Custom App Development · Dorset-based
Affordable Custom App Development for UK Small Businesses
Mobile and web apps, customer portals and bespoke software, built by a friendly Dorset team, without the big-agency price tag.
Got an idea for an app, or an off-the-shelf tool that just won't do what you need? We design and build custom software around how your business actually works. Clear pricing, no jargon, no lock-in, and a real person in Dorset to call when you need us.
- From £15k Transparent fixed pricing
- Dorset UK-based local team
- No lock-in No long-term contracts
- 24 hrs Response to every enquiry
Off-the-shelf software making you bend your business out of shape?
Most small businesses end up duct-taping spreadsheets, paper forms and apps that nearly fit. You pay monthly for features you never use, while the one thing you actually need isn't there. A custom app flips that around, software built to fit you, not the other way round. Whether it's a customer booking portal, an internal tool for your team, or a full mobile app, we build exactly what your business needs.
What we build
Mobile & web applications
Cross-platform apps that work on iPhone, Android and the web from a single build, which typically saves you 25–40% versus building separate native apps. One codebase, lower cost, faster to launch.
Custom business software
Bespoke tools that replace the spreadsheets and manual workarounds your team relies on, built around your exact processes, not a one-size-fits-all template.
Customer portals, booking & e-commerce
Let customers book, order, pay and self-serve online. Booking systems, customer portals and online shops that take work off your plate and look great doing it.
Low-code & rapid development
Where it suits the project, we use proven low-code platforms to build faster and cheaper, getting a working version in your hands sooner, without cutting corners on quality.
Why UK businesses choose HGC IT for app development
A real local team
We're based in Dorset (Poole, Bournemouth and across the South West), talk to the people actually building your app, on 01305.
Genuinely affordable
Transparent pricing from the start. No surprise invoices, no big-agency overheads baked in.
No lock-in
No long-term contracts, and you own your software outright.
IT that just works
Plain English, no jargon, and software that does its job day in, day out.
Honest, upfront pricing
We'll always give you a fixed quote before any work starts, but here's the ballpark so there are no surprises: Simple app / MVP: £15,000–£40,000, a focused first version to get you live and proving the idea. Medium-complexity app: £40,000–£100,000, more features, integrations and users. Ongoing maintenance: 15–25% of the build cost per year, updates, hosting support and improvements as you grow. Every project starts with a free, no-obligation consultation and a clear written quote.
Our proven 5-step process
Discovery
We get to know your business, your goals and what the app needs to do. Free consultation.
Planning
We map out features, designs and a fixed quote, so you know exactly what you're getting.
Development
We build your app in stages, showing you progress as we go so there are no surprises.
Launch
We test thoroughly, get you live, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Support
We're still here afterwards, looking after, updating and improving your app as your business grows.
And we'll connect your tools too
Once your app is live, we can plug it into the rest of your business, connecting it to Microsoft 365, Xero, your CRM and more, and automating the manual jobs in between. Explore our Business Automation services.
Based in Dorset? Meet our local app developers in Dorset for an in-person chat about your project.
Custom App Development FAQs
How much does a custom app cost?
It depends on what you need, but as a guide: a simple app or first version typically runs £15,000–£40,000, and a more complex app £40,000–£100,000. We give you a fixed written quote after a free consultation, so you'll never be caught out.
How long does it take to build an app?
A simple app usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months; larger projects take longer. We build in stages and keep you updated throughout, so you always know where things stand.
Should I build for iPhone or Android?
Usually you don't have to choose. We build cross-platform apps that work on iPhone, Android and the web from a single build, which covers all your customers and typically saves 25–40% versus building separate native apps.
What's the difference between low-code and traditional development?
Low-code uses proven building blocks to develop faster and more affordably; traditional coding gives total flexibility for complex needs. We'll recommend whichever gets you the best result for your budget, and explain the trade-offs in plain English.
Do I own the app once it's built?
Yes, completely. You own your software and your data outright. There's no lock-in and no long-term contract tying you to us.
Will you support the app after it launches?
Absolutely. We offer ongoing support and maintenance (typically 15–25% of the build cost per year) to keep your app secure, up to date and improving as your business grows. We're a Dorset team you can actually pick up the phone to.
Let's build the app your business actually needs
Tell us what you've got in mind and we'll come back within 24 hours with honest advice and a clear, no-obligation quote.
- Free consultation
- Fixed, transparent pricing
- UK-based Dorset team
- No long-term contracts
- You own everything
Call 01305 310006 · Email hello@hgcit.co.uk