We started twenty-three years ago.
These four people made it possible —
and most of you reading this found us
through them, directly or not.
Our founding clients. Still with us. Still sending people our way.
Apple Mac Support London — Personal · Expert · Since 1996
Since 2003, mafiaBusiness has been the quiet authority behind London's most demanding Mac environments — from the edit suite to the corner office and the home study. No fuss. No corporate layers. Just expert care, on time, every time.
miguel de sousa pires has lived inside the Apple ecosystem since 1996, when he joined Apple's own UK telephone support team. After spearheading an Apple IT support company in Sweden and modernising a Central London Apple Dealer, he spent two years as Head of IT at Robert Barnes Architects — before founding mafiaBusiness in 2003 with four of those clients at his side from day one.
He was not waiting for permission. He built the template others still follow — dedicated, single-discipline Mac expertise delivered with the rigour and directness that both households and businesses can rely on, year after year.
More than twenty years on, nothing has changed that matters. Independently owned, entirely Apple-focused, and absolutely committed to keeping every device with an Apple logo performing at its absolute best — across London and, for established clients, remotely throughout the UK.
Originally from Sweden, miguel has spent over two decades mastering every iteration of Apple hardware and software. Clients rely on him not just as a technician but as a trusted long-term adviser who speaks plainly, acts swiftly, and genuinely cares about the outcome.
miguel joins Apple's UK telephone support team, providing direct support to British customers. The foundation of everything that follows is built here — deep inside the Apple ecosystem, at the source.
Relocating to Sweden, miguel spearheads an independent Apple IT support company. At a time when dedicated Apple support barely exists as a concept, he builds it from the ground up.
Back in London, miguel takes on the challenge of revolutionising a Central London Apple Dealer, bringing the same standards of expertise and care to a retail and business environment.
Appointed Head of IT at Robert Barnes Architects — the very firm whose principal would become one of mafiaBusiness's four founding clients two years later.
mafiaBusiness opens, offering affordable specialist Mac support — a concept so new that competitors thought it wouldn't last. They were wrong.
Growing demand from London's creative and professional sectors leads to our structured annual support contract programme.
miguel founded Private Hosting Ltd. — a dedicated email hosting company offering secure, private and encrypted email for clients who needed to know their communications were genuinely protected.
As the world locked down, our clients stayed operational. Remote Mac support had always been part of our offering.
Some of our clients have trusted us with their Apple setups for well over two decades. They agreed to say so publicly. We are proud to let them speak for us.
Miguel embraced the Macintosh early on so has lived and worked through problem solving of every iteration. We trusted him with setting up and sorting out our business on Macs. As an aside he is interesting, fun and can talk non techy. As a former Director of Apple UK I can highly recommend him.
I've had the pleasure of working with Miguel for many years, and I can say without hesitation that both my colleagues and I have relied heavily on his consistent support. He is always available, quick to resolve issues, and does so with a great sense of humor. Miguel has a remarkable ability to eliminate the typical frustrations associated with IT, making everything run seamlessly. I cannot recommend him highly enough to any individual or organization in need of expert Mac support.
When I have problems, Miguel is there. When a panic occurs, Miguel is there. When I need advice, Miguel is there – in fact – Miguel is ALWAYS there and that makes me feel safe. I therefore know that it will work and I can focus on running my business…
I have known Miguel since 1988, when I set up my architectural practice in London, built around Apple hardware and specialist 2D and 3D software. Over these years he helped set up our network, manage our backup systems, in-house printing and all our IT needs — eventually joining us as IT Manager, keeping over 20 terminals running smoothly every day, and advising on our sister office in Paris too. In those early days there were many occasions when he worked through the night to keep us operational. I remember him telling me that his mind was racing ahead of the machines to keep us safe and secure. It was very reassuring. His commitment helped us grow to 25 architects in London and 7 in Paris, all connected and working together seamlessly and continuously. The enterprise would have been impossible without his skill and knowledge. We have remained in touch ever since those heady days, and Miguel is my go-to man for everything computer.
I seem to be quite gifted at mucking computers up, when a network that was working perfectly well goes wrong it is a mystery to me. To describe me as not the most patient client may also be something of an understatement. Miguel has been sorting out my special gift for over twenty years, throwing his comfort blanket over all things Apple again and again. How on earth he has the patience is an even bigger mystery.
What would I have done without Miguel's help and generous guidance over these decades? Besides the efficiency and 'can do' attitude, I love his humour and his ability to find metaphors and use language when terminology and tech talk sails above my head. When I need to be rescued from my desktop's incomprehensible behaviour, he gets straight back with a solution, even once at 11.30 pm. I recommend any friend to sign up to his incredible professional service and online protection.
I had no idea what happens within my computer behind the screen, and honestly, I didn't care. Until I met Miguel who explained to me all the safety risks in a way that was easy to understand — and even entertaining. I'm so thankful to him — so patient, and I don't feel intimidated being a complete dummy at computers. Being aware of the safety risks and how the computer works is so important as my whole business is on it. I also appreciate Miguel's good humour and warm personality.
When I set up my business and bought my first desktop Mac, Miggi was there to install and set up. And he's been there every step of the way for 20 years. Taking care of safety and security, diagnosing and fixing problems quickly. Time is money in my business – if the edit suite isn't working it's off the bottom line – so speedy solutions are crucial. And then there is his calm manner and sense of humour that always serve to dispel any stress in the moment of a Mac problem. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
BEST Mac Man out there. Apple tech whizz extraordinaire — put your Mac world in his hands for an anxiety-free solution.
I've been working with Miguel for over ten years. He is the finest Swedish–Brazilian Apple man around. His only problem is that he dances like a Swede and has the technological skill of a Brazilian — but despite that, he's still better than anyone else.
We could not operate without mafiaBusiness! Utterly reliable, extremely knowledgeable on all things technical, a real support when we need it and on top of that such a positive and amusing person to have around. I could not recommend Miguel highly enough.
Miguel has always been a real gentleman in his dealings with his clients. He has a real passion for good work and cares that he is doing a good job. He is always a pleasure to be around and has a great sense of humour. With his high intellect he is always ready with good advice on quite a few topics. When it comes to help with repairs for your Apple devices I would not hesitate to highly recommend Miguel to be the best person for the job.
The fastest Mac Man in the west — comes to mind when I think of mafiaBusiness! Miguel is fast, amiable, understanding and has a lot of patience when it comes to dealing with his clients. Always available with a smile and sound advice. I highly recommend his services to anyone who is Mac-based.
Miguel came on board to our then Production Company MADAM Films and from day one seamlessly took charge of all of our IT needs and requirements. He has always felt like part of our team which has been priceless over the years. Developing our business needs as required and keeping us safe from ongoing hacking attempts. His work and support knows no bounds regardless of the time of day or day of the week. He allows you to have peace of mind at all times. I have since moved on to Move Menorca, a specialist property company in Menorca, but I have taken Miguel with me, remotely assisting my new business.
The expertise Miguel has is unseen in others. His character makes for a perfect blend of social humour and quality support. Even during challenging times, Miguel remains calm and instigates peace in all involved parties. We gladly recommend mafiaBusiness to anybody who needs help.
We've been lucky to have Miguel supporting us throughout our growth. He has been a fantastic collaborator and always been there for us to solve any problem we might have. And on top of this he has been great fun to work with!
Miguel makes problems go away. He's always at the end of the phone — hosting, emails, scams, passwords, simple advice usually with an anecdote thrown in for good measure. Can't recommend him enough. Everything is fixed. Always.
Always on call to solve problems – mind boggling technical wizardry is his thing – Miguel is a helpful, knowledgeable and a reliable professional.
Miguel is very quick to respond to queries and we have been very happy with the service we have received.
I have called on Miguel a few times for computer support and I have been blown away by the high level of service I've received each time. Miguel really goes above and beyond for his clients — ensuring that the problem is solved and more. Coupled with his easy-going nature and continued support, I would highly recommend Miguel to help you with any Apple Mac needs.
Having known Miguel for over 20 years, I can confidently say he is exceptionally reliable and highly skilled when it comes to technology. While I'm comfortable using a computer, any technical issue is beyond me, and Miguel has consistently provided fast, effective solutions. His professionalism, expertise, and dependability set him apart. I would not hesitate to recommend Miguel and his services.
Miguel is exceptional — his IT support has been vital to us for many years. Anytime, anywhere, he comes to the rescue, handling both big and small challenges with ease. He consistently keeps everything running smoothly, securely, and efficiently, resolving issues quickly and implementing improvements with great attention to detail. His technical expertise, proactive approach, and clear communication make him incredibly easy to work with. We highly recommend Miguel and mafiaBusiness to anyone looking for skilled, dependable, and forward-thinking IT support.
We do one thing: Apple. That focus means we go considerably deeper than any generalist IT firm. When you call mafiaBusiness, you are speaking to someone who has encountered your exact problem before — and knows precisely how to fix it.
iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV — if it has an Apple logo, we support it and ensure it works beautifully alongside your Mac.
A Mac that loses your data or gets compromised is not a Mac doing its job. We make sure yours never does either.
Whether your Wi-Fi drops constantly or you need an entire studio wired up and humming — we sort it with minimal disruption.
Got a new Mac? Moving from an older model? We migrate everything cleanly so you lose nothing and gain everything.
The vast majority of problems are solved quickly and completely via a secure remote session — no waiting, no travel, no disruption to your day.
Your email is your business. Through our sister company Private Hosting Ltd., we offer secure, private and fully encrypted email hosting.
A support contract means your Apple situation is taken care of before things go wrong — not after. Our plans give you exactly what you need, at the level that makes sense for how you use your technology.
For individuals and households who rely on their Mac and Apple devices for work, creativity or daily life — and cannot afford to be without them.
For small and growing businesses where the Mac is the engine room. Keeps your team productive and your Apple environment stable, month after month.
We have never divided our attention. Every hour of our experience — since 2003 — is Apple. That depth cannot be replicated by a generalist.
You will not be told to "turn it off and on again" by someone reading from a screen. You speak to an expert who diagnoses with precision and explains in plain English.
We tell you what something costs before we do it. No surprises, no hidden charges, no invoice you weren't expecting.
We work in offices, homes and studios where privacy matters. We treat everything we see and hear with complete discretion, without exception.
mafiaBusiness has been advertising in SEBRA News W2 — the community magazine for Bayswater, Notting Hill and Paddington — reaching the residents and businesses of West London directly.
If you picked up a copy and found your way here — welcome. Miguel is happy to talk, any time.
Our clients range from households where a single MacBook is the family's lifeline, to production companies where a room of Macs never sleeps. What they share is an expectation of excellence — and an expectation we have never once failed to meet.
London's film and TV production houses run on Macs and tight deadlines. We keep their edit suites, colour rooms and production offices running without interruption.
Fast-moving PR teams cannot afford a frozen laptop the morning of a campaign launch. We are the support system behind some of London's sharpest agencies.
Architects, graphic designers, photographers and brand studios — professionals who live inside Adobe Creative Cloud and need their kit to perform flawlessly, every day.
Solicitors, barristers and financial advisers who handle confidential data and require their Apple environments to be secure, stable and always available.
Recording studios, composers and podcast producers who rely on Logic Pro and complex audio setups. We have seen every configuration and fixed every problem.
From a retired professional in Mayfair who simply wants their MacBook to work, to a family with five Apple devices across three rooms — everyone gets the same level of care.
We were founded in 2003 — over 23 years ago — making us one of London's longest-established independent Apple Mac support specialists. Our founding clients, including Robert Barnes Architects, imagepartnership.com, schmick.tv and hessenberg.com, have been with us since that very first year.
Yes. We offer two tiers — Home Cover for residential clients, and Business Essential for businesses where the Mac is the engine room. Both include a guaranteed response time and unlimited remote support across London.
We provide Mac support across all of Greater London. This includes Soho, Mayfair, the West End, the City of London, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Canary Wharf, Camden, Islington, Notting Hill, Kensington, Chelsea, Brixton, Hackney, Greenwich, Wimbledon and all surrounding areas. Remote support available UK-wide.
Yes. If it has an Apple logo, we support it. MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV.
Yes — and we have done since 2003. We understand edit suite environments, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Logic Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud and the zero-tolerance-for-downtime reality of production schedules.
Yes. We aim to respond the same business day — usually within two hours. Remote support resolves the vast majority of issues within the hour, without disruption to your day.
Yes — through our sister company Private Hosting Ltd., founded in 2012. Secure, private and encrypted email hosting alongside website hosting.
There is no standard call-out fee and no hidden charges. We agree what needs doing before we do it, and we tell you the cost upfront. For ad hoc work, you pay for the session. For ongoing peace of mind, our support contracts offer unlimited remote support at a fixed monthly rate — so you always know exactly what you're paying. No invoices that arrive as a surprise.
No. The vast majority of problems are resolved remotely, via a secure screen-sharing session. You stay at your desk, we fix the problem, and you carry on with your day. If a physical visit is ever required, we come to you — at your home, office or studio, anywhere in London.
There is no such thing. We have been asked about everything — from "why is my screen upside down" to "I think I've been hacked at 11pm on a Sunday." Every question is a reasonable question. Every problem gets the same level of attention, regardless of how simple or complex it seems.
Same business day — usually within two hours. For contract clients, response is prioritised further. We do not use a ticket system or a call queue. You contact us directly, and we respond directly.
Yes. Remote sessions are conducted over encrypted connections, and we only access what is needed to resolve the issue. We do not store, copy or share any of your files. Discretion is not a policy — it is how we work.
Always. We have been doing this since 1996 and we have explained complex technical situations to everyone from architects to artists to barristers. If we use a word you don't understand, stop us. We will explain it differently until it makes sense — without making you feel embarrassed for asking.
Yes — and please contact us immediately if you think this has happened. The sooner we look at it, the better. We deal with compromised accounts, phishing attacks, suspicious software and data breaches regularly. Do not wait and hope it resolves itself.
Yes. If it has an Apple logo, we support it. We also ensure all your devices work together seamlessly — so your iPhone, iPad, Mac and iCloud all talk to each other the way Apple intended, without the frustration of things not syncing or connecting.
Yes — and this is one of the most common things we do. We migrate your files, applications, settings, email and preferences so that your new Mac feels exactly like your old one, just faster. Nothing gets left behind.
Contract clients have access to out-of-hours support for genuine emergencies. If your edit suite goes down the night before a deadline, or your email stops working on a Sunday morning before a Monday pitch, we are reachable. We understand that business does not always happen between 9 and 5.
Yes — and we recommend doing this proactively rather than waiting for something to go wrong. We review your backup setup, encryption, network security, software update schedule and password hygiene. A one-hour security review can prevent years of headaches.
We will give you an honest answer. Sometimes a storage upgrade or a clean installation adds five more years of life to a Mac for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Sometimes replacement is the right call. We have no incentive to sell you anything — our only interest is in giving you the right advice.
Yes — and this is one of the genuine advantages of working with someone who has been doing this since 1996. We have seen every Mac ever made, every version of the operating system, and every problem in between. Whether you're running a brand new machine or a Mac that's several years old and still doing exactly what you need it to do, we know it inside out.
Yes — and this is something we feel strongly about. Losing data is devastating and almost always preventable. We set up Time Machine, offsite backup, and where appropriate cloud backup, tailored to how your business actually works. We then check it is running correctly on a regular basis.
All of Greater London — from Mayfair and Soho to Hackney, Brixton, Wimbledon and everywhere in between. For established clients, we also provide remote support throughout the UK. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, just ask.
Whether you have an urgent problem right now or you're thinking about a support contract — we are easy to reach and quick to respond.
