Standard web hosting services provide websites with the server space and resources required to deliver content online. There are four main types of hosting: shared, dedicated, VPS, and cloud.

However, since WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, there’s an entire category of hosting services designed explicitly for WordPress.

Hosting plans for websites built on WordPress software should work seamlessly with all of the WordPress core software and other essential tools like plugins and themes. For example, a WordPress host may offer seamless installation of the CMS via a one-click installation process. It might also guide you through a WordPress-specific setup wizard and install specific plugins and tools.

Additionally, with this type of hosting, the servers are usually optimised for peak WordPress performance. The support team should also have specialist knowledge about this CMS.

With a managed hosting plan, the hosting provider takes care of many of the technical tasks involved in running a website. This can include server configuration, routine maintenance, performance monitoring, and platform-level security updates. Some managed hosting services also provide additional optimisation and security features.

Managed hosting typically costs more than unmanaged hosting, but in return, it reduces the amount of day-to-day technical work required to keep a site running smoothly.

Unlike the four core types of hosting, managed hosting is not defined by server type alone. Shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting plans can all be either “managed” or “unmanaged.”

Yes. WP Engine lets you choose where your site’s infrastructure is located, including London and other European data centre regions, such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, and Frankfurt. By choosing local servers, you reduce latency and address regional data-handling considerations.

Yes. WP Engine operates with privacy safeguards that support responsible data handling for UK and European organisations. This includes adherence to frameworks such as the UK-U.S. and EU-U.S. Data Privacy Frameworks, and a data privacy addendum that addresses data protection obligations under applicable laws like GDPR and the UK GDPR.

Note: While this supports alignment with GDPR requirements, customers remain responsible for their own compliance obligations

Yes. WP Engine offers 24/7/365 support from its global specialist team. That means you can access help whenever you need it, and the support is available to UK and European businesses regardless of time zone.

Yes. WP Engine offers tools and support to help migrate sites from another provider, including free automated migration plugins and, for qualifying customers, managed migration support to make transitions smoother and minimise downtime.

No specific regional migration restrictions are applied. The migration support works for sites coming from UK hosts in the same way that it does globally.

Yes. WP Engine is required to charge value-added tax (VAT) on digital products and services provided to customers resident in EU member states—including the UK, where applicable VAT rules apply—unless you supply a valid VAT registration ID.

If you are a UK resident or business and VAT applies, the price you are charged will include VAT according to local legislation, unless you provide a valid VAT ID that exempts your business from VAT collection.