Written by Jordan Westcott, Managing Director at Timewade
For SMEs, IT often becomes an afterthought, initially taken on by the owners at the business’s inception and later handed off to the admin team as the company starts to grow.
In today’s digital world, technology plays a crucial role in driving business growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the digitisation of businesses, highlighting the increasing importance of technology. However, many small businesses lack the necessary IT skills to effectively identify, implement, and manage their IT infrastructure. This lack of expertise hampers their growth potential and exposes them to various risks.
The risks of managing your own IT
Given the rapid advancements in technology, it is challenging for SMEs to keep up with the latest developments and associated risks without a dedicated IT team.
Skipping best practices
Small businesses often lack the specialised skills required to establish a comprehensive and systemised approach to IT management. As a result, their systems may not adhere to best practices, opening them up to operational, regulatory, compliance, and reputational risks.
Vulnerability to cyber risks
Managing IT without a specialist team or, access to up-to-date expertise and technology resources, can lead to outdated systems, leaving businesses vulnerable to cyber risks. In the UK last year, there were approximately 2.39 million instances of cyber crime. With the average annual cost of cyber crime around £15,300 per victim, keeping your employees, customers and data safe needs to be a priority.
Multiple hat syndrome
When a business is in its early development, it’s common for you and your team members to take on multiple areas at once. When IT is handled by someone wearing multiple hats, it may not receive the necessary prioritisation and attention, leading to neglected issues which can build up over time.
What does an IT support company do?
An IT support company offers specialist technical assistance to organisations, addressing issues related to their technology infrastructure, such as computers and networks. They also monitor your systems to identify and resolve any potential issues before they arise. Having an IT support company means you have a dedicated, expert team on hand to resolve and prevent technical issues, without needing to hire somebody in house, or to support your in-house team.
Why do you need an IT support company?
Promptly resolve issues
By engaging a dedicated IT support company, businesses can rely on their expertise to swiftly resolve any computer system or network issues. In case of emergencies that disrupt business operations due to technical failures, your IT support company can respond promptly, minimising downtime and getting your business back up and running quickly.
Optimise your systems
IT support teams can identify weaknesses in your network or computers, and work on improving those areas to optimise performance and usability. At Timewade, we take a proactive approach to technology, keeping your business ahead of the curve when it comes to making the most of new and upcoming technologies.
Save time and money
Managing IT internally uses valuable time and resources. Small business owners often take on multiple roles, and by outsourcing IT responsibilities to an external team, efficiency and cost-effectiveness can be improved.
Given that most businesses rely heavily on technology these days, investing in IT support can lead to long-term cost savings. With fixed monthly costs and no surprise fees or hidden charges, business owners can budget accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses.
Enhance security
Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern for small businesses, and with the rise of hybrid work environments, the need for robust security measures has become even more critical.. However, expert IT support can help mitigate these risks. Working with a team with experience in this area ensures that businesses have the best tools and systems in place to safeguard their data.
Growing a small business is challenging, and requires juggling multiple responsibilities, from managing finances to ensuring customer satisfaction. Dealing with IT-related issues is one frustration that can easily be alleviated by partnering with a reliable IT support partner. By doing so, business owners can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from expert support and reducing the risks associated with in-house IT management.
Get started on your technology journey with a free review of your IT and tech systems.
