Short answer: managed IT support for a Sussex business costs from £65 per user per month (ex VAT). Organisations that need built-in cyber security typically pay £89 per user per month. For 20 users that is £1,300 to £1,780 a month, with unlimited remote support and a 2-hour response time for critical issues.
Last updated: 17 October 2026. Written by Yann Davies, Managing Director, ABCOM. ABCOM has supported Sussex organisations from Burgess Hill since 1996 and is an NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor, Cyber Essentials).
ABCOM pricing at a glance (ex VAT)
| ABCOM Core | ABCOM Core Secure (recommended) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £65 per user per month | £89 per user per month |
| 20 users | £1,300/month | £1,780/month |
| Best for | Reliable, well-managed IT support | Organisations needing built-in cyber resilience |
| Unlimited remote support | Yes | Yes |
| 2-hour response for critical issues | Yes | Yes |
| Proactive monitoring and patching | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 support | Yes | Yes |
| Managed antivirus and endpoint protection | Yes | Yes |
| Continuous vulnerability monitoring | No | Yes |
| Security baseline configuration | No | Yes |
| Cyber Essentials-aligned controls | No | Yes |
| Monthly security reporting | No | Yes |
Cyber insurance, Cyber Essentials and most regulatory frameworks typically need Core Secure or above. The service desk runs Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and security monitoring runs 24/7. See the full ABCOM Core and Core Secure plans.
What’s usually included in managed IT support
Managed IT support normally covers the helpdesk, remote support, patching, monitoring, Microsoft 365 administration and endpoint protection. Both ABCOM plans include these with no hidden extras for everyday support.
Usually priced separately: hardware, projects, penetration testing, Cyber Essentials certification fees, Microsoft 365 backup (an optional extra on both plans), and on-site visits. Remote helpdesk support is included. On-site work is charged at £80 per hour, with no call-out charge for clients under contract.
Managed IT support vs hiring an in-house technician
An in-house IT technician costs about £32,700 a year (a £28,500 salary plus 15% employer’s National Insurance and 3% pension), before software, training, holiday and sickness cover. ABCOM Core for 20 users costs £15,600 a year (£65 x 20 x 12). For the full breakdown, read in-house vs outsourced IT support.
What changes the price
- Number of users (the price is per user)
- Security level (Core or Core Secure)
- Compliance needs (Cyber Essentials, cyber insurance requirements)
- Hardware and project work, which is quoted separately
- Microsoft 365 licences and add-ons
6 questions to ask before you sign any IT support contract
- What is the guaranteed response time? (ABCOM: 2 hours for critical issues.)
- Is security (endpoint protection, monitoring) included or extra?
- Where is the helpdesk based, and who is my named contact?
- What is the minimum term and notice period? (ABCOM: Start on a 90-day agreement or choose a 12-month term; then 1 month notice.)
- What happens to my admin credentials and data if I leave?
- Will you help us meet Cyber Essentials and cyber insurance requirements?
Frequently asked questions
How much does IT support cost per user per month in the UK?
ABCOM’s managed IT support starts at £65 per user per month ex VAT, and £89 per user per month with built-in cyber security. Prices elsewhere vary with the services included, so compare what the fee covers and not only the headline figure.
Is managed IT support worth it for a small business?
For most businesses with five or more users, yes. A fixed monthly fee replaces unpredictable repair bills, and it includes patching, monitoring and endpoint protection that reduce incidents.
What is the difference between IT support and managed IT services?
IT support fixes problems when they happen. Managed IT services also monitor, patch and secure your systems so fewer problems happen in the first place.
How long is the contract?
ABCOM’s managed IT support is a Start on a 90-day agreement or choose a 12-month term; then 1 month notice.
Are on-site visits included?
Remote helpdesk support is included. On-site visits are charged at £80 per hour, with no call-out charge for clients under contract.
Is Microsoft 365 backup included?
No. It is an optional extra on both Core and Core Secure.
Do I need Core Secure?
If you need Cyber Essentials, hold cyber insurance, or work under regulatory requirements, you will typically need Core Secure or above.
Do you cover my area?
We support businesses in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, Lewes, Eastbourne and London, with remote support across the UK.
Get an exact quote
Book a free, no-obligation IT review with ABCOM on 01444 871200 or at hello@abcom.co.uk.