Ark Assist

Ark Assist, IT support for small businesses in Hampshire

Ark Assist is an independent IT support company based in Hampshire (UK) serving small and medium-sized businesses across Hampshire and the South Coast. It presents itself as a local alternative to outsourced call centres: the same team of engineers handles every issue, knows each client's setup and doesn't make you repeat the context on every ticket.

The company started as a computer repair shop and evolved into managed support for businesses. Its approach begins with understanding how each organisation works — what systems it uses, what disrupts it and what it needs next — before recommending technology. The firm states it has supported over a hundred local businesses and monitored and protected more than five hundred devices.

Managed services

The catalogue is built around a single point of contact for everything connected to the client's network:

• IT support: monitoring and patching of computers and servers, remote and on-site assistance, antivirus and backup verification, with a fixed monthly cost per device.
• Telephony and broadband: hosted VOIP systems that work in the office, at home and on mobile, keeping existing numbers and supplying broadband or leased lines.
• Microsoft 365: licence selection, email and file migrations carried out at weekends and security settings.
• Cloud and backup: daily verified backups, hosted servers or desktops and tested restores.
• Infrastructure projects: cabling, switches, Wi-Fi, CCTV, door access, tills and bespoke builds.
• Business automation: Power Automate workflows, forms, approvals, alerts and automatic reports on the software the client already uses.
• Websites and marketing: websites, hosting, domains, email deliverability and management of the Google Business Profile and reviews.
• Cyber Essentials certification: gap assessment, remediation and support with the questionnaire and renewal.
• GDPR support: data mapping, retention, access controls and subject access and breach procedures.

Notable projects

The company highlights assignments that go beyond routine support. Among the published case studies is the installation of a live streaming system for St. Philip Howard Church in Fareham, with three cameras, live audio and a broadcast computer controlled by five physical buttons, designed for volunteers. It also describes the migration of a Hampshire dental clinic from shared logins to individual identities, improving data protection and taking a first step towards a cloud environment.

Pricing and contracts

Ark Assist offers an online calculator that generates a detailed estimate on screen and a downloadable PDF without asking for an email address. IT support is priced per device according to the level of cover, with the onboarding fee broken down; telephony is priced per extension, with 30-day or 12-month options and pooled minutes; and Microsoft 365 is available through bundles or combinations of licences. The company states it offers monthly contracts wherever possible, although some services such as leased lines require longer commitments due to supplier terms, something it says it explains before signing.

Client profile and coverage

The service is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses across a range of sectors — offices, workshops, warehouses, retailers and multi-site companies — which may have very different priorities even when they share technology. The stated coverage spans Hampshire and the South Coast of England. Support is provided by phone or email, with remote resolution in most cases and on-site visits when necessary.

Locations and premises

Location 1: Unit 13 Palmerston Business Park, Fareham, PO14 1DJ

Location 2: Frobisher House, Nelson Gate, Southbrook Road, Southampton SO15 1GX