Layer8 sets sights on growth while keeping ‘human-first’ IT approach

The MSP is looking to translate decades of internal IT expertise into a scalable offering, as MD Paul Biggin outlines growth ambitions and commitment to putting users at the heart of IT

Layer8 may be a new name in the channel, but its roots stretch back decades.

The MSP was spun out of the Spencer Group’s long-established internal IT function, a move managing director Paul Biggin tells CRN was driven by confidence in the team’s capabilities and a desire to take those skills to a broader market.

“Spencer's has always had an internal IT team. I worked at Spencer's for 12 years, straight off the back of university and worked my way up to become head of department in 2023.” Biggin explains.

The idea for Layer8 was born in an unlikely setting.

“It started as a conversation with chairman Charlie Spencer at Christmas drinks who said, ‘you’ve got a good team. Go and do a spin out’.

“Within a couple of months, I’d created a business plan all based around the MSP idea.”

From that initial conversation, the business moved quickly. By August 2025, Layer8 had launched as a standalone brand, and by the end of the year it had already secured its first external client.

Growing the team and nurturing talent

Layer8 currently employs 11 staff, including three apprentices, reflecting a strong focus on developing talent internally.

“We have quite a strong apprenticeship program,” Biggin says. “We've got a lot of branches that are still with us that grow.”

Looking ahead, recruitment will continue to focus on both apprenticeships and specialist skills.

“I want more people. We are looking at taking more apprentices on again in September,” he reveals. “I'm hoping we can add three or four people.”

Vendor strategy and technology stack

The MSP is already working with a number of vendors, including Proxmox with plans to expand further into hardware partnerships.

“I’d like hardware partners such as Dell and HP, to try and build up laptop supplies,” Biggin says.

Security-led infrastructure remains a priority.

“We really like Fortinet’s package in terms of security and hardware, and how that is quite closely linked together,” he added.

Open to opportunity across sectors

Unlike some MSPs that specialise in vertical markets, Layer8 is taking a more flexible approach.

“There’s no sector I’d rather stay clear of. I'm quite happy to take anything on,” Biggin says. “We can have a go.”

That said, the business is naturally aligned with engineering and fast-paced operational environments, where adaptability is critical.

“We have to be adaptable quite quickly,” he adds.

Measured growth, not client chasing

As it approaches its first year in business, Layer8 is targeting steady, sustainable growth rather than aggressive expansion.

“I'd like to get two, maybe three more clients,” Biggin says.

However, he is clear that quality of service will take precedence over rapid customer acquisition.

“We're trying to build our brand up. I don't want to come across as just client hungry. We’re in a fortunate position where we can cherry pick clients to make sure that we give them a good service,” he says.

The company’s continued relationship with Spencer Group also provides a stable foundation.

“We are still providing support to Spencers, and predominantly they're still paying us wages,” he notes.

Expanding cybersecurity capabilities

Cybersecurity is a major area of focus for Layer8’s future growth, with plans to deepen its capabilities beyond current services.

“We've got constantly running scans to check for vulnerabilities. Then patch management, patching holes that have come about.

“That can be quite time consuming. It brings in some project management work as well, depending on what patch is required and what services it's affecting.”

The company is also exploring more advanced services.

“We do want to go forward in carrying out pen testing,” he says.

“It'd be nice eventually to start offering proper cyber essentials audits and ISO 27 001 audits as well.”

Tackling AI and security awareness challenges

Biggin identified AI and user awareness as key challenges facing both Layer8 and the wider industry.

“I don't think everybody knows the risks of AI and the security around it,” he says.

Ensuring users understand how tools like generative AI handle data is becoming increasingly important.

“It’s making sure people are aware of that, especially business critical data,” he adds.

At the same time, traditional cyber hygiene remains critical.

“Making sure that they're not clicking on everything, we’re offering training and protecting,” he says.

A human-first philosophy

The company’s name, Layer8, is a nod to the often-joked-about “human layer” in IT—but Biggin is keen to flip that narrative.

“Layer8 is only as good as the team, and I've got a good team around me,” he says.

Rather than blaming users, Layer8 aims to position them as part of the solution.

“We try to be that translation between IT and the human element,” Biggin explains. “The users aren't just the problem. It's part of the solution.”

He adds: “They're part of the computer. They're not something to be taken the mick off.”

One-year on and beyond

With its first external clients onboard, a growing team, and ambitions in cybersecurity, Layer8 is positioning itself as a flexible, security-focused MSP with strong engineering DNA.

For Biggin, the priority remains clear: build carefully, maintain quality, and keep people at the centre of IT.

“We want to give that real, internal IT feel, to whatever client we take on,” he concludes.