectivity and security
Reliable internet and Wi-Fi at rural offices, managed properly, and strong security for sensitive land and client data, both feed into the monthly figure. For a rural site, dependable connectivity is not a luxury.
Support level
Proactive monitoring, fast response and backups deliver far better value than waiting for things to break. The cheapest provider is rarely the most cost-effective once downtime is counted.
What’s usually included
- User support for everyday IT, Microsoft 365 and your specialist software
- Device management: monitoring, updates and maintenance
- Cyber security management as standard
- Backup of your files, email and key data
- Connectivity support for your offices and rural sites
“Response time excellent, problem solved in minutes, thank you.”
A rural, agricultural and property consultancy First Stop IT supports
Why rural consultancies choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including rural land, agronomy and property consultancies, and we know the software these firms rely on: Gatekeeper, BigHand, Argus Developer, Power BI, Google Earth Pro and Xero, alongside Microsoft 365. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Want to know what IT support should cost for a consultancy your size? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll give you a clear, honest picture.