For years, the Managed Service Provider (MSP) model has been the go-to solution for SMEs seeking reliable IT support. But for mid-sized businesses with skilled internal IT teams, this traditional model is no longer fit for purpose.

UK businesses are evolving. Their IT environments are more complex, their ambitions more strategic and their internal capabilities stronger. The one-size-fits-all MSP model is struggling to keep up. What these organisations need isn’t a replacement for their internal teams, but a partner that complements and enhances them.

Stephen Cook, Sales Director at Espria, believes the MSP model is “broken” because it hasn’t adapted to the pace of technological change or the shifting needs of modern businesses. As companies pursue digital transformation, cloud migration and cybersecurity upgrades, traditional support models are under strain. IT is now a strategic driver of growth and that demands a new kind of support.

Many MSPs lack the specialist skills needed for today’s IT environments. Internal teams are capable but stretched, facing growing threats and expanding transformation initiatives. Rigid MSPs often fail to integrate smoothly, creating friction and reducing agility.

Cook warns that adding an MSP can sometimes undermine internal control. IT managers are cautious about providers who disrupt strategic oversight or misalign with long-term goals. The concern isn’t just job security, it’s about autonomy and alignment.

Espria’s answer is co-managed IT: a partnership model that strengthens internal teams rather than replacing them. Businesses retain control over strategy and operations while gaining access to additional expertise, capacity and resilience. It’s not outsourcing, it’s collaboration.

Co-managed IT starts with the belief that internal teams are worth investing in. It builds on existing strengths and is ideal for mid-sized businesses navigating complex tech environments. These organisations need flexible, collaborative support, not rigid contracts and handovers.

While full outsourcing still has its place, the future lies in adaptable models that respect internal capabilities. MSPs must move beyond infrastructure management and embrace shared goals, mutual respect and tailored services. That’s what co-management enables.

This shift isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about strategic alignment. IT leaders need partners who understand their mission and contribute meaningfully. Cookie-cutter solutions no longer suffice. Businesses want collaborators who empower their teams and support their goals.

For IT managers, co-management eases pressure without sacrificing influence. It supports strategic initiatives while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly. It’s also a safety net during upgrades, migrations or security incidents.

From a business perspective, co-managed IT is a smarter investment. It avoids duplication, reduces inefficiency and lowers the risk of misalignment. By integrating external support into existing structures, businesses maximise the value of both internal and external resources.

In conclusion, the traditional MSP model no longer meets the needs of many mid-sized UK businesses. As technology evolves and internal teams grow stronger, flexible, collaborative support is essential. Co-managed IT respects internal expertise, enhances resilience and aligns with strategic goals, making it the future of IT support.