How to Compare UK IT Support Companies for 10–100 Employees

Updated 26 September 2026: The previous version listed providers as “best” using statistics and third-party claims that had not been independently verified, and its contents links pointed to a local file. This guide now explains how to compare providers using evidence you can request yourself.

There is no single best IT support company for every UK business with 10–100 employees. A team using laptops and Microsoft 365 has different needs from a business with several sites, specialist applications or round-the-clock operations. Start with your own requirements, then ask each candidate to respond to the same brief.

Describe the work you want covered

• Number of users, locations, devices and critical applications.
• Current identity, email, cloud and backup arrangements.
• Support hours, incident priorities and acceptable response routes.
• Any security, compliance or handover requirements.

Be specific about what your team will continue to own. For example, an MSP may administer a Microsoft 365 tenant while your business retains approval of who should receive access.

Ask each provider for comparable evidence

Request a written scope, sample reporting format, escalation route and named security contact. Ask for current evidence for any certification or partnership claim, including the entity and services covered. The NCSC’s MSP selection guidance includes due-diligence questions on access, security and contracts.

A reference from a customer with a similar setup can be useful if that customer agrees to speak with you. Reviews and retention figures published by a provider should be treated as its own claims unless the method and period are clear.

Compare the full cost and exit route

Different quotes may use per-user, per-device, project or combined pricing. Note setup work, onsite visits, after-hours incidents, licensing, backup, security tooling and changes that are excluded. Check minimum terms, notice periods, renewal increases and what assistance you will receive if you leave.

Use a simple decision record

Score each provider against the same five dimensions: fit to your systems, support process, security evidence, total cost and exit clarity. Record the evidence behind each score. A small trial or onboarding plan can reveal more than a polished sales presentation.

If the work crosses day-to-day support, tenant security or Cyber Essentials readiness, ask who will lead and how the specialist handoff will work. Kilwhiss Support handles managed IT enquiries; Kilwhiss 365 and Kilwhiss Tech handle their own specialist scopes. Our managed IT buyer checklist gives you a set of questions to take to any provider.