Why Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Strategies Are the New Normal for IT in 2025

If there’s one thing the past few years have made clear, it’s that flexibility is no longer a luxury but it is now a necessity. For businesses in 2025, hybrid and multi-cloud strategies have moved from ‘emerging trends’ to standard operating models. The days of relying on a single cloud provider or worse, a purely on-premises setup are rapidly fading.

This isn’t just about chasing the latest technology. It’s about agility. Control. Cost-efficiency. Security. And, increasingly, it’s about who you choose to guide you through this transition.

Enter: the Managed Service Provider (MSP).

The Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Momentum in the UK

Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies are now embedded in how UK businesses think about IT infrastructure. According to recent studies, 82% of UK organisations plan to operate across multiple clouds within the next one to three years. Even more striking, 80% of businesses say hybrid multi-cloud is the ideal model for them.

That’s not a vague aspiration. Over half (53%) of UK businesses are already operating in multi-cloud environments. That’s a higher adoption rate than much of Europe and a clear indicator that this shift is well underway.

Why? Because single-cloud environments just don’t cut it anymore, not when businesses need to adapt fast, maintain control, and operate securely across a mix of platforms, locations, and use cases.

What’s Powering the Shift?

This is not a trend driven by buzz, it's a smart business move across key pillars

Agility & Scalability

Agility and scalability are at the top of the list. Businesses want the freedom to run workloads wherever they perform best, on-premises, in private clouds, or across multiple public cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS or Google Cloud. This level of flexibility is vital for SMEs facing tight margins, changing regulations, and fast-moving market conditions.

Public cloud enables instant scale; hybrid setups let you tap private or edge resources for sensitive or latency-critical workloads. With 94% of enterprises using the cloud and 75% of data now processed outside traditional data centres by 2025, adaptability is non-negotiable 1, 2.

Cost Control

Cloud waste is real, about 32% of budgets globally go unused due to inefficiencies . While cloud environments are inherently scalable, they can quickly become expensive without proper governance. That’s why 44% of UK businesses say cost is the number one reason they shift workloads between environments. With the right hybrid strategy and a proactive MSP to manage IT, organisations can optimise performance without overspending. 3.

Security & Compliance

Security and compliance are also central. Hybrid models allow sensitive data to be stored locally or in private cloud environments, while less critical operations can run in the public cloud. Nearly 37% of UK businesses say security and compliance are top reasons for moving to hybrid or multi-cloud. This model allows sensitive data to remain in private or local UK clouds, with public clouds handling less sensitive workloads all while meeting GDPR and evolving UK/EU regulations. 4

Resilience & Innovation

And let’s not forget resilience. By distributing workloads across multiple environments, companies gain a level of redundancy and stability that simply isn’t possible with a single provider. This becomes even more valuable when integrating new technologies like AI and machine learning workloads that demand flexible, high-performance infrastructure across different cloud environments.

Distributing workloads across multiple platforms reduces single points of failure. It also supports new technologies AI, IoT, edge computing without overhauling core infrastructure. Globally, the multi-cloud management market is expected to grow from US$12.4 billion in 2024 to US$15.9 billion in 2025 (28% CAGR), and reach US$40 billion by 2029. 5

Where Do Managed Service Providers Fit In?

If hybrid and multi-cloud are the ‘what’, MSPs are the how. Without the right expertise, these environments can quickly become fragmented, insecure, and expensive. That’s where managed service providers step in and not just to keep the lights on, but to provide strategic leadership, technical implementation, and ongoing optimisation.

The UK alone is home to more than 11,000 MSPs, generating over £52.6 billion in turnover. By 2028, that figure is expected to climb to nearly £74 billion. More than 60% of these MSPs offer cloud services, and many have close partnerships with major cloud providers. But not all MSPs are created equal.

The MSPs that stand out in 2025 are those that understand hybrid and multi-cloud not as an end-state, but as a dynamic journey. They help clients design architectures that match their operational goals, compliance requirements and cost expectations. They ensure systems are integrated, workloads are secure, and teams have the visibility and control they need.

Real Benefits, Delivered by Real Expertise

The right MSP doesn’t just deploy cloud infrastructure, they align it to your business strategy.

They’ll carry out detailed cloud assessments and workload mapping, identifying what stays on-premises, what moves to public cloud, and what might need a bespoke private cloud environment. They’ll build in security from the start, using zero-trust models, encryption standards, and identity management tools to protect every access point.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll help you stay in control. One of the biggest risks in multi-cloud environments is cost sprawl. A good MSP brings in FinOps best practices ensuring you only pay for what you use, shutting down unused resources, and providing dashboards that make costs transparent and manageable.

In an environment where 32% of global cloud budgets are wasted due to inefficiencies, this kind of financial oversight is essential.

What Are the Emerging Trends in 2025?

If you’re considering a hybrid or multi-cloud move (or looking to optimise your existing setup), there are a few key trends to keep in mind:

• Tailored cloud solutions are in demand. One-size-fits-all platforms are out. Industry-specific clouds that address sector-specific compliance, data handling, and workflow needs are on the rise. In fact, 74% of successful cloud adopters credit customised solutions as a key part of their transformation.

• AI and edge computing are driving performance closer to the point of data generation. Whether it’s for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare or retail, combining edge and cloud environments is becoming a common use case within hybrid architectures. As hybrid models mature, AI workloads run where it makes sense, often at the edge. The Rapid growth of the multi-cloud optimisation tools market (US$16.3 bn to 19.3 bn in 2025, 18.5% CAGR) reflects this trend. 6

• Security frameworks are maturing. Multi-factor authentication, zero trust policies, and employee training are no longer ‘nice to haves’. They are standard, and they must be embedded at every layer of your cloud strategy.

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These are exactly the areas where MSPs shine, keeping ahead of emerging threats, integrating the latest tech, and tailoring solutions to your specific business needs.

Why Businesses Can’t Do This Alone

The complexity of hybrid and multi-cloud means internal IT teams, particularly in SMEs, often don’t have the capacity, resources or specialist knowledge to manage this transition independently. And that’s okay.

The real strength of working with a trusted MSP is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You get immediate access to certified cloud professionals, proven methodologies, and best-in-class tools.

Think of it as extending your internal team without the cost or time burden of building that capability in-house.

Choosing the Right Partner

Not every MSP has the depth of experience or strategic understanding to manage hybrid and multi-cloud environments effectively. When choosing a provider, look for:

• Cloud-native capability: Can they demonstrate experience across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud?

• Security credentials: Do they have ISO27001, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR expertise?

• Strategic vision: Are they offering more than break/fix support? Can they help shape your cloud roadmap?

• Proactive service: Is their approach focused on continuous improvement and innovation?

  
  

At AIS Tech, our managed IT support services are built around these very principles. We support over 600 users across London and Essex, helping businesses move confidently into hybrid and multi-cloud setups with zero disruption and maximum control.

From initial planning to full lifecycle management, we partner with your team to ensure your IT is fit for the future.

In Summary

In 2025, hybrid and multi-cloud are business strategies. They provide the flexibility to scale, the security to comply, and the resilience to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

But getting there and staying ahead requires more than just good intentions. It takes expertise. It takes experience. It takes the right MSP.

If your business is ready to explore the potential of hybrid and multi-cloud, talk to AIS Tech.

We’ll help you build the right foundation, avoid the common pitfalls, and unlock real value from your IT infrastructure.

Looking for expert hybrid and multi-cloud support?

Contact AIS Tech today to schedule your cloud readiness consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a hybrid cloud strategy?

A hybrid cloud strategy combines on-premises infrastructure (or private cloud) with one or more public cloud platforms. It allows businesses to move workloads between environments based on cost, performance, compliance, or security needs. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt to changing demands without being locked into a single provider.

What is a multi-cloud approach?

A multi-cloud approach involves using multiple cloud service providers (e.g. Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud) for different workloads or functions. Unlike hybrid cloud, which includes on-premises infrastructure, multi-cloud focuses on diversifying across public cloud platforms to improve resilience, reduce vendor lock-in, and optimise performance.

Why are hybrid and multi-cloud strategies becoming the norm in 2025?

Rising demands for agility, cost control, and data security are driving UK businesses to adopt hybrid and multi-cloud models. These strategies provide greater control over where and how workloads are run, critical for maintaining compliance, avoiding vendor dependency, and responding quickly to market changes.

How do hybrid and multi-cloud strategies support cybersecurity?

Hybrid and multi-cloud setups enable organisations to implement layered security controls. Sensitive data can be kept on private infrastructure or UK-based sovereign clouds, while advanced encryption, zero-trust frameworks, and multi-factor authentication protect systems in public environments. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) ensure consistent policies across all platforms.

What role does an MSP play in hybrid or multi-cloud adoption?

An MSP provides the expertise, tools, and oversight needed to plan, implement, and manage complex cloud environments. From workload assessment and cost optimisation to system integration, security compliance, and ongoing support, MSPs ensure your hybrid or multi-cloud strategy delivers on its promise without introducing unnecessary risk or cost.

Is a hybrid cloud solution only suitable for large enterprises?

No. SMEs across the UK are increasingly adopting hybrid cloud models because they offer enterprise-level capabilities without the capital expense. Working with a trusted MSP allows smaller businesses to access flexible, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure tailored to their size and sector.

How do I know if my business is ready for a hybrid or multi-cloud model?

If your organisation needs greater agility, is managing sensitive data, struggling with cloud costs, or wants to avoid being tied to one provider, you’re likely ready for a hybrid or multi-cloud approach. AIS Tech offers readiness assessments to help you map out your options and build a clear strategy.

What are the cost benefits of hybrid and multi-cloud environments?

A well-managed hybrid or multi-cloud setup allows you to choose the most cost-effective environment for each workload, eliminate waste, and avoid vendor lock-in. With cost visibility tools and FinOps practices in place, often delivered by your MSP, you can optimise spend while improving performance.

How can AIS Tech help with my hybrid or multi-cloud journey?

AIS Tech supports UK businesses at every stage, from initial planning and cloud migration to ongoing management, cost control, and compliance. With deep expertise in hybrid and multi-cloud design, security, and automation, we help you build a modern IT foundation tailored to your business goals.