SWITCH IT SUPPORT PROVIDER
Change IT provider without creating unnecessary disruption
Slow support, poor communication and a lack of accountability can gradually undermine confidence in your IT provider.
Simtech gives businesses a structured way to review their current arrangement, plan the handover and move to a fully managed IT service without leaving employees unsupported.
You can speak with us confidentially before notifying your existing provider.
Fully managed IT support from £85 per supported user per month, subject to a minimum monthly service charge.
Get an IT Support Quote
Tell us a little about your organisation, your current support arrangement and what you would like to improve.
A CONFIDENTIAL FIRST STEP
You do not need to decide before speaking with us
Changing IT provider is a significant commercial decision.
An initial conversation with Simtech is simply an opportunity to explain what is not working, understand whether an alternative service would be suitable and establish what a transition might involve.
We will not contact your existing provider, request access or begin any technical work without your agreement.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONTROL
A conversation without commitment
Your initial enquiry is confidential
You do not need to notify your current provider
There is no obligation to proceed
We can review your concerns before discussing price
We will explain what information is required for a safe handover
A proposed transition plan is agreed before service commencement
Nothing changes until you decide that you are ready to proceed.
WHEN THE CURRENT SERVICE IS NO LONGER GOOD ENOUGH
Why businesses start looking for a new IT provider
Most organisations do not consider changing provider because of one isolated support ticket.
The decision usually follows a pattern of poor communication, slower service, repeated problems or increasing concern that important responsibilities are being overlooked.
Support Has Become To Slow
Employees spend too much time waiting for calls, emails or tickets to be acknowledged.
Communication Has Deteriorated
You rarely hear from the provider unless there is a fault or an invoice.
Problems keep Returning
Issues are fixed temporarily without the underlying cause being identified or addressed.
Nobody Appears Accountable
It is unclear who is responsible for Microsoft 365, backups, security, devices or third-party suppliers.
Prices Have Increased
Charges have risen without a clear explanation of what has improved or what is now included.
The Provider Has Become Impersonal
The company may have grown, changed ownership or moved support into a larger call-centre structure.
Advice Is Reactive
You receive technical fixes but little practical guidance about risk, investment or future requirements.
The Business Has Outgrown The Arrangement
A service that worked for a smaller organisation may no longer provide enough structure or capability.
RECOGNISING THE WARNING SIGNS
Is the current provider creating more uncertainty than confidence?
It may be time to review your IT support arrangement when:
Employees avoid contacting the helpdesk because they expect a slow response.
Directors or managers regularly chase open support requests.
You cannot clearly explain what is included in the monthly fee.
Recurring problems are not being investigated properly.
New starters are frequently delayed by missing access or equipment.
Leaver access is not removed promptly or consistently.
Microsoft 365 administration is handled informally.
You do not know whether backups are monitored or regularly checked.
Cybersecurity tools are installed but rarely discussed.
Nobody presents a technology plan or improvement priorities.
Technical documentation appears incomplete or outdated.
The provider only contacts you when it wants to sell something.
Your account manager changes frequently.
You no longer feel confident recommending the provider internally.
One or two isolated problems may be resolved through a direct service discussion.
A repeated pattern of delay, poor communication or unclear responsibility usually requires a more fundamental review.
WHAT STOPS BUSINESSES FROM ACTING
Remaining with the wrong provider can feel easier than changing
Businesses frequently remain in an unsuitable IT arrangement because they are concerned about what might happen during the handover.
These concerns are reasonable, but they can be managed through a structured transition process.
Will the current provider cooperate?
Most established providers have an offboarding process and will release agreed customer information when the appropriate contractual and security requirements are followed.
Simtech identifies the required information and helps coordinate the technical handover.
Could we lose access to systems?
Administrative access is reviewed and transferred methodically.
Simtech confirms the required accounts, permissions and supplier relationships before assuming responsibility.
Will employees be left without support?
The service-start date and handover timetable are agreed in advance.
Employees receive clear instructions explaining when and how to begin contacting Simtech.
What happens if the documentation is poor?
Incomplete documentation is common.
Simtech combines information supplied by the existing provider with technical discovery and direct investigation of the environment.
Could changing provider create downtime?
Most support-provider changes do not require core systems to be replaced or taken offline.
Where technical changes are needed, they are planned separately and communicated before implementation.
What if we are still under contract?
The existing agreement should be reviewed before notice is issued.
Simtech does not provide legal advice, but we can help identify the practical service and technical information needed when planning a change.
A STRUCTURED HANDOVER
How Simtech helps you change IT support provider
A successful transition depends on establishing control before the existing service ends.
Simtech uses a staged process to understand the environment, collect the necessary information and introduce the new support arrangements.
INITIAL DISCUSSION
Confidential discovery conversation
We discuss your current service, the problems you are experiencing and what you expect from a replacement provider.
This helps establish whether Simtech is likely to be a suitable fit before either party invests significant time.
SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS
Service and commercial review
We confirm:
- Number of users
- Number of supported devices
- Business locations
- Microsoft 365 arrangements
- Current security tools
- Backup services
- Important suppliers
- On-site requirements
- Current contract position
- Desired transition timing
YOUR PROPOSAL
Proposed managed IT service
Simtech prepares a proposal showing:
- Number of users
- Recommended managed IT plan
- Monthly per-user price
- Minimum monthly charge
- Microsoft 365 and other licences
- Onboarding costs
- Known project or remediation requirements
- Proposed service scope
- Proposed commencement timetable
FORMAL TRANSITION
Notice and handover planning
Once you decide to proceed, the contractual notice requirements and planned transition dates are confirmed.
We provide a handover information request for the existing provider.
INFORMATION COLLECTION
Access and documentation collection
The handover may include:
- Microsoft 365 administrative access
- Domain and DNS information
- Internet and telecom supplier details
- Network information
- Device inventory
- Server information
- Backup arrangements
- Security-tool information
- Software supplier contacts
- Warranty information
- Existing documentation
- Outstanding support issues
ENVIRONMENT REVIEW
Technical discovery
Simtech reviews the available information and assesses the supported environment.
This helps identify missing access, unsupported equipment, immediate risks and work required before the service begins.
SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT
Simtech tool deployment
We deploy and configure the agreed:
- Remote support tools
- Device monitoring
- Patch management
- Antivirus
- Endpoint detection and response
- Microsoft 365 SaaS backup
- Documentation and service-management processes
PREPARING YOUR TEAM
Employee communication
Your employees receive:
- Simtech contact details
- Support hours
- Instructions for requesting help
- The planned service-start date
- Any changes to existing support procedures
SERVICE COMMENCEMENT
Managed service begins
Simtech assumes responsibility for the agreed users, devices and services.
Any remaining transition actions are tracked through to completion.
NEXT PRIORITIES
Initial improvement plan
Issues discovered during onboarding are prioritised and separated into:
- Immediate risks
- Required remediation
- Recommended improvements
- Longer-term investments
- Optional projects
HANDOVER INFORMATION
A professional provider should be able to return your business information
The precise handover requirements vary according to the environment and the existing service scope.
Simtech prepares a structured request so the outgoing provider knows what information is required.
Administrative Access
- Microsoft 365
- Domain registrar
- DNS
- Backup platforms
- Security portals
- Internet and network services
- Relevant cloud platforms
Technical Documentation
- Network diagrams
- Device inventory
- Server information
- IP addressing
- Wi-Fi configuration
- Supplier details
- Warranty records
- Technical procedures
Account and Service Information
- Microsoft licence details
- Broadband or leased-line contracts
- Telecom arrangements
- Cloud subscriptions
- Backup arrangements
- Security licences
- Hardware support contracts
Open Issues
- Outstanding support tickets
- Known faults
- Current projects
- Planned changes
- Renewal dates
- Unresolved security concerns
Your business information should remain under your control
Your business should not be dependent on one supplier retaining exclusive knowledge of its systems.
Where information is unavailable, Simtech will identify what can be rediscovered or reconstructed and explain any associated work or risk.
MANAGING A DIFFICULT HANDOVER
A poor relationship does not have to prevent a controlled transition
Most provider changes are completed professionally.
Where communication is difficult, Simtech keeps the information request specific, documented and focused on the business systems and access needed to maintain continuity.
PRACTICAL APPROACH
How Simtech manages a difficult handover
We may:
- Separate essential access from useful background information.
- Prioritise Microsoft 365, domains, backups, security and internet services.
- Confirm account ownership directly with third-party suppliers.
- Reconstruct missing device and network information.
- Deploy new management tools where old platforms cannot be transferred.
- Record gaps and risks for management review.
- Plan additional discovery or remediation work where necessary.
THE SERVICE AFTER THE SWITCH
More than replacing one helpdesk with another
Changing provider should improve the wider IT arrangement, not simply move support tickets to a different company.
Simtech combines employee support with the ongoing administration, protection and management of agreed technology responsibilities.
Unlimited Remote Support
Employees contact Simtech directly by telephone or email during standard support hours.
Microsoft 365 Administration
We manage agreed accounts, permissions, licences, starters, leavers and support requirements.
User And Device Support
We assist employees with supported devices, applications, access and everyday technology problems.
Device Monitoring And Patching
Supported computers are monitored and approved updates are managed centrally.
Antivirus And EDR
Managed endpoint protection is included within the service.
Microsoft 365 SaaS Backup
Agreed Microsoft 365 data is protected through a separate backup service.
Network And Wi-Fi Support
We troubleshoot and support agreed network and wireless equipment.
Supplier Liaison
We coordinate with relevant third-party technology suppliers where their involvement is required.
IT And Cybersecurity Reviews
Formal reviews identify risks, improvement priorities and future requirements.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUPPORT MODEL
Two managed IT plans with a clear difference
Package 1
Managed IT
From £85 per supported user per month
Remote-first managed IT support covering employee assistance, Microsoft 365 administration, monitoring, cybersecurity, backup and annual planning.
On-site Support
Available when required and charged separately.
Best suited to
- Remote-first businesses
- Organisations that rarely require site attendance
- Businesses outside Simtech’s normal on-site area
- Customers prioritising a complete remote support service
Package 2
Managed IT Complete
From £98 per supported user per month
Everything included in Managed IT, with controlled on-site incident support and six-monthly technology planning.
On-site Support
Included where Simtech determines that a covered incident cannot reasonably be resolved remotely and the customer is within the agreed service area.
Best suited to
- Office-based organisations
- Businesses with important on-site equipment
- Customers wanting greater certainty around site attendance
- Organisations within Herefordshire and surrounding areas
Prices shown are indicative and may vary according to user numbers, technical environment, location, risk profile and agreed service scope.
A minimum monthly service charge applies.
Microsoft 365 subscriptions, hardware, onboarding, projects and separately defined work are itemised independently.
CLEAR TRANSITION COSTS
What does it cost to change IT provider?
The ongoing managed service is charged per supported user.
Onboarding is normally priced at the equivalent of one month’s managed-service fee because the transition requires discovery, access collection, tool deployment, documentation and employee communication.
Managed IT
From £85
per user per month
Managed IT Complete
From £98
per user per month
Onboarding
Normally equivalent to one month’s managed-service fee.
Microsoft 365 Licences
Selected and charged separately.
Existing-Environment Remediation
Quoted separately where material issues are discovered.
ADDITIONAL TRANSITION WORK
Examples of separately chargeable transition work
- Microsoft tenant migration
- Domain transfer complications
- Unsupported or obsolete server remediation
- Network replacement
- Major security remediation
- Large-scale data migration
- Device replacement
- New hardware deployment
- Office relocation
- Out-of-hours transition work
Pricing reassurance
You will receive a clearly itemised proposal before any work begins.
Known onboarding, remediation and project costs will be separated from the recurring monthly service.
PERSONAL SUPPORT WITH CLEAR RESPONSIBILITY
A managed IT provider that knows the people it supports
Simtech combines structured managed IT tools and processes with the accessibility of a small, experienced team.
Customers are not passed between anonymous call centres or an outsourced helpdesk.
They speak directly with the people responsible for supporting their organisation.
Support Is Not Outsourced
Calls and support requests are handled by Simtech’s own team.
Customers Are Known Personally
Our scale allows us to understand the organisations and employees we support.
Cybersecurity Is Included
Monitoring, patching, antivirus, endpoint detection and response and Microsoft 365 SaaS backup form part of the managed service.
Microsoft 365 Is Actively Administered
We take responsibility for agreed user, licence, access and everyday platform tasks.
Formal Reviews Are Included
Customers receive practical technology and cybersecurity recommendations rather than only reactive fixes.
Established Since 2009
Long-Term Relationships Built on Service
Simtech has built long-term relationships through service, local reputation and recommendation.
Trusted to support the technology businesses depend on
WHAT USERS SAY ABOUT SIMTECH
Responsive support from people who understand the issue
FIVE-STAR QUALITY SERVICE
“Excellent, speedy service — truly 5 stars.”
Professional support, rapid resolutions and a consistently personal service from people who understand the issue.
“Excellent, speedy service — truly 5 stars. Jack was professional, quick to resolve my issue, and the whole experience was flawless.”
“Absolutely spot on — fast, professional and sorted without any fuss. Thanks again, Tom!”
“Jack couldn’t have done more — incredibly helpful, professional and solved everything quickly. Fantastic service.”
“Brilliant service as always — fast, professional and nothing to fault. Excellent support every time.”
“Everything was great — just 15 minutes from requesting support to having it fully resolved. Superb service. Cheers, Jack!”
“Top job as always — thanks Jack for getting me up and running so quickly.”
PLANNING THE TRANSITION
How long does it take to change IT provider?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the organisation, the contractual notice period and the quality of the existing technical information.
A straightforward transition may be prepared while the existing notice period runs.
More complex environments may require additional discovery, remediation or project work.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE TIMETABLE
What can influence the transition period?
- Number of users
- Number of devices
- Number of sites
- Existing notice period
- Cooperation of the outgoing provider
- Availability of administrative access
- Quality of documentation
- Server and network complexity
- Security concerns
- Planned business changes
- Hardware replacements
- Microsoft 365 or cloud migrations
COMMON SWITCHING QUESTIONS
Changing IT Support Provider FAQs
Do we need to tell our existing provider before speaking with Simtech?
No.
You can have an initial confidential discussion with Simtech before notifying your existing provider.
Will Simtech contact our current provider?
Not without your authorisation.
Contact with the existing provider only begins once you have decided to proceed and the handover approach has been agreed.
Can our current provider refuse to hand over passwords?
Access ownership and contractual obligations vary.
Your organisation should normally control or be entitled to appropriate access to its business systems and accounts, but legal or contractual disputes may require independent advice.
Simtech can identify the technical information required but cannot provide legal advice or compel another provider to release it.
What happens if the documentation is incomplete?
Simtech will review the available information and identify the gaps.
Some information can be reconstructed through technical discovery, supplier contact and direct investigation.
Additional work may be quoted where significant discovery or remediation is required.
Will there be downtime?
Changing support provider does not normally require core systems to be taken offline.
Downtime may be required where separate migration, replacement or remediation projects are necessary.
Any planned disruption will be explained before work begins.
Can our employees keep using the current provider during onboarding?
The support responsibility and service-start dates should be clearly defined.
Employees normally continue using the existing provider until the agreed Simtech commencement date.
Can Simtech take over our Microsoft 365 tenant?
Yes, provided the appropriate administrative access and licensing arrangements can be established.
A tenant migration is not normally required simply because the support provider changes.
Do we have to replace our existing security software?
Not necessarily.
Simtech will review the existing tools and determine whether they can be retained or should be replaced with the standard managed-service stack.
Can Simtech support us nationally?
Yes.
Remote managed IT support is available across England and Wales.
On-site service availability is confirmed according to location and package.
How much notice should we give our current provider?
This depends on the existing contract.
Review the notice period, renewal terms, offboarding provisions and any remaining supplier commitments before issuing notice.
What happens to our existing Microsoft licences?
Licence arrangements depend on how they are currently purchased and the applicable commitment terms.
Simtech will review the known arrangements and explain the practical options.
What if our current provider owns our domain or accounts?
Ownership and access should be established as early as possible.
Where services have been registered through a provider, Simtech will help identify the relevant transfer or administrative process.
How much does onboarding cost?
Onboarding is normally charged at the equivalent of one month’s managed-service fee.
Additional technical remediation, migration or project work is quoted separately.
How long is the new Simtech agreement?
Managed IT services are normally provided under a minimum 12-month agreement with automatic renewal, subject to the applicable service terms.
Can we move only part of our IT support?
Possibly.
Organisations retaining an internal IT person or team may be better suited to co-managed IT support.
The correct service boundary will be discussed during discovery.
CONFIDENTIALLY REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS
Find out what changing IT provider would involve
Tell us what is not working, when your current agreement renews and what you want from a replacement provider.
A member of the Simtech team will contact you for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.