Guide to IT Service Models for UK SMEs

Comparing break/fix vs managed services vs consultancy

Most UK business owners don’t wake up excited to talk about servers or software patches. You simply want your IT services to be invisible so you can get on with your work. But when a system fails or a project stalls, the way your support is structured determines whether you’re back online in minutes or facing a week of lost revenue.

Navigating the jargon of the IT industry is frustrating. However, choosing a model is really just about deciding how much risk you’re willing to take. In the UK SME market, support generally falls into three categories: Break/Fix, Managed Services and Consultancy.

1. The Break/Fix Model: “Call Me When It’s Smoking”

This is the reactive approach. There’s no monitoring, maintenance or monthly fee. You only call a technician after something has already stopped working.

The Problem: It puts you and your IT provider at odds with each other. They only make money when your business is suffering.
The Reality: While it looks cheaper on paper, you usually end up at the back of the queue behind their contracted clients. By the time a technician arrives, you’ve already lost hours of productivity.

2. Managed IT Services: The Proactive Team

This is currently the standard for businesses that can’t afford downtime. You pay a set monthly fee and, in exchange, a provider like Contrac IT takes full responsibility for your tech.

24/7 Monitoring: Sophisticated tools continuously monitor your network and servers.
Fixing It Early: If a server’s hard drive shows signs of failing on a Tuesday night, it’s often replaced before your team starts work on Wednesday morning.
Predictable Costs: You trade “surprise” emergency bills for a fixed budget, making it much easier to manage your cash flow. This includes managed IT support for remote and hybrid teams, ensuring everyone has the same level of security regardless of where they are working.

3. IT Consultancy: The Strategic Map

While managed services keep your current setup running, IT consultancy is about what comes next.

Big Picture Projects: This is for when you’re moving to the cloud, overhauling your infrastructure, or trying to figure out a three-year growth plan.
Expert Insight: Consultants act like a part-time CTO. They ensure you don’t waste thousands of pounds on “cheap” gear that won’t actually scale with your business.

Making the Choice

If you are still operating on a “Break/Fix” basis, you are essentially gambling that your tech won’t fail at a critical moment. Most growing SMEs find that a hybrid of Managed Services for daily peace of mind and IT Consultancy for big-picture planning is the most efficient way to scale.

Is your current IT setup actually helping you grow, or is it just another thing to worry about?

Let’s have a straightforward conversation about what your business actually needs. Contact us at 03300 584441 or email us on [email protected].