Managed IT Provider vs In-House IT Team: A Full Comparison
A practical comparison for UK businesses — covering features, costs, and which option suits different requirements.
Key Facts
Managed IT Provider vs In-House IT Team
| Feature | Managed IT Provider | In-House IT Team |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Depends on requirements | Depends on requirements |
| UK Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
| Typical Cost | Varies | Varies |
| Complexity | Varies | Varies |
When to Choose Each Option
Guidance based on your business requirements.
Choose Managed IT Provider When
Your business has specific requirements that favour this approach. Budget and resources align with this solution. Your existing infrastructure supports it
Choose In-House IT Team When
Your business needs a different approach. You have different budget considerations. Your team has relevant experience
Cost Considerations
Both Managed IT Provider and In-House IT Team have different cost profiles. The right choice depends on your business size, existing infrastructure, and specific requirements. AMVIA can help you evaluate which option delivers the best value for your situation.
The AMVIA Recommendation
The AMVIA Recommendation
For businesses under 100 users, an MSP delivers better coverage, broader expertise, and lower total cost than a single in-house hire. AMVIA's managed IT service gives you a full support team — helpdesk, infrastructure, networking, and security specialists — for £35–£75 per user per month. Consider co-managed IT when you already have internal IT staff who need additional capacity.
Get a Free IT AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
An MSP manages your IT infrastructure and support. An MSSP specialises in cybersecurity — running SOC operations, MDR, and incident response. Only 22% of UK MSPs perform cybersecurity-related activities. AMVIA combines both capabilities for a complete managed service.
Managed IT support for UK SMEs typically costs £50-£150 per user per month depending on scope. This usually covers helpdesk, monitoring, patch management, and basic security. Adding cybersecurity services increases costs but protects against average breach costs of £3,550 per incident.
49% of UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap. The median salary for a UK cyber security role is £55,000, with a 12% premium over equivalent IT roles. For businesses with 10-250 staff, outsourcing typically provides broader expertise at lower total cost than hiring in-house.
Co-managed IT supplements your existing IT team with external specialist support. Your team retains control of day-to-day operations while the MSP provides expertise in areas like cybersecurity, cloud management, or after-hours coverage. This model is ideal for businesses with 50-250 staff whose IT team is stretched.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
AMVIA can assess your requirements and recommend the right solution.