The Small Business Cyber Security Guy

Welcome to my personal blog — a space where I share my own views, opinions, and insights on technology, cyber security, and the realities of working in IT.

This blog is entirely personal. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine alone. They do not represent the views, policies, or positions of my employer, past or present, or any organisation I’m associated with professionally or personally.

Expect a mix of:

  • Straight-talking advice for small businesses

  • Honest takes on cyber security and IT trends

  • The occasional rant

  • A few war stories from the frontlines (names removed to protect the guilty)

With over 40 years in the industry, I’ve seen a lot — some of it brilliant, some of it baffling.

This blog is where I unpack all of it.

Man wearing glasses and a light gray sweater, smiling
In-House IT vs. MSP: The Real Cost of IT Support for Businesses
SMB IT Operations, MSP Selection Noel Bradford SMB IT Operations, MSP Selection Noel Bradford

In-House IT vs. MSP: The Real Cost of IT Support for Businesses

Should your business handle IT in-house or outsource to a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? On paper, an in-house IT team might sound ideal—until you see the real costs. A single IT manager can set you back £80K+ a year, and that’s before factoring in security tools, compliance, and the inevitable sick days. Meanwhile, a properly managed MSP delivers 24/7 support, robust cybersecurity, and compliance-ready solutions—at a fraction of the price. If your IT plan is to rely on “Dave from accounts” to fix the Wi-Fi, good luck. The smarter choice? Investing in IT before disaster strikes.

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⚠️ Full Disclaimer

This is my personal blog. The views, opinions, and content shared here are mine and mine alone. They do not reflect or represent the views, beliefs, or policies of:

  • My employer

  • Any current or past clients, suppliers, or partners

  • Any other organisation I’m affiliated with in any capacity

Nothing here should be taken as formal advice — legal, technical, financial, or otherwise. If you’re making decisions for your business, always seek professional advice tailored to your situation.

Where I mention products, services, or companies, that’s based purely on my own experience and opinions — I’m not being paid to promote anything. If that ever changes, I’ll make it clear.

In short: This is my personal space to share my personal views. No one else is responsible for what’s written here — so if you have a problem with something, take it up with me, not my employer.