Why More UK Businesses Are Turning to Co-Managed IT Services 

As digital demands grow and internal IT teams feel the pressure, a growing number of UK SMEs and mid-market businesses are rethinking their approach to IT support. Rather than fully outsourcing or continuing to stretch internal teams, many are embracing a hybrid solution: Co-Managed IT Services. 

This collaborative model allows businesses to keep control of their systems while partnering with an external provider for extra capacity, technical expertise, and added resilience. And the benefits are clear. 

Co-Managed IT Services help reduce IT team workload 

According to recent UK research, businesses using co-managed IT services see up to a 50% reduction in internal IT workload¹. By handing off routine tasks such as patching, monitoring, and backup to a trusted partner, internal teams can shift their focus to strategic projects, business growth, and innovation. 

This not only improves operational efficiency but also boosts morale. In fact, companies that introduced co-managed IT reported a 76% increase in team satisfaction², as staff were no longer overwhelmed with firefighting or stretched across too many responsibilities. 

Significant cost savings without losing control 

Cost remains a key driver. UK businesses switching to co-managed IT report 25–45% savings on IT operational costs³. This is due to better resource allocation, reduced downtime, and the ability to access enterprise-grade expertise without hiring full-time specialists. 

What makes this model particularly attractive is its flexibility. Businesses can scale support up or down as needed, ensuring they’re only paying for what they use - ideal for growing or seasonal organisations that don’t want to be tied into rigid contracts. 

Better resilience and fewer outages 

One of the lesser-known benefits of co-managed IT is its impact on business continuity. Research shows companies using a managed or co-managed model experience 60% fewer unplanned outages⁴. With proactive monitoring and support available around the clock, issues are caught early - before they escalate into serious problems. 

For many UK SMEs, where downtime can cost thousands per hour, this level of protection makes co-managed IT not just a convenience, but a strategic necessity. 

A smarter way to support in-house IT teams 

Co-managed IT is not about replacing internal teams, it’s about reinforcing them. Whether you’re dealing with cyber threats, cloud migration, compliance pressures, or limited in-house capacity, having a partner like Kick working alongside your team can make a measurable difference. 

As more UK organisations adopt this model, it’s clear that co-managed services offer a balance between control and support. They empower IT teams to deliver more, without burning out or overextending resources. 

Looking to strengthen your internal IT function? 
Explore Kick’s Co-Managed IT Services and discover how we help your business reduce pressure, increase resilience, and stay secure. 

Sources