For a small business in Essex, managed IT support usually costs between £45 and £100 per user per month in 2026. Where you land depends on how many people you have, the level of cyber security you need, the systems you run, and how much proactive and strategic support you want alongside day-to-day help.
That per-user model keeps budgeting simple and predictable, but the headline figure only tells part of the story. Here’s what shapes the price and how to tell whether you’re getting genuine value.
What drives the cost
1. Number of users
Pricing is per user, so headcount is the foundation. More people means more devices, more Microsoft 365 accounts, more monitoring and more helpdesk demand. Price for where you’ll be in a couple of years, not only today.
2. Cyber security
Security is now core, not optional. Multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, email security, backups and Cyber Essentials protect your business and feed into the monthly figure.
3. Your systems and software
The applications you depend on, how much sits in the cloud, and how complex your setup is all affect the support needed to keep everything running smoothly.
4. Support level and strategy
Reactive break-fix looks cheaper up front but costs more in downtime. Proactive monitoring, fast response and strategic guidance like IT roadmaps, budgeting and growth planning deliver far better value over time.
What’s usually included
- User support: help with everyday IT and Microsoft 365 issues
- Device management: monitoring, updates and maintenance
- Cyber security management: protection and monitoring as standard
- Microsoft 365 support: administration, security and licensing
- Vendor management: one point of contact for your IT suppliers
How to judge value
A provider at £45 per user can deliver a very different service from one at £100. Look beyond price at responsiveness, security expertise, local presence, and whether they help you plan ahead rather than just react. The cheapest option is rarely the most cost-effective once downtime and risk are taken into account.
A real example: IT that supported fast growth
We supported a client as they grew from 1 office to 6 and from 20 users to 75 in two years, keeping systems standardised, secure and reliable throughout. Good IT support shouldn’t just keep you running. It should make growth easier.
Why Essex businesses choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported local businesses since 2002. 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 business your size? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll give you a clear, honest picture.