My experience is that for a small business, there are typically many well-priced, smaller IT solution companies. They are typically created by former, long term corporate IT workers. Common practices include having a store front, working on computers owned by individuals, doing "house-calls," often on contract for larger IT support companies, and providing competent small business solutions.

They will have virtual support so they can immediately access any of your desktops or peripherals if your staff experiences problems. For difficult challenges, they will come on site.

Hardware is typically stored at your site, unless you are hosting websites on their servers. These days, most tasks can be done virtually, even with hardware (using "integrated lights out" systems to virtually press the power buttons), but if a server goes down, you should get someone geographically close that can swap out parts and take responsibility.

MaxNet Limited is a solutions company in London.
NetStar is another support company in London.
InfraSup is yet another support company in London.

All of them offer similar services.

I'd imagine getting a company outside of your area would be necessary only if you had an epic technology growth plan. You would most likely get more personable support from a local company, and you can strangle them in person if they make mistakes.

Prices are generally far less when using outsourced, local solutions firms. My former company charged $75 per workstation per month. This is less than one hour of billed service (typically $90) and comes with unlimited support. I believe they charged $115 per server. Seriously, this is chump change compared to paying an IT staff.

Some larger support companies are Cable and Wireless in India and SAVVIS in the United States.
Source(s):
http://www.maxnett.co.uk/
http://www.netstaruk.com/
http://www.infrasup.com/

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