How do I get flexible developer resource?

There are many reasons you may need to hire developer resource. For example, to meet a tight deadline, cover recruitment or to increase capacity. We offer flexible developer resource as you need it, and can jump in for short periods as well as work remotely. We understand the need to be able to contribute as quickly as possible, so we'll check to ensure we have the necessary skills beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Software

Q: I want to develop my own system. Where do I start?

It all starts with an idea! You'll need to describe what the software needs to do. A development partner will help you do this and ensure that aspects like performance and security are considered. Set a rough budget. A development partner will be able to help you determine what you can get built and in what timeframe. Whoever you choose as your partner, make sure that development is done in small, releasable chunks so that you get benefit early on. Also, make sure the system is properly tested and your data is secure.

Q: How much will it cost to develop my own system?

It really depends on what you are looking to build and how you want to work. Development services are available for a range of prices from a range of locations across the globe. We know the value of regular face-to-face communication and the benefits of delivering a viable, quality product as early as possible. Custom software is worth considering even for small jobs. For example, a small utility may free up several hours per week of valuable staff time, delivering a quick return on investment. If you'd like an idea of cost, then get in touch for a no-obligation quote.

Q: How do I know that I'll get a quality product?

Understanding what a quality software product is very important. Software testing makes sure that the requirements are met. If they are not then there could be costly changes to make the software function correctly. Lack of proper software testing can lead software to make critical mistakes handling data, a poor user experience and a big hit to your reputation. Not only should a system be well coded and properly documented, it must be tested at different stages and using various strategies to ensure it stands up to the rigours of expected use. All of these points are considered as part of our software development process.

Q: Is it possible to showcase an idea with a prototype?

Yes, we can quickly create impressive software prototypes. The idea of a prototype is to quickly see what a concept or idea could look like. Prototyping can be done in many different ways and offers little or no functionality. It is faster and cheaper to create a prototype than a whole new system and is a great way to showcase and gain interest in your idea.

Q: Should I chose an off-the-shelf or custom solution?

The decision to select a ready-made customisable system or your own custom solution is a challenging one. On first inspection, the former looks to be the cheapest option, however this does not mean it is necessarily the best fit for your needs. There are many factors to be considered such as: The long-term licensing, hosting and development costs. How well the software is suited to existing processes and how easy is it to makes changes. Ease of use and end user satisfaction. We can support you in decision-making and implementing the solution that’s best for you.

Initial & Strategic Questions

Should I chose an off-the-shelf or custom solution?

This is one of the most critical technology decisions a business can make. While an off-the-shelf product can seem cheaper initially, a custom solution is often the best long-term value, as it's perfectly tailored to your unique processes.

We help you evaluate all the factors, including:

Long-term licensing vs. ownership costs.
How well the software fits your existing workflows.
The ease of making future changes and integrations.

Our goal is to act as your trusted advisor, helping you make the strategic choice that's right for your business.

Next Step: Let us help you make the right decision.

What are the advantages of working with a local UK-based development partner?

Choosing a local UK-based partner provides three key advantages: seamless communication, a deeper business understanding, and greater accountability.

Seamless Communication: Clear, real-time communication is the bedrock of a successful software project. Being in the same time zone means we can resolve issues and answer questions instantly, without frustrating overnight delays. We believe face-to-face meetings are invaluable, especially during a project's crucial early stages, and our Hertfordshire-based team is always ready to meet in person.

Deeper Business Understanding: We don't just understand the technology; we understand the context. As a UK company, we have an intrinsic understanding of the local business landscape, market expectations, and data regulations like GDPR, ensuring your solution is perfectly aligned with your operational environment.

Greater Accountability: Working with a local company provides a level of accountability and peace of mind that's hard to replicate. You're not just a name on a spreadsheet; you're a valued local partner. We're invested in the success of businesses within our community and always just a train ride away.

Why do you specialise in .NET? What are its advantages for my business?

We specialise in the Microsoft .NET ecosystem because we believe it offers the best combination of power, security, and long-term value for our clients. For your business, the key advantages are:

Stability and Security: As a platform backed by Microsoft and trusted by thousands of major companies worldwide, .NET provides a robust and secure foundation for your business-critical applications. You can be confident you're building on a proven, reliable technology, not a fleeting trend.

High Performance and Scalability: .NET is renowned for its speed, making it ideal for high-performance systems. This means a faster, more responsive experience for your users and the ability for your software to scale seamlessly as your business grows, without costly rewrites.

Flexibility and a Future-Proof Investment: Modern .NET is cross-platform, meaning your application can run anywhere—on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Its versatility allows us to build everything from small internal tools to large-scale enterprise systems, ensuring your investment is protected for the future.

Efficiency and Lower Total Cost of Ownership: The framework allows our expert developers to build high-quality, maintainable code more efficiently. For you, this translates directly into faster delivery times and a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the application.

About the Project & Process

I want to develop my own system. Where do I start?

We always say that the best systems start with a clear idea. To begin, we'll work with you to map out exactly what the software needs to do, building a shared understanding of your goals. Our team will help you define the scope, consider crucial aspects like security and performance, and establish a budget and timeline.

We believe in delivering value early, so our process focuses on building in small, tested, and releasable stages, ensuring you see a return on your investment as quickly as possible.

Next Step: Learn more about our Software Consultancy service.

Is it possible to showcase an idea with a prototype?

Absolutely. A prototype is a fast, low-risk, and cost-effective way to validate your concept. We can quickly create impressive, interactive prototypes that bring your idea to life. This is a powerful tool for demonstrating your vision to stakeholders, securing investment, or gathering user feedback before committing to full-scale development.

How do I know that I'll get a quality product?

Our reputation is built on the quality of the software we deliver. For us, quality is non-negotiable and is built into every stage of our process. We combine best-practice coding standards and thorough documentation with a multi-layered testing strategy.

This ensures your final product not only meets all your requirements but is also secure, reliable, and provides a seamless experience for your users. This commitment to quality is how we provide software with care.

Cost & Ownership

How much will it cost to develop my own system?

The cost of a custom system depends on the complexity and scope of what you want to achieve. While a global marketplace offers a wide range of pricing, we focus on delivering exceptional value and a clear return on investment. We've seen small, targeted software projects save our clients hundreds of hours in staff time.

Our process is transparent, and we provide detailed, no-obligation quotes so you have a full understanding of the investment required. We prioritise clear communication, often face-to-face for our clients in London and Hertfordshire, to ensure the final product delivers on your goals.

Next Step: Get in touch for a no-obligation quote.

Who owns the IP and source code after the project?

The answer is simple: You do.

Upon final payment for the project, the full intellectual property (IP) for all the custom source code written specifically for you is transferred to your business. It is your asset, 100%. We provide you with a full copy and can help you store it securely.

To build your solution efficiently and cost-effectively, we may utilize our own pre-existing libraries of proven, robust code. While we retain the ownership of these standard components, you are granted a permanent, royalty-free licence to use them as a part of your system. This approach allows us to deliver a higher-quality product more quickly, without you needing to pay for us to "reinvent the wheel.

This is all clearly and transparently outlined in our development contract before any work begins.

After Your Project is Live

How will you ensure the software can grow and scale with my business?

That’s a critical question, as we believe custom software must be a long-term asset. We ensure your application is built for growth from day one through a deliberate, three-pronged strategy:

Adaptable Architecture: We design your software with a clean, modular architecture. This isn't just a technical detail—it means that as your business needs change, we can add new features or modify existing ones quickly and cost-effectively, without having to rebuild your system from scratch.

Scalable Cloud Infrastructure: We build our solutions on powerful and secure cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure. This allows your system to scale on-demand, effortlessly handling increased user traffic and data as your business succeeds, while only paying for the resources you use.

A Stable, Future-Proof Technology Stack: We specialise in the Microsoft .NET ecosystem, which is backed by long-term support and a clear roadmap for the future. This protects your investment from becoming obsolete and ensures your software will remain a reliable and secure asset for many years to come.

How do I modify my custom software?

A key advantage of custom software is its ability to evolve right alongside your business. We've designed both your system and our internal processes to make modifications straightforward and low-risk. Changes typically fall into two categories:

Adding New Features & Enhancements
When you decide you need new functionality to meet a new business goal, we treat it as a focused "mini-project." We'll work with you to cycle through a condensed version of our proven Discovery and Design phases to scope out the new requirements. It then enters our Develop & Test process, ensuring the new feature is built and integrated to the same high standard as the original application.

Ongoing Maintenance & Security Updates
As your long-term technology partner, we proactively manage the health of your application. As part of our Support and Maintenance plans, we use modern DevOps practices to apply essential security patches and technology updates in a safe, repeatable, and fast manner. This proactive work is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring there is no disruption to your service.