What is managed IT support — and what should it actually include?
Managed IT support means one fixed monthly price per person covers everything: a responsive helpdesk, proactive monitoring, patching, cyber security and management of your Microsoft 365, Azure and devices. No hourly billing, no waiting for things to break. This page explains exactly what you should get — from us or anyone else.
Everything a proper MSP should cover. We cover it.
If a provider can't confirm all eight as standard, keep looking. (Yes — this list is a checklist you can use against our competitors.)
Helpdesk included
Phone, email and remote support 8am–6pm — unlimited on Complete and Secure+, no per-ticket charges.
Proactive monitoring
Every device and service watched continuously — most issues fixed before you notice them.
Patch management
Operating systems and apps kept up to date automatically across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
Endpoint protection
Microsoft Defender antivirus on every device as standard; 24/7 managed detection & response on our top plan.
Email security
Phishing, malware and impersonation filtering — the #1 attack route into small businesses.
Backup & recovery
Microsoft 365 data backed up and restore-tested. Because deleted ≠ recoverable without it.
Microsoft 365 & Azure
Licensing managed and right-sized, security configuration, identity, and ongoing administration of your whole Microsoft 365 environment.
Regular reviews
Quarterly service reviews, plain-English reporting and a technology roadmap that grows with you.
Managed support vs. break-fix: the honest comparison
With break-fix IT, you pay by the hour when something goes wrong. It feels cheap until the day your email is down, an invoice is diverted by a phishing attack, or a laptop with client data goes missing — and the person who "does your IT" is on another job.
With managed IT support, prevention is the product. Devices are patched before vulnerabilities are exploited, backups are tested before you need them, and support is included in the price — so nobody hesitates to report a problem while it's still small.
For a 10–50 person business, a fully managed plan typically costs less than half of one junior IT hire — and you get a whole team, toolset and security stack.
| Break-fix | Managed | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Per hour, per incident | Fixed per user/month |
| Incentive | More breakage = more billing | Prevention = profit |
| Security | Whatever you bought once | Layered, managed stack |
| Response | When available | Dedicated helpdesk |
| Budgeting | Unpredictable spikes | Flat and predictable |
| Leaving | Undocumented mess | Fair exit, docs handed over |
Your questions, answered with numbers
How much does managed IT support cost in the UK?+
UK SMBs typically pay £15–£150 per user per month depending on scope. Circuit Minds plans are £35 (Essentials), £55 (Complete) and £75 (Secure+) per user/month. Plans require Microsoft 365 Business Premium (or equivalent), billed separately at Microsoft's list price - we manage and right-size your licences. Most 10–50 person businesses choose the £55 plan.
Is managed IT support worth it for a 10-person business?+
Usually, yes. At £55/user, a 10-person team pays £550/month - versus around £28,000 a year in salary alone for a first-line IT hire (before employer costs, holidays and cover) - one person who can't be expert in security, cloud and support at once.
Do you make us sign a long contract?+
Our agreements are annual, but you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice during your first three months, no questions asked. If you ever leave at renewal, documentation is handed over properly.
What's included in each plan?+
Every plan covers your helpdesk, Microsoft 365 administration, device management, patching, Microsoft Defender antivirus, email filtering and safe sign-in rules. Complete adds unlimited support, advanced email security, Microsoft 365 backup and staff training. Secure+ adds 24/7 threat detection and response, dark web monitoring, vulnerability scanning and advanced sign-in protection. Compare plans.
What does "fair use" mean on Essentials?+
Normal day-to-day support for your team. If your usage is consistently far above typical, we'll talk about whether Complete fits better - we won't send surprise bills.
What are your support hours?+
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Secure+ adds 24/7 threat detection and response.
How does onboarding work?+
We start with the security audit, agree a plan, then take over from your current provider or setup - documenting everything, securing devices and accounts, and fixing the urgent issues. Onboarding is scoped and confirmed in writing before you sign.
Is there a minimum number of users?+
Yes - 5 users, or 10 on Secure+.
Do we need Microsoft 365 Business Premium?+
Our plans are built on it - it includes the device management, Defender protection and sign-in security we configure for you. If you're on a different licence, the audit shows what changing would cost.
Do you come on-site?+
Most support is remote and fast. When something needs hands-on help, we come to you across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire. On-site visits are charged per visit and quoted upfront.
How do we switch from our current IT provider?+
We handle it. Introduce us to your current provider and, with your consent, we'll start a knowledge transfer - and keep you updated if anything holds it up.
Fully managed IT, with 3 months to change your mind.
Cancel anytime with 30 days notice in your first 3 months, no questions asked. Start with the free Microsoft 365 security audit.