Opinion: Traditional MSP’s are failing as smarter alternatives emerge

According to Stephen Cook, Sales Director at Espria, the traditional MSP has broken because it has failed to evolve with changing needs and the ever-increasing pace of change in technology. 

For years, the MSP model has been considered the standard solution for small and medium-sized businesses seeking reliable IT support offering dependable IT support that keeps systems running, resolves day-to-day issues, and maintains business continuity. However, this traditional approach no longer fits the evolving needs of mid-sized companies, particularly those with skilled internal IT teams. It is now very clear that businesses across the UK require a partnership that enhances their existing capabilities rather than replacing them. 

As businesses are continuing to deliver their IT Roadmaps, the resulting business and technology change puts significant strain on traditional support models, IT becomes more complex and a greater level of specialist skills is needed to deliver both operational stability as well as continued change.

While many IT leaders face increasing pressure from cybersecurity threats, digital transformation and resource constraints, traditional MSPs often do not deliver the required skillsets to resolve issues and are rigid in their processes. The biggest concern is that adding an MSP will not add value to the overall team and may undermine internal control and business agility.

“We regularly speak with IT managers who are under significant strain, yet hesitant to engage with service providers,” said Cook. “Their concern is not just about job security anymore. It is about maintaining strategic oversight and ensuring that any external support is aligned with their organisation’s long-term goals.”

In response to this shift, Espria is advocating for a co-managed IT approach. Rather than replacing internal teams, co-management focuses on partnership. It allows businesses to retain control of their IT function while benefiting from additional expertise, capacity, and operational resilience.

This is not a rebrand of traditional outsourcing; it is a different model entirely. Co-managed IT starts with the assumption that the internal team is valuable and worth supporting. It builds on what already exists, rather than trying to take over.

According to Espria, this approach better reflects the needs of today’s mid-sized businesses, many of which are growing in complexity and technological maturity. While there will always be a place for full outsourcing in some instances, the company argues that flexible, collaborative models will become increasingly important across the sector.

MSPs need to move beyond service level agreements and infrastructure handovers. The future of IT support lies in mutual respect, shared objectives and a willingness to adapt to the needs of each client. That is what co-management enables.

The call has now been issued from Espria for a change that contributes to a broader industry conversation about how managed services must evolve. As IT leaders take on more strategic responsibilities within their organisations, the demand is no longer for generic providers but for partners who can support their mission without compromising autonomy.