Microsoft 365 Licencing
Explore the different subscription tiers from Business Basic to Business Premium
Not sure which Microsoft 365 licences your business actually needs?
Most small businesses either overpay for licences they don’t use, or run on the cheapest option and assume it covers everything.
We help businesses across Chesterfield, Sheffield, Derbyshire & South Yorkshire understand what they actually need and what it’s really going to cost.
Get a licence review & pricing View Microsoft plans
Licensing is rarely the problem. Understanding it is.
Paying for licences no one uses
Leavers still assigned licences, or features nobody has set up.
Using Basic but expecting more
Business Basic is fine for email - but not for security, control or recovery.
Assuming Microsoft covers everything
Microsoft runs the platform. Security, monitoring and backup are still your responsibility.
What most small businesses actually use.
Business Basic
Email, Teams and cloud apps only.
Typical cost: £5-£7 per user/month
Watch out: no desktop apps, limited security.
Business Standard
The most common choice. Includes desktop Office apps.
Typical cost: £11-£13 per user/month
Business Premium
Best all-round option for most SMEs.
Includes device management and stronger built-in security.
Typical cost: £20–£22 per user/month
The licence price is only part of the cost.
Your actual Microsoft 365 cost depends on:
- Number of users and roles
- Mix of Basic, Standard and Premium
- Security and compliance requirements
- Backup and recovery needs
Microsoft pricing is also changing regularly, with increases of up to 30% on some plans in recent updates.
That’s why most businesses benefit from a proper licence review rather than guessing.
Get clear pricingMicrosoft 365 is powerful, but it is not a complete security strategy on its own.
Microsoft keeps the platform running. Your business is still responsible for how accounts are used, how data is protected, who has access, and what happens if something is deleted, compromised or abused.
That is why licensing and security should be looked at together. The right licence gives you a foundation. The security layer helps protect the everyday risks that small businesses actually face.
- Phishing emails that look like genuine invoices, supplier requests or document links
- Account takeover after a password is stolen or a user approves a fake login
- Malicious inbox rules quietly forwarding emails to an attacker
- Files or emails deleted by mistake, by a leaver, or during a compromise
- Security settings left at default because nobody has reviewed them properly
In simple terms: Microsoft 365 gives you the platform. We help make sure it is licensed properly, configured sensibly, monitored, protected and recoverable.
Recommended security options for Microsoft 365.
Email security (Avanan)
Stop phishing, impersonation and invoice fraud before it hits your inbox.
Identity protection (Huntress ITDR)
Detect suspicious logins, account takeover and unusual behaviour.
Microsoft 365 Backup
Recover emails and files if something is deleted or compromised.
COMING SOON: Security posture (Huntress ISPM)
Identify configuration gaps and reduce risk across Microsoft 365.
In simple terms: review → right-size → secure.
- Review what you’re currently paying for
- Remove unused or unnecessary licences
- Make sure Microsoft 365 is properly protected
Most small businesses we speak to save between 10–30% after a licence review.
Get clarity on what your business actually needs.
We’ll help you understand your current licences, reduce unnecessary spend, and make sure your Microsoft 365 setup is properly secured.
Get your licence reviewMicrosoft 365 licensing questions we often hear.
Which Microsoft 365 licence does my small business need?
It depends on how your team works. Some businesses only need email and browser-based apps. Others need desktop Office apps, device management, stronger security and better control. We can review what you have and recommend the right mix.
Is Microsoft 365 Business Basic enough?
Business Basic can work if you mainly need email, Teams and web apps. It may not be enough if you need desktop Office apps, stronger security, device management or better control over company data.
What is the difference between Business Standard and Business Premium?
Business Standard gives you the desktop Office apps as well as email, Teams and cloud services. Business Premium adds stronger security and device management, making it a better fit for businesses that want tighter protection.
Why does Microsoft 365 need extra security?
Microsoft provides the platform, but your business still needs to protect accounts, manage access, stop phishing, monitor suspicious behaviour and recover data if something is deleted or compromised.
Does Microsoft 365 include backup?
Microsoft keeps the platform available, but that is not the same as having a separate backup of your business data. A proper Microsoft 365 backup helps recover email, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint data after deletion, compromise or mistakes.
Can you help reduce Microsoft 365 licence costs?
Yes. We can review current licences, remove unused accounts, check whether people are on the right plans, and help you avoid paying for features you do not use.
Meet Kevin: Founder of Black Swan
Concerned about cyber security? Need advice or a tailor-made quote? Kevin is here to help you!
From actionable advice to helping you to see where you could be at risk, Kevin will help you to get your business on a path that is secure-by-design and ready for the unthinkable.
Ready to replace sleepless nights with peace of mind? It all starts with an informal chat!
Either schedule a call by selecting a suitable date and time on the calendar or by clicking the button below to send us a message.