If you’ve bought laptops, servers or network equipment recently, you’ve probably noticed two things:
Prices are higher than they used to be
Orders are taking longer to arrive
Neither is a coincidence, and both have implications for how businesses should be planning their IT.
Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how to stay in control.
Why business IT hardware costs have increased
Hardware pricing has changed permanently over the last few years. This isn’t a temporary spike or a supplier issue – it’s structural.
Global supply chains are still fragile
Many core components used in business IT are manufactured by a small number of global suppliers. While the worst pandemic disruption has passed, supply remains tight, especially for chips, storage and networking components.
When availability drops, prices rise – and they stay there.
Demand has increased across every industry
IT hardware is no longer just competing with other IT buyers.
The same components are now used in:
- Electric vehicles
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Healthcare and medical equipment
- AI platforms and data centres
These sectors often command higher margins, which means business IT hardware is under constant pressure.
Hardware specs have moved up as standard
Modern operating systems, security tools and AI-driven software all require more powerful devices.
What was considered “mid-range” three years ago is now entry-level.
That pushes the baseline cost of laptops, desktops and servers higher across the board.
Manufacturing and energy costs are higher
Rising energy prices, transport costs and labour costs are all factored into hardware pricing.
Once manufacturers reset pricing to reflect this, it rarely moves backwards-
Why ordering timelines are longer
Pricing is only half the picture. Lead times have changed too.
Fewer devices are held in UK stock
Many vendors now manufacture to order rather than holding large amounts of local inventory.
This means:
- Popular models can sell out quickly
- Custom specifications take longer to build
- Stock availability can change week to week
Quoted delivery dates are shorter-lived
Hardware quotes are often only valid for a limited time.
Prices and availability can change before an order is even approved internally — especially for larger purchases.
Network and server equipment takes the longest
Items such as:
- Firewalls
- Switches
- Servers
- Specialist networking kit
Often have lead times of several weeks, sometimes longer, depending on configuration.
What this means for your business
These changes don’t just affect IT teams — they affect productivity, security and budgeting.
Waiting until something fails is riskier than ever
Reactive purchasing often leads to:
- Emergency spend at higher prices
- Limited choice of models
- Compromises on specification
- Unplanned downtime
Planned upgrades are almost always cheaper and smoother.
Hardware planning now needs more notice
If you know you’ll need:
- New starters’ equipment
- Office moves or expansions
- Server or firewall refreshes
- Windows 11 compatible devices
Those conversations need to happen earlier than they used to.
Cheap hardware can be a false economy
Lower-cost devices often:
- Have shorter lifespans
- Struggle with modern security tools
- Slow users down over time
- Need replacing sooner
That usually costs more in the long run.
How we help customers stay ahead
Here at Ingenio Technologies, we’ve adapted how we support clients because the market has changed.
We help by:
- Forecasting hardware needs in advance
- Planning refresh cycles around budgets and growth
- Recommending specifications that will last, not just scrape by
- Securing hardware early where possible
- Reducing surprise costs and last-minute decisions
This approach keeps businesses productive, secure and in control — even when the market isn’t.
Final thought
Hardware price increases and longer delivery timelines aren’t going away.
The businesses that cope best are the ones that:
- Plan ahead
- Replace hardware proactively
- Work with an IT partner who understands both technology and commercial reality
If you’d like help reviewing your current hardware, upcoming requirements or refresh timelines, our team are happy to talk it through and help you plan with confidence.
