Managing cloud migration, cybersecurity, and your IT stack – all of which somehow always needs to be updated – while juggling turning a profit is more than a full-time job. It’s downright impossible without the right team, the right expertise. That’s where managed service providers come in.
Managed service providers (MSPs) are third-party companies who are the experts you need. Be it revamping your site, updating your hybrid environment, or outsourcing your entire IT team, MSPs can help, no matter if you are running a startup or enterprise, FinTech or retail company.
But MSPs evolve just as quickly as technology. In 2022, the UK MSP market generated a combined annual revenue of £52.6 billion, and that’s only projected to grow in 2024. Finding the right MSP for your project can be a lengthy and painful process – which is why we’ve narrowed things down for you to our top 10 MSPs in the UK of 2024.
What Features Should You Look For In Managed Service Providers in 2024?
Before we tell you what managed service providers you should be calling, let us explain our criteria for ranking these MSPs.
We considered five main factors:
- Monitoring and support. MSPs typically provide 24/7 helpdesks and monitoring dashboards. Providers that rank highly in this category are known for turning all-hands-on-deck problems into FYI emails.
- Security. Ultimately, all growth is for nothing if your data isn’t safe. All of the MSPs listed here can improve your data security, but those that rank highly in this category are cybersecurity experts.
- Scalability. MSPs that are able to grow with your company are ideal.
- Transparency and cost. You need to be able to trust your MSP. Since some MSPs aren’t transparent about their costs, these two features are combined.
- Reputation and reviews. When interviewing MSPs, feel free to ask for testimonials and case studies.
Top 10 MSPs in the UK
Here are our top 10 MSPs in the UK at a glance:
| MSP | Monitoring | Security | Scalability | Cost | Reviews | Rating |
| Transputec Ltd | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Andersen Inc. | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Wanstor | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Content+Cloud | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Wavex | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.3 |
| Version 1 | 4 | 3.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4.2 |
| AirIT | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.2 |
| Claranet | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.2 |
| Babble | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.1 |
| Dotsquares | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Best MSP for Mid-Market: Transputec
If you’re a mid-market company looking for an award-winning MSP with over 35 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT managed services, cloud consulting, and custom software development, Transputec Ltd is the choice for you. This MSP is known for its customer-centric excellence and ability to transform complexities into cost-effectiveness.
Services offered include managed IT services, software development, cyber threat management, detection, and response, cloud consulting, and AI development. This MSP has experience working with FinTech, hospitality, e-commerce, media, and gambling industries, with the vast majority of its clients being mid-market size.
Price
Typical project sizes range from $50,000 to $199,999, with minimum project sizes starting at $5,000. Transputec usually charges between $100 to $149 per hour.
International Locations
With locations in the UK, USA, Europe, India, South Africa, and the Philippines, this international MSP will have team members available 24/7 for your tech needs.
Pros
Reviews speak to Transputec’s wide variety of services for companies of mid-market size for almost any industry. From managed IT services, migrating on-premise hosting to AWS, to leveraging a security-as-a-service platform to prevent malware, phishing attacks, and data loss, Transputec’s expertise with mid-market companies for almost any ask is clear.
Cons
Transputec’s main con is that it focuses mainly on mid-market companies. It still has experience working with startups and enterprises, but since that isn’t where its decades of experience lie, if you’re looking for an MSP that can hit the ground running with your startup or enterprise, you should keep scrolling!
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Transputec a 4.7. With decades of experience in almost all fields of managed IT services, this is the ideal pick for mid-market organizations!
Best MSP for FinTech: Andersen Inc.
Working in FinTech means you’ll want an MSP that won’t stumble through common regulations and compliances. Over 20% of Andersen Inc.’s customers are in the finance industry, so it’s well-acquainted with the rules. If you need help with automating business flows and/or implementing innovative software systems in FinTech, insurance, investment, or banking, this is MSP for you.
Common services provided include customer software and mobile app development, and IT-managed services, application testing, and DevOps services. With over a decade of experience, both in the UK and internationally, you’ll be in good hands with Andersen.
Price
Minimum project size starts at $50,000. Project sizes vary from $50,000 to $199,999. Per-hour costs range from $50 to $99 per hour.
International Locations
A very international MSP, Andersen has locations across the globe in the USA, Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, the UAE, and the UK.
Pros
Previous clients speak of how Andersen has created and improved Telehealth, patient monitoring, and custom-made orders. Reviews speak to how projects are delivered quickly and with notable quality. Andersen also helps with cloud-native and hybrid development, and cloud consulting and migration, so it’s a very rounded MSP.
Cons
With that said, Andersen’s client base is 60% small businesses, with only 30% being mid-market and 10% enterprise, so it’s more inexperienced working with larger organizations.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Andersen Inc. a 4.5. If you’re a FinTech company looking for full-stack support, you’ve found the MSP for you, but you might want to keep looking if you’re an enterprise-sized company.
Jack of All Trades: Wanstor
With over 20 years of experience, Wanstor is our go-to jack-of-all-trades MSP recommendation. Having worked with companies across the UK, offering IT services and solutions that are guaranteed to transform and optimize your tech stack, if you’re looking for an experienced MSP that can help you no matter your project ask, this is the choice for you.
Wanstor’s service offerings include cloud infrastructure strategy, management, and optimizations for public, private, and hybrid cloud, as well as networking and connectivity, security and compliance, managed IT services, and general consultancy services. Having worked with companies in the retail, FinTech, education, not-for-profit, and hospitality sectors, Wester is a perfectly rounded jack of all trades MSP.
Price
Wanstor offers custom pricing models for clients that vary depending on your project ask and company size.
International Locations
Wanstor is a UK-based MSP with an office in London. It does not have any international locations.
Pros
Expect knowledgeable partners and complete end-to-end IT solutions. Wanstor’s reviews speak to how Wanstor has helped with everything from new intranet site structures to perfectly delivering client needs.
Cons
There are only two downsides if you go with Wanstor: First, if you’re looking for an expert in one area, this isn’t the MSP for you. Wanstor is very much a jack of all trades, master of none. Second, it isn’t as clear on pricing models as the other MSPs on this list.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Wanstor a 4.4. There is a lack of clarity on pricing, but if you need full support for your IT and help migrating to the cloud and might want some cybersecurity services, this is a great MSP for you.
Best for Cloud Support: Content+Cloud
Get all the cloud support you need from award-winning MSP Content+Cloud. Offerings include comprehensive managed IT services for global clients across all sectors and for businesses of all sizes. Previous clients include those in communications, construction and engineering, FinTech, legal, manufacturing, the public sector, and more.
Working with Cloud+Content means you don’t need to sweat the details with your cloud migration or optimization strategy. With years of expertise with the Microsoft suite, all forms of managed services, and, of course, extensive migration and cloud hybridization, you can rest easy knowing your organization is in good hands.
Price
Content+Cloud has custom pricing models. Prices vary depending on your project ask, industry type, and company size.
International Locations
Content+Cloud has offices across the UK, as well as in South Africa.
Pros
Previous clients speak to how Cloud+Content has built sophisticated and efficient IT strategies and technology. With a focus on client success and on-demand support, you can expect a 24/7 helpdesk and support 365 days a year.
Cons
Content+Cloud is not very upfront about cost, which is our biggest con. It also doesn’t offer extensive cybersecurity services.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Content+Cloud a 4.3. Cybersecurity services and vagueness around pricing aside, if you have the budget and need help in the cloud, Cloud+Content is a great choice.
Best for IT Managed Services: Wavex
If you’re looking for IT managed services, you can’t go wrong by picking award-winning Wavex Technology with its nearly 30 years of experience. Expect Wavex to design and deliver custom solutions designed to meet client needs for a range of IT, cloud, end-user services, connectivity, cybersecurity, or infrastructure projects.
Wavex has experience working with clients in FinTech, business, legal, non-profits, real estate, and more, so there’s no long on-boarding process while your MSP has to learn about regulations and rules.
Price
Minimum project size is $5,000. Hourly rates range from $100 to $149, though this varies depending on the project ask, industry, and company size.
International Locations
Wavex has one office located in London.
Pros
Wavex has almost three decades of experience helping companies of all industries and sizes optimize tech stack proficiency. Reviews speak to how Wavex is timely, always available for questions, and knowledgeable.
Cons
Wavex’s prices are more expensive than other MSPs on this list. You’re paying for quality, make no mistake, but quality costs money. Wavex is also not as experienced with cloud consulting.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Wavex Technology a 4.3. If you’re looking for IT-managed services, look no further. But if you need intricate cloud support or are looking to save on budget, keep scrolling!
Top MSP for Digital Transformation: Version1
Optimizing your tech stack is an intimidating process. Version1’s team of over 3000 experts has been trained on how to make that transformation seamless. Having worked with global brands to deliver IT solutions for almost 30 years, this MSP specializes in software development, cloud computing, software asset management, management consulting, and outsourcing.
With experience in application modernization, AI, cloud transformation, and having worked with tech companies, FinOps organizations, and even clients in the government sector, Version 1 has the experience needed to guide a complete digital transformation.
Price
Version 1 offers a custom pricing model with a sliding scale of prices depending on project ask, company size, or industry.
International Locations
Version 1 has offices around the globe, with their main branches located in Ireland and the UK, and locations as well in the US, Australia, India, Spain, and Slovenia.
Pros
Reviews speak to Version 1’s ability to deliver ahead of schedule, and its expertise in complex industries. With a 98% retention rate, clients stay with Version 1 because it delivers the results they need. Expect a focus on customer success and KPIs.
Cons
Version 1 is our go-to for digital transformations, but it is vague on its pricing model. It also isn’t the best choice in terms of cybersecurity.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Version 1 a 4.2. Its main faults lie with its lack of cybersecurity services and its vague pricing model. If you’re looking for an MSP that can help herald a complete digital transformation to optimize your tech stack, reduce costs, and increase efficiency, this is the best pick for you.
Best MSP for Nonprofits: AirIT
Get comprehensive expertise for cybersecurity, business intelligence, communications, and IT from an award-winning MSP known for supporting charities and nonprofits. AirIT has experience in the FinTech, education, legal, construction, and sports sectors.
With nearly two decades of experience working with clients from local SMBs to enterprises, your IT managed services, IT strategy consulting, and cloud consulting will be in good hands here. AirIT can help you either fully outsource your IT team or support your own IT team as needed.
Price
Minimum project size is $5,000. Hourly rates can range from $100 to $150, though this varies depending on your company size and project ask.
International Locations
With almost 10 offices across London and a 24/7 support location in Kuala Lumpur, AirIT is available to offer support any hour of the day.
Pros
Reviews speak to how AirIT’s smooth processes, quick support, and hands-on expertise for projects ranging from network upgrades and migration to general IT support to system development are stellar. As a trusted ICT partner for over 400 clients and the number one managed service provider in the East Midlands, AirIT is an easy choice for nonprofits. It’s also very transparent as far as costs.
Cons
For all that AirIT is a great choice for non-profits, it is a bit costlier. It also doesn’t have as many reviews as other MSPs on this list, though the reviews it has speak to its expertise.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate AirIT a 4.2. Its lack of reviews and higher prices bring it down, but overall, it’s a great choice for any non-profits looking for the support of a managed service provider.
Best for Cybersecurity: Claranet
Upgrade your cybersecurity while modernizing your critical applications and infrastructure with Claranet‘s 30+ years of experience and over 2,000 technical experts. With MSP certifications from the major hyperscalers as a gold partner of Microsoft Azure, a premier partner of Google Cloud, and a consulting partner of AWS, your project will be well-handled with this MSP.
Claranet has worked with clients in retail, FinTech, media and entertainment, housing and construction, the public sector, and more. Though Claranet excels at cybersecurity, it can also help you optimize your cloud services, modernize your workplace, and establish secure and efficient networks.
Price
Claranet provides custom pricing models. Prices vary depending on company size, project ask, and industry.
International Locations
Claranet has offices across the UK, Europe, the US, India, and Brazil.
Pros
Having been positioned in Gartner’s Magic Quadrants every year since 2013 and been awarded the Cloud Excellence, Times International Track, and Profile and Tech Track awards, Claranet’s expertise is clear. With a fully integrated MPLS network and top-quality infrastructure, Claranet provides scalable and ultra-reliable hosting and management services with ease.
Cons
Claranet is not as straightforward about pricing. As expected with larger companies, some of the reviews are more varied, speaking to how sales and tech experts can sometimes be slower in responding to messages.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Claranet a 4.2. This is a great choice if you’re looking for cybersecurity, guidance on the cloud, or updating your tech stack, but the reviews and pricing visibility are not as good as the other MSPs on our list.
Best for SMB: Babble
With more than a decade of experience in the cloud and winner of awards including “Best SME Contact Center” and Microsoft’s Partner of the Year, Babble is our recommendation for any SMB looking for an MSP. Having exploded in growth in the last five years, Babble, has 20,000 customers, and is known for its top-of-the-market cloud solutions and technical expertise.
Babble’s services also include tech modernization, cybersecurity, connectivity, and contact center assistance. It has experience working in industries from FinTech to retail to staffing and more, and a dedication to charity and the environment.
Price
Babble offers custom pricing services that vary depending on your company size, industry, and project ask.
International Locations
Babble has offices across the UK, but no international locations.
Pros
Babble’s reviews speak to how this MSP provides flexible, customized, and efficient support, and how Babble has excellent helpdesk support at a comfortable price. It’s no surprise that Babble’s many awards are well deserved.
Cons
With that said, some reviews for Babble are not as glowing. Of course, any company will have some negative reviews, but since Babble has developed largely through acquisition, there are some notable growing pains as its new customers adjust to service from a different MSP.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Babble a 4.1. It’s a great choice for you if you’re looking for tech support of any kind for your SMB, but be aware that by picking a larger company grown through acquisition, there will be some bumps.
Best MSP for Limited Budget: Dotsquares
Need development, IT, or cloud consulting support on a smaller budget? Dotsquares is the best choice for you.
Dotsquares has more than 20 years of experience in IT. Typical offerings include web, app, custom software development, CRM and cloud consulting, and blockchain. Current clients include energy and natural resources, finance, real estate, retail, eCommerce, advertising and marketing, and medical industries.
Price
Minimum project sizes are $5,000, with typical project sizes between $10,000 to $49,000. Dotsquares offers a custom hourly rate.
International Locations
Dotsquares has locations around the globe, with their main office located in the UK, but branches also in the USA, UAE, Europe, Australia, India, and Canada.
Pros
Dotsquares has worked on over 20,000 projects for almost 13,000 different clients. Dotsquares’ team of over 1,000 employees can meet you stride for stride no matter the project, be it game development, cloud solutions or hosting services, web design, or even CRM implementation.
Cons
Our biggest drawback for this MSP is the reviews. Some reviews report that Dotsquare’s communication could be unclear. The overall deliverable was commendable, but improved communication could have meant less work on both sides.
Overall Rating
Overall, we rate Dotsquares a 4. Their main con is their reviews, though stellar, are not as glowing as other MSPs on this list.
David Drai
CEO & Co-Founder, Anodot
David is dedicated to helping companies uncover business insights with AI analytics, backed by a strong background in leading tech innovations.
TIPS FROM THE EXPERT
1. Choose MSPs with industry expertise
Make sure your chosen MSP has experience in your industry, whether it’s FinTech, healthcare, or retail for the perfect fit.
2. Consider scalability needs
Ensure your MSP can scale as your business grows. Look for providers which can scale their services to accommodate businesses of various sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
3. Evaluate 24/7 support capabilities
Round-the-clock support is crucial for minimizing downtime. MSPs offer 24/7 helpdesk and monitoring services, which can help keep your operations running smoothly, no matter the time zone or crisis.
4. Assess transparency and pricing
Understanding the pricing structure upfront is key to budgeting and trust. Transparent MSPs provide clear pricing models, ensuring that there are no surprises when it comes to costs. Avoid MSPs with unpredictable or opaque pricing schemes.
5. Ensure comprehensive cloud support
If you’re migrating or optimizing your cloud infrastructure, look for MSPs with proven cloud expertise. They can help manage public, private, or hybrid clouds, ensuring seamless transitions and optimizations.
MSP FAQ
What Exactly Is an MSP?
An MSP is a third-party IT provider. Expect to work with experts on all things tech, including cloud and hybrid guidance, frontend and backend development, and, of course, AI development. Some MSPs specialize in certain industries with trickier regulations (like FinTech), while others specialize in certain offerings (like cybersecurity).
What Kind of MSP Do I Need?
Keep in mind what you need from your MSP. This is the biggest deciding factor when finding the best MSP for your business. Looking at MSPs according to your industry and company size is also helpful. For example, if you’re a healthcare organization, you will likely want to work with a provider who has previous experience in navigating HIPAA or PHI.
If you’re migrating to the cloud or optimizing your hybrid environment, consider any supplemental tools you might need. Calculating cloud costs is difficult, and even harder is justifying them and the cost of working with an MSP to improve your cloud strategy.
That’s where Anodot comes in.
Get Support For the Cloud
Don’t sweat calculating cloud costs. Get a tool that can crunch the numbers for you with one click. Determine how much ROI you’re getting from the cloud with an easy-to-use dashboard and data down to the hour – with retention periods up to 18 to 24 months. Anodot’s cloud cost management tools make cost visualization simple. You’ll be able to get all of your multicloud and K8 data in one place. Cloud budget adjustments have never been easier.
Anodot’s tool is designed for FinOps. We work with your team to identify and optimize cloud irregularities. Our tools can blend seamlessly with your MSP partner, so you can cut up to 40% on wasteful cloud costs and optimize your IT stack at the same time.
Need proof of concept? Talk to us for more insight into cloud usage, costs, and how much you can save with Anodot’s tools.
Written by Anodot
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