Top 5 Benefits of 24/7 IT Support for Businesses

29th May 2024

In an era where business never stops, 24/7 IT support is essential. Many small and medium-sized businesses mistakenly believe they aren’t prime targets for cyber-attacks, assuming cybercriminals would focus on larger companies for a bigger payoff. This is demonstrably false.

According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey for 2024, around 70% of medium-sized businesses reported experiencing some form of cybersecurity breach or attack in the last 12 months, compared with 50% for all businesses^[1].

Boosted cyber security is just one benefit of outsourced IT support. Let’s look at how 24/7 IT services ensure your business stays competitive, secure, and efficient at all times.

1. Enhanced Productivity and Reduced Downtime

System downtime is bad for business. If a technical issue arises in the middle of the night, 24/7 IT support ensures it gets resolved quickly, maintaining business continuity and keeping workflows on track. But without this support, the issue could persist until morning, leading to missed deadlines, frustrated employees, and unhappy customers.

Considering that hourly downtime costs have risen 32% in the last seven years, swift IT assistance is even more important today than ever before. Reduced downtime not only improves efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens your business reputation. With systems always running smoothly, you can focus on more important tasks, like rolling out business automation and strategic growth initiatives.

2. Cost-efficiency and Resource Optimisation

Outsourced IT support is typically considerably cheaper than having a dedicated in-house team. The average salary for an IT manager in the UK is £55,063 per year, and that doesn’t include benefits, bonuses, and pension^[2]. Not to mention that you wouldn’t just need a manager, but a whole team. Outsourcing eliminates the need for staffing, extensive IT infrastructure, and ongoing training expenses. Plus, the UK, like everywhere else, is experiencing an IT skills gap, making it much harder to find local talent with the skills needed to handle modern IT infrastructure.

Instead of maintaining a full-time IT team, businesses can rely on external experts available around the clock. This approach not only cuts costs but also allows for better allocation of internal resources. Employees can focus on core business activities rather than IT issues, leading to long-term financial and operational benefits.

3. 24/7 IT Security and Proactive Monitoring

Cybercrime is rife. Between June 2022 and May 2023, there were 214,000 reports of cyber-enabled crime in the UK, resulting in £1.7 billion of reported financial losses^[3]. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 estimates that the most disruptive breach in the last 12 months cost each business an average of £1,205, with medium and large businesses facing an average loss of £10,830^[4].

In this climate, constant vigilance is essential. 24/7 IT support plays a crucial role in identifying potential risks before they become serious issues. We offer comprehensive solutions like anti-spam protection, backup monitoring and test restores, multi-factor authentication (MFA), next-gen antivirus, and managed detection and response using SIEM software. We also conduct yearly security business reviews and security visits to assess digital infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and address compliance gaps. In other words, BCS ensures continuous protection and immediate action against threats so that businesses can focus on growth and innovation without the constant worry of cyber threats.

4. Scalability, Flexibility, and 24/7 Access to Cyber Security Expertise

Scaling IT infrastructure in-house is challenging and costly. You might have to invest in new hardware, software, and additional staff, all of which can strain your budget and resources. In contrast, 24/7 IT support adapts to the evolving needs of a growing business, providing scalable solutions without the overhead. At the same time, immediate access to cybersecurity experts ensures continuous protection, offering a strategic advantage. With round-the-clock IT support, your business benefits from enhanced flexibility and responsiveness, allowing you to stay ahead of threats and focus on what you do best.

5. Improved Customer Trust and Loyalty

Reliable customer experience is crucial for fostering trust and loyalty. When customers know they can depend on your business, they are more likely to remain loyal. 24/7 IT support enhances customer retention by resolving IT issues promptly, no matter when they occur. This immediate response ensures smooth operations and minimises disruptions, showing customers that their needs are a priority. Plus, building a reputation for reliability and customer-centric service not only strengthens existing relationships but also attracts new customers.

Summing Up

The necessity of 24/7 IT support for businesses cannot be overstated. It minimises downtime, boosts productivity, reduces costs, and enhances security through vigilant monitoring and threat detection. In an era of relentless cyber threats, continuous IT support is crucial to protect your digital assets and maintain business integrity.

Explore BCS’s 24/7 IT support services to fortify your defences and ensure your operations are unimpeded around the clock. For more information about 24/7 IT services or to schedule a consultation, visit us today. Secure your future with BCS.