Security & Compliance Check-Up: Why Threshold Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore IT Risk

When your firm was small, IT was just something that needed to work. A few off-the-shelf tools, a part-time contractor, and a bit of DIY troubleshooting probably did the job. But if you’re now nudging 25 staff or more, or turning over upwards of £2 million, those early habits start to show cracks.

At this “threshold” stage, IT isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about protecting your reputation, safeguarding client data, and staying compliant with increasing regulatory demands. Ignore these risks, and the consequences aren’t just inconvenient, they’re expensive.

You’re Growing. So Is Your Risk.

As your business expands, so does your digital footprint. More people. More devices. More client data. More systems to secure. It’s a bigger surface area for things to go wrong, and a more appealing target for cybercriminals.

It’s easy to assume “we’re too small to be on anyone’s radar,” but that’s exactly the kind of thinking attackers rely on. In fact, smaller professional service firms are often seen as low-hanging fruit. They handle sensitive information but often lack robust defences.

Common vulnerabilities we see in growing firms include:

  • Unpatched software or outdated systems that leave gaps for attackers
  • Weak password policies and a lack of two-factor authentication
  • No clear plan for handling a data breach or cyberattack
  • Forgotten devices or staff with admin access they no longer need

These aren’t abstract risks. They’re real, everyday vulnerabilities that can lead to serious downtime, reputational damage, or even legal trouble.

Compliance Isn’t a Checkbox

If you work in law, accountancy, or consulting, your clients expect discretion and professionalism. A data breach undermines both. And regulators won’t accept “we didn’t know” as an excuse.

Whether it’s the SRA, ICO, or other sector-specific bodies, compliance expectations are tightening. But staying on top of those standards isn’t straightforward, especially if IT responsibility is shared between different people or not really owned by anyone at all.

A proper IT compliance check-up should give you clear answers to questions like:

  • Are we meeting all relevant industry regulations and data protection laws?
  • Is client data encrypted and backed up securely?
  • Do we have a clear audit trail for who accessed what, and when?
  • Could we confidently respond to a subject access request or cyber incident?

If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. Most firms we speak to don’t have a firm grasp on where they stand. That’s why it pays to bring in a trusted partner, someone who understands your industry and knows what to look for.

Why In-House or Ad Hoc Isn’t Enough

Relying on a solo IT manager or juggling a patchwork of freelancers might have worked before. But as your risk grows, so does the complexity. Reactive fixes and vague support contracts can leave you exposed.

The main gaps we see with internal or piecemeal support include:

  • No proactive monitoring, issues are only spotted once they’ve caused disruption
  • Hidden costs, support billed hourly with no incentive to prevent problems
  • Poor documentation, nobody really knows how things are set up
  • Stress, IT ends up becoming your problem when it shouldn’t be

Support Stack was built for firms like yours. We provide fixed-cost, fully managed IT with 24/7 security and compliance built in. You’ll never have to worry about what’s falling through the cracks, or what it might cost to fix later.

Peace of Mind, Without the Guesswork

You don’t need to become an IT expert to protect your business. You just need the right partner. With Support Stack, you get:

  • Predictable monthly costs, no surprise invoices
  • Always-on security, issues fixed before you even notice them
  • Compliance confidence, industry-specific advice and support
  • Clear communication, no jargon, just straightforward answers

We’ll help you take a clear look at your IT risks today so you can plan with confidence for tomorrow.

Book Your Free Security & Compliance Check-Up

If you’re unsure whether your firm is properly protected, now’s the time to find out. Our complimentary check-up reveals hidden vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and opportunities to strengthen your IT without increasing your workload.

Because once your firm hits a certain size, ignorance isn’t just risky. It’s a liability. Let’s make sure your IT is an asset.