Guide · Managed IT
What is managed IT support?
Managed IT support means an outside team looks after your computers, network, Microsoft 365 and security for a fixed monthly fee, and works to prevent problems instead of waiting for you to call.
By the PC1 support team · Updated October 2026
The short answer
A fixed fee for keeping your IT running.
A managed IT provider monitors your devices and systems around the clock, applies updates, manages accounts and security, and fixes problems, often before anyone notices. You pay a predictable monthly fee, usually per user or per device, instead of paying by the hour when something breaks.
Compared
Managed IT support vs break-fix.
| Managed IT support | Break-fix (pay as you go) | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Fixed monthly fee | Hourly or per job |
| When work happens | Continuously: monitoring, patching, maintenance | Only after something breaks |
| Security | Updates, backups and protection managed for you | Usually left to you |
| Budgeting | Predictable | Unpredictable, with spikes after failures |
| Best for | Organisations that rely on IT every day | Very small setups with few devices |
What's included
What a managed service usually covers.
- 24/7 monitoring and patching of laptops, PCs and servers.
- A helpdesk your staff can call, email or reach by remote session.
- Microsoft 365 administration: accounts, licences, MFA and email security.
- Backup and disaster recovery that is tested, not assumed.
- Network, firewall and Wi‑Fi management.
- Onboarding and offboarding of staff and devices.
- Regular reports and reviews of what has changed and what is due.
See exactly what is in PC1 managed IT support.
Cost
What does managed IT support cost?
Most UK providers charge per user per month. The price depends on what is included, the response times and whether security tools such as EDR and a SOC are bundled. PC1 managed IT support starts from £30 per user per month. That covers 24/7 remote monitoring and patching, helpdesk support from our Swansea engineers with one-click remote sessions, and Microsoft 365 administration. Backup, disaster recovery and security tools such as EDR and SOC monitoring can be added, so you only pay for what you need.
Choosing a provider
Seven questions to ask before you sign.
- What exactly is included, and what is charged extra?
- What are the response and fix times, in writing?
- Will I speak to a named team or a call centre?
- How are backups tested, and how often?
- Do you hold Cyber Essentials yourselves?
- How long is the contract, and what happens at the end?
- Can you show case studies from organisations like ours?
Managed IT questions
What people ask before switching.
What is the difference between managed IT and break-fix support?
What should a managed IT contract include?
Is managed IT support worth it for a small business?
Can a managed provider work with our in-house IT person?
How long are managed IT contracts?
Free IT & security cost review
See what managed IT would cost you, in writing.
Send us your current IT, security, phone and CCTV costs. Within two working days a senior engineer sends back a written comparison showing where you are overpaying and what we would change. No obligation, no sales script.
- Reply within one working day
- Fixed prices, in writing
- A senior engineer, not a salesperson