When you are starting or growing a small business, the list of things you need to buy feels overwhelming. IT is often one of the biggest areas of uncertainty. What do you actually need? What can wait? What will you regret not buying earlier?
Based on years of equipping businesses across London, Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire, here is our practical checklist.
Computers That Can Handle the Work
This sounds obvious, but it is worth saying clearly: buy computers that are good enough for the work your team actually does. Underpowered equipment is a constant source of frustration and wasted time. A professional spending 20 minutes a day waiting for a slow computer to respond is losing 80 hours a year.
For most office work, a current-generation laptop or desktop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is adequate. Step up to an i7 and 512GB for staff doing heavier work. Buy business-grade machines with proper warranty support, not consumer devices.
Decent Monitors
If your team uses desktop computers, a good monitor matters more than most people realise. Working on a small, low-resolution screen all day is uncomfortable and reduces productivity. A 24-inch Full HD IPS monitor is the minimum for comfortable all-day use. For anyone working with spreadsheets, documents or anything detail-oriented, a 27-inch QHD monitor is worth the extra investment.
Reliable Network and Internet
Your network is the foundation everything else runs on. Business-grade broadband with a Service Level Agreement is worth the premium if your team depends on internet access. A business router providing reliable, managed Wi-Fi and wired connections throughout the office should be considered essential infrastructure, not an optional extra.
A Proper Backup System
More businesses than you would expect have no reliable backup system. When a hard drive fails, or a ransomware attack encrypts your files, the absence of a backup moves from being an oversight to a disaster. A simple NAS device with cloud backup configured takes an afternoon to set up and provides robust protection.
Business Phones and Communication
Whether your team uses mobile phones, a VoIP phone system or relies primarily on Teams and video calling, having clear communication tools in place is essential. For client-facing businesses in London and Essex, a professional phone presence matters. A VoIP system provides a proper phone system without the cost of traditional telephony.
A Good Printer
Despite predictions to the contrary, most businesses still print. A reliable laser printer for a small team costs very little to run and saves the frustration of unreliable inkjet printers that clog up when not used daily. An HP LaserJet or Brother laser multifunction printer is the practical choice for most small offices.
Surge Protection and UPS
This is the one most businesses overlook until something goes wrong. Power surges damage equipment silently over time, and a power cut without a UPS means losing unsaved work and potentially corrupting files. Surge-protected power strips are inexpensive. A small UPS for your server or main workstation is a worthwhile investment.
We supply all of the above and much more to businesses across London, Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire. Browse our full product range, use code WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order, or get in touch to discuss your requirements.
