You Do Not Need an Enterprise Budget
Startups and new businesses often assume custom software is expensive and only for larger companies. That is true for enterprise software projects that take months and cost tens of thousands. It is not true for the kind of practical, focused applications I build.
Start With an MVP
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of your software that solves the core problem. Instead of building everything at once, we identify the most critical functionality and build that first. An MVP for a booking system might be client management, appointment scheduling and basic reminders — without the loyalty tracking, marketing integration and advanced analytics that can come later.
Typical Startup Budgets
A simple MVP web application costs between £300 and £800. This gets you a working system with core functionality, user authentication, clean interface and deployment. It is not a prototype or a demo — it is production-ready software that your team and customers can use from day one.
As your business grows and generates revenue, you can invest in additional features. Phase 2 might add reporting and analytics. Phase 3 might add integration with other tools. You scale the investment with the business rather than front-loading everything.
Why Custom Beats Free Tools
Free tools come with limitations — feature caps, branding, data export restrictions, and eventually pricing tiers that cost more than a custom solution. Custom software grows with you without artificial limits. You own the code, own the data, and are never locked into a vendor.
Get Started
If you have a business idea that needs software, or you are running a new business on spreadsheets and free tools that are already limiting you, get in touch. I will help you define an MVP and give you a fixed price. No obligation, no jargon, just an honest assessment.
Got a Spreadsheet That's Driving You Mad?
Send it over — I'll tell you what an app version would look like and what it'd cost. No obligation.