Top 5 IT Mistakes Small London Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Running a business in London comes with its own unique challenges — high competition, fast-paced operations, and a growing reliance on technology. But for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), IT tends to be one of those things that gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list… until something goes wrong.

At Nuvelo Tech, we’ve worked with a wide range of local businesses across London — and we’ve seen some patterns emerge. Here are the top 5 IT mistakes we see, and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

1. Assuming “It Won’t Happen to Us”

Many business owners think they’re too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. The reality? Small businesses are now the #1 target for phishing, ransomware, and other cyber attacks — and London’s dense business environment makes it even more attractive.

✅ What to do instead:
Start with the basics — strong passwords, two-factor authentication, up-to-date antivirus, and staff awareness. A simple cybersecurity audit can highlight your biggest risks (and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune).

2. Relying on a “Tech-Savvy” Staff Member

We get it — there’s always someone in the office who “knows computers.” But relying on them for all your IT needs is risky, especially as your business grows or if something major goes wrong.

✅ What to do instead:
Partner with a local IT provider (like us 😉) who can provide professional support, handle backups, and be on call when things go sideways — without interrupting your team's workflow.

3. Skipping Regular Backups

You’d be surprised how many London businesses think they’re backed up — only to find out the backups haven’t been working properly when disaster strikes.

✅ What to do instead:
Make sure you’re running automated, tested backups — and storing them securely (ideally off-site or in the cloud). It could be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major disaster.

4. Ignoring System Updates and Patches

Updates are annoying, sure — but they’re also your first line of defence against known vulnerabilities. Postponing them puts your entire network at risk.

✅ What to do instead:
Use remote monitoring tools or managed services to ensure all devices are regularly updated and patched — without relying on individual users to remember.

5. Treating IT as an Afterthought

IT shouldn’t be just about “fixing things when they break.” It should be a strategic part of how your business runs — helping you move faster, protect your data, and serve your clients better.

✅ What to do instead:
Look at IT as an investment, not just a cost. Even a 15-minute check-in with an expert can reveal ways to improve performance, cut waste, or prevent future headaches.

🚀 Want a Free, No-Obligation IT Health Check?

If you’re not sure where your business stands, we offer a free IT setup review for London-based companies. We’ll take a quick look at your current systems and send you a plain-English report with insights — no pressure, no sales pitch.

Need help or have questions?
We’re based in London and always happy to chat with local business owners about how to make their tech work for them, not against them.