How SME's Can Reduce IT Costs Without Compromising Performance

Running a small to medium-sized business is challenging enough without the stress of spiralling IT costs. But are you sure you're not paying more than you need to for tech services? Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your IT budget lean without compromising quality or security.

1. Check If You’re Overpaying for Basic Services

IT expenses can add up fast, but there’s a benchmark range for most services. Compare your monthly bills to see if you’re staying within these ranges:

• IT Support: £25-£65 per person per month
• Broadband: £35-£65 per office location per month
• Business Phone System: £10-£15 per person per month
• Microsoft Licensing: Prices vary, but it’s easy to check the latest rates on Microsoft’s website to ensure you're not paying more than necessary.

If you’re consistently paying above these benchmarks, it’s worth asking why. Often, businesses fall into the trap of paying for legacy plans or services that no longer serve their needs. A quick review can uncover potential savings right away.

2. Avoid Paying Twice for the Same Tools

Many businesses pay for duplicate services without realizing it. For instance, if you’re subscribed to Microsoft 365, you already have access to tools like video conferencing, meeting booking, and file hosting—features that may also be covered by standalone tools you’re paying for. Here’s a quick checklist of tools included with Microsoft 365:

• Microsoft Teams: For video calls and team messaging
• OneDrive/SharePoint: For file storage and sharing
• Outlook Calendar: For scheduling meetings and booking resources
• Microsoft Forms: For creating surveys and capturing feedback.

A simple audit of your subscriptions can reveal overlap, potentially allowing you to cancel redundant services and keep more cash in your business.

3. Is Your IT Provider Helping You Save?

Your IT provider should be more than just a support service—they should be a partner in helping you achieve your business goals, including reducing costs. Ask yourself:

• Do they review your licenses regularly?
  Over-allocating licenses or paying for features your team doesn’t use is a common drain on resources.
• Do they provide cost-saving insights?
  A proactive MSP will identify inefficiencies and suggest alternatives that align with your goals, such as consolidating services or leveraging tools already included in your subscriptions.
• Are their support services comprehensive?
  If you’re constantly billed for ad-hoc work or unexpected issues, it’s time to reassess. A well-structured support package should minimize hidden costs.

4. Book a Free IT Cost Review and Save 5-10% on Your Tech Spend

At Genmar, we specialize in helping small businesses streamline their tech budgets. Our no-obligation cost review gives you a detailed report of your current tech expenses and where you can cut back. On average, we help our clients save 5-10% on their IT spend.

What’s included in your free review?

• A detailed analysis of your IT expenses compared against market averages.
• Recommendations to eliminate unnecessary costs.
• Suggestions for optimizing your tools and services.

Ready to see how much you can save? Book your free audit today!

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