Managed IT vs Break-Fix IT: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Managed IT is proactive and predictable. Break-fix is reactive and unpredictable. For any business where IT downtime affects revenue, managed IT is the better model.
Key Facts
Managed IT vs Break-Fix: Comparison
| Feature | Managed IT (MSP)£30–£80/user/moRecommended | Break-Fix£80–£150/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Proactive monitoring | ||
| Guaranteed response times | ||
| Predictable monthly cost | ||
| Patch management | ||
| Security included | ||
| Strategic IT planning | ||
| 24/7 support available | Rarely | |
| Dedicated account manager |
When to Choose Each Model
Choose Managed IT if...
IT downtime affects your productivity or revenue. You want predictable costs. You need cybersecurity integrated into your IT support. You want proactive monitoring that prevents problems before they occur.
Break-fix might suit you if...
You have very minimal IT (under 5 staff with basic needs) and high tolerance for downtime. However, even small businesses increasingly benefit from managed IT as their dependence on technology grows.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
A 30-person business on managed IT pays approximately £900–£2,400/month (all-inclusive). The same business using break-fix might pay less in quiet months, but a single major incident (server failure, ransomware, network outage) can cost £5,000–£20,000 in emergency callout fees, recovery costs, and lost productivity. Managed IT prevents most incidents from occurring.
Get a managed IT quoteThe AMVIA Recommendation
The AMVIA Recommendation
We recommend managed IT for any business with more than five users relying on IT to operate. The predictable monthly cost, proactive monitoring, and guaranteed response times outweigh the apparent cost saving of break-fix. AMVIA's managed IT service starts from £35 per user per month and includes unlimited helpdesk, patch management, and security monitoring.
Get a Free IT AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
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.
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 typically includes proactive monitoring, helpdesk access, patch management, backup management, security management, and regular reviews. There are 12,867 active MSPs in the UK generating £51 billion in annual revenue. 49% of UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap, making external support essential.
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.
Switch to Proactive IT Support
Book a free assessment and find out how managed IT can reduce your costs and improve reliability.