What you can build
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Web apps, portals and SaaS products.
- Integrations between your CRM, ecommerce, accounting and other tools.
- Internal tools and automations.
- Maintenance and modernisation of existing systems.
Engagement models
- Fixed scope: a defined project for an agreed price. Works when requirements are clear.
- Time and materials: pay for the time used. Suits products that will change as you learn.
- Dedicated team: developers working only on your product, often nearshore or offshore.
- Staff augmentation: extra developers who join your in-house team.
Protect your code and data
- Your contract should assign intellectual property in the code to you on payment, apart from open-source and licensed components.
- Keep the code in a repository your business owns, with your own admin access.
- Ask how they follow secure-development practices such as the OWASP Top 10.
- Where personal data is involved, the GDPR expects data protection by design and by default, and a processing agreement.
- Agree documentation, hand-over and support terms up front.
What affects the cost
Scope and complexity, platforms, integrations, design work, security and compliance needs, team location and seniority, and ongoing support. Ask for an estimate broken down by feature, and start with a small first phase to test the relationship.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
