For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), managing IT in-house might seem like a cost-saving decision—until it isn’t. Technology is the backbone of most businesses today, and when it’s not running smoothly, it’s not just frustrating; it’s costly.
At Cloud & More, we’ve worked with countless SMEs who started by handling IT in-house, only to realise it was holding them back. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in professional IT support, here are five signs to watch for:
1. Is your team losing time to IT troubles?
Picture this: Your top salesperson is mid-call with a potential client when the Wi-Fi cuts out. Or your finance manager is ready to process payroll, but the printer decides to act up. Sound familiar?
We’ve seen it happen—teams drowning in tech issues instead of excelling in their roles. You didn’t hire your staff to troubleshoot IT problems, yet here they are, losing hours every week to distractions.
Why this matters:
It reduces productivity and morale.
Employees spend time on tasks outside their expertise, delaying critical work.
The solution:
Outsourcing IT support ensures your team stays focused on what they do best while experts handle the tech headaches. Learn more about how we can help streamline IT for your business on our IT Support page and for more insights read our How to avoid downtime in your business blog
Example:
One of our clients shared how their marketing team was stuck spending hours troubleshooting email issues. Once we stepped in, they regained that time and saw their campaigns flourish.
Key stat:
A recent survey revealed that SMEs lose an average of three hours per month due to internet outages or poor connections, which can significantly impact productivity.
Quick tip:
Regularly test your internet backup solutions to ensure they work when you need them most.
2. Are IT issues holding back your business growth?
Slow systems, downtime, or outdated software can prevent you from scaling your operations. If your IT setup can’t keep up with your business’s ambitions, it’s time for a change.
Common scenarios:
You’re hiring more staff, but your IT setup can’t handle the load.
Remote working and collaboration tools are unreliable.
The solution:
A managed IT provider can implement scalable solutions that grow with your business. Find out more: IT consultancy
Example:
A growing SME we worked with struggled to onboard new hires due to outdated systems. After implementing scalable cloud solutions, they seamlessly expanded their team and operations.
Key stat:
UK SMEs are invested £60.3 billion in technology in 2024, focusing on scalable IT solutions to improve efficiency and productivity
Quick tip:
When upgrading IT systems, prioritise tools that can scale with your business’s growth over the next five years.
3. Are cyber security threats keeping you up at night?
From ransomware to phishing attacks, the risks to SMEs are growing. If you’re unsure how secure your systems are—or you know they’re outdated—it’s time to act.
Red flags:
Lack of regular updates or patches.
No cybersecurity training for staff.
No clear plan for responding to a breach.
The solution:
Outsourcing to an IT support provider ensures proactive monitoring, robust cybersecurity measures, and peace of mind. Read our IT security page for SMEs for more information.
Example:
A client called us after falling victim to a phishing attack. We quickly contained the threat, implemented training, and added layers of protection. They haven’t faced an issue since.
Key stat:
Quick tip:
Provide regular cyber security training for employees to ensure they can identify and report suspicious activity.
Read our ‘Why your business needs Cyber Awareness Training’ blog
4. Are your technology costs unpredictable?
Does it feel like you’re constantly reacting to IT problems, leading to surprise costs? This reactive approach can drain budgets and leave you vulnerable.
Why it matters:
Emergency fixes are often more expensive.
Unplanned expenses can throw off cash flow.
The solution:
With a managed IT provider, you’ll enjoy predictable monthly costs and a proactive approach that minimises expensive surprises. Find out how our managed IT services can help your business..
Example:
One of our clients described switching to outsourced IT as “a breath of fresh air”—predictable costs replaced chaotic bills, allowing them to plan ahead.
Key stat:
SMEs can save up to 70% on operational costs by outsourcing their IT, as reported by Forbes
Quick tip:
Work with your IT provider to set a clear budget and plan for regular maintenance to avoid unexpected expenses.
Read our ‘How to take control of your IT budget’ blog
5. Are you juggling too many IT vendors?
Managing hardware suppliers, software vendors, internet providers, and telecom companies can feel like a full-time job.
Common issues:
Long wait times for support.
Miscommunication between vendors causing delays.
The solution:
Outsourcing IT to a single provider consolidates your tech needs, giving you one point of contact and freeing up your time. Explore our linkedin article Why juggle IT vendors when one MSP does it all?
Example:
A business we work with found they were wasting hours chasing vendors. After consolidating their IT with us, they now call a single number for any issue—and we handle the rest.
Key stat:
While 72% of SMEs agree that having failover internet connectivity is critical, nearly a quarter (23%) don’t have any backup in place, leaving them vulnerable during outages
Quick tip:
Choose an IT provider that can coordinate with vendors on your behalf to streamline communication.
Ready to outsource your IT support?
If you recognise these signs in your business, outsourcing your IT support could save you time, reduce stress, and improve efficiency.
At Cloud & More, we specialise in proactive, personalised IT solutions for SMEs. Let us handle your tech, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help take the hassle out of IT management.
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