For many UK businesses, off the shelf software simply doesn’t provide the flexibility needed to support the way they work. As organisations grow, modernise legacy systems, and look for new ways to use technologies such as AI and cloud computing, bespoke software can provide a more tailored approach.
A custom software development company can help businesses design, build, and maintain technology around their specific requirements. This might mean developing a completely new business application, connecting existing systems through APIs, moving workloads to the cloud, or something entirely different. However, choosing the right technology partner isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
Companies vary considerably in their technical expertise, industry experience, development approach, and the services they provide after a project goes live. Some specialise in particular technologies, while others offer broader digital transformation support. With that in mind, we’ve come up with some of the top contenders that you should be considering, and we’re going to be looking at them right now. So, if you would like to find out more, feel free to read on.
Talk Think Do
Talk Think Do is a UK based custom software development company. It works with organisations that need software built around their specific requirements, rather than relying solely on off the shelf SaaS products. Its services cover the full software lifecycle, from the initial discovery through to ongoing support.
The company has a particularly strong focus on Microsoft Azure, and AI augmented software development. Its services include bespoke software development, AI development and implementation, legacy application modernisation, API and systems integration, and more. It also develops web, mobile, enterprise, and cloud applications.
Talk Think Do pride themselves on their use of AI throughout the development process. The company claims this approach can make delivery 40-50% faster than traditional bespoke development, while experienced engineers remain responsible for architecture, testing, and code review. It also provides customers with full ownership of the source code, which many companies find appealing.
They work across a number of sectors including but not limited to government, education, sports and fitness, and more.
Pros:
- They specialise in building software around an organisations individual workflows, rather than asking businesses to adapt to a pre made product
- The use of AI tools throughout development means that they are able to deliver quicker than others
- They offer a wide range of services to ensure they can cater for as many clients as possible
- Customers retain ownership of the software and the source code
- Customers also receive ongoing support after their project has gone live
Cons:
- Custom software can be on the pricey side, with projects costing hundreds of thousands in some cases
- Those with a more straightforward focus may find that existing SaaS products are cheaper and faster
- Projects also do still require involvement from the client as customers need to clearly state their needs
Andersen
Andersen is a global software development and IT consultancy with an established presence in the UK. The company provides a number of services, including but not limited to custom software development, software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and more. They work with businesses ranging from startups and SMEs, to larger enterprises.
The company has been on the market since 2007, and has completed over 2,000 projects. They have a large team of IT specialists globally, with the UK operation working out of London. It has access to multiple teams across the world though/
They offer end to end development services, meaning businesses are able to work with the same company throughout every step of the process. The custom software services cover web and mobile applications, APIs, cloud engineering, and more.
Pros:
- They have broad technology expertise, making them excellent for those who could use a variety of services
- They have a large development team meaning they can provide teams with a wide range of skills
- Businesses looking to incorporate AI into their software can access services covering custom AI applications and more.
- They have a lot of industry experience across a range of sectors
Cons:
- They are a large international provider, so those who are looking for a small, close knit UK development agency may not like this
- For smaller businesses, the offerings here may be slightly more than are needed and it’s easy to get overwhelmed
- Custom development requires a lot of planning, which means that customers need a clear understanding of what they want, and be willing to wait for it
Scott Logic
Scott Logic is another UK based technology consultancy specialising in bespoke software development, software engineering, AI, data and digital transformation. They have spent around two decades helping organisations develop technology solutions for complex business problems, and they have a number of offices throughout the UK to help them do this.
They have a strong level of experience working with organisations where technology needs to meet demanding requirements around security, scalability, and regulation. The heritage is in financial services, but it has worked across a number of other sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and more.
They are also well versed in AI, meaning that they are able to offer this as part of their services.
Pros:
- They have strong bespoke software expertise, specialising in building custom applications around the businesses’ requirements
- They have over 20 years of experience solving complex tech problems for organisations
- They work with a number of vendors to provide the best for their clients
- They also have a lot of experience with legacy systems
- Provides end to end support for all clients
Cons:
- With their services covering so much, it’s pretty complex to get your head around
- It’s not the cheapest option, so if you’re on a tight budget this might not be the right choice for you
- They are specialists in regulated industries, so if you’re in a less complex sector you might not need the level of speciality that they have
So, there you have it. These are some of the top contenders that you need to know about, so take a look and make sure you choose the one that you believe is going to be right for you going forward.
