Block Hours IT Support for Small Businesses
Pre-purchase a bank of IT support hours at a discounted rate and use them exactly when you need them. Flexible, great value, and no monthly commitment required.
How Block Hours IT Support Works
Getting started is straightforward. Three simple steps and you have professional IT support ready to call on whenever you need it.
Choose Your Block of Hours
Pick a block size that suits your business. Whether you need a small buffer for occasional jobs or a larger reserve for a busy period, we have options to fit. You pay once, upfront, at a discounted rate — saving you money compared to calling us ad-hoc.
We Get to Know Your Systems
Once you're set up, we take time to understand your IT environment — your hardware, software, network setup, and how your team works. This means when you do call, we can help quickly without wasting time on basic questions.
Use Hours As You Need Them
Call, email, or raise a ticket whenever an IT issue arises or a job needs doing. Time is logged against your block and you receive regular balance updates. When hours run low, simply top up — no pressure, no minimum usage, no expiry date.
What You Can Use Block Hours For
Your block hours cover a wide range of IT tasks — both remotely and onsite across Cambridgeshire. If you're not sure whether something is covered, just ask.
Troubleshooting & Fixes
Something not working? We diagnose and fix issues remotely or in person — from slow computers and network problems to software faults and email issues.
New Equipment Setup
Got a new laptop, PC, printer, or server? We'll set it up properly — including joining it to your network, installing software, and configuring accounts.
Microsoft 365 Administration
Creating or removing users, setting up email accounts, configuring Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and more — all handled quickly from your block.
Network & Connectivity Work
Wi-Fi troubleshooting, network reconfiguration, VPN setup, and broadband fault investigation are all fair game for your block hours.
Cybersecurity & Updates
We can apply Windows and software updates, review your security settings, check for vulnerabilities, and set up or audit antivirus and backup solutions.
Data Migrations & Projects
Moving to a new server, migrating to the cloud, or setting up a new office? We can use your block hours to cover one-off project work as well as day-to-day support.
Block Hours vs Contract vs Pay As You Go
Not sure which type of IT support is right for your business? Here's how block hours compare to our other options.
| Feature | Pay As You Go | Block Hours ★ | Monthly Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| No monthly commitment | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Commitment required |
| Discounted hourly rate | ✗ Full rate | ✓ Yes — discounted | ✓ Yes — best rate |
| Hours/time never expires | N/A — pay per job | ✓ Never expires | Monthly allocation resets |
| Remote support included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Onsite visits included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Proactive monitoring | ✗ Reactive only | ∼ Optional add-on | ✓ Included |
| Predictable monthly cost | ✗ Variable | ∼ Pay once, use flexibly | ✓ Fixed monthly fee |
| Best suited for | Occasional one-off jobs | Irregular but regular needs | Businesses with daily IT needs |
★ Block hours is recommended for most small businesses that need IT support a few times per month.
Block Hours Pricing
Buy hours upfront and use them whenever you need — no expiry date. All prices ex VAT. Call-out charges apply for onsite visits.
All prices exclude VAT. Call-out charges not included. There is no expiry date on block hours — use them whenever you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about block hours IT support from IT ME Services.
Block hours are a pre-purchased bank of IT support time. You buy a set number of hours upfront at a discounted rate, and then draw down on those hours whenever you need remote or onsite IT assistance. It's a flexible, cost-effective way to access professional IT support without committing to a monthly contract — the smart middle ground between a retainer and ad-hoc pay as you go.
No. Your block hours do not expire. Once purchased, they sit in your account ready to use whenever you need them — whether that's next week or six months from now. There's no pressure to use them up and no wastage. This makes block hours ideal for businesses whose IT needs vary from month to month.
You can use block hours for almost any IT task: troubleshooting and fixing issues, setting up new equipment, Microsoft 365 configuration, network changes, cybersecurity reviews, data migrations, onsite visits, and more. Both remote support and onsite visits across the UK are covered by your block hours. If you're ever unsure, just ask — we'll let you know before starting work.
Yes. Block hours are priced at a discounted rate compared to our standard pay-as-you-go hourly rate. Because you are committing to a volume of work upfront, we pass those savings on to you. The more hours you purchase, the greater the saving per hour. For businesses that call on IT support more than once or twice a year, block hours almost always work out better value.
Absolutely. When your hours are running low, simply get in touch and we'll issue a top-up invoice. We'll also keep you informed of your remaining balance so you're never caught short. Top-ups can be purchased in the same block sizes as your original purchase, and the new hours are added to any remaining balance — nothing is lost.
Not Sure Block Hours Are Right for You?
We offer several ways to access IT support. Here are our two most popular alternatives — and why you might choose one over block hours.
Monthly Contract IT Support
If your business relies on IT every day and you want the reassurance of proactive monitoring, regular onsite visits, and a fixed monthly cost, a contract is likely the better fit. You get priority response times, a dedicated engineer who knows your systems, and peace of mind that your IT is being looked after whether you call or not.
View Contract IT SupportPay As You Go IT Support
If you only need IT support very occasionally — perhaps once or twice a year for a specific job — pay as you go may suit you better. There's no upfront payment, you simply call when you need us and pay for the time used at our standard hourly rate. No commitment, no fuss.
View Pay As You GoReady to Buy Your Block of IT Support Hours?
Get in touch today to discuss the right block size for your business. We'll give you honest advice with no pressure — and a clear quote before anything is agreed.