Transform your business with powerful, scalable web applications. From SaaS platforms to enterprise portals, we build solutions that drive efficiency and growth.
Let's discuss how we can create a powerful web application tailored to your business needs.
We design web applications tailored to the needs of different business sectors.
Off-the-shelf software often falls short when it comes to meeting specific business needs. Generic solutions force you to adapt your processes to the software, rather than the other way around.
Many businesses struggle with inefficient workflows, disconnected systems, and manual processes that waste time and resources. A custom web application can solve these challenges by providing a tailored solution that fits your exact requirements.
Transform Your Business Operations
A well-designed web application can automate complex workflows, integrate disparate systems, and provide real-time insights that drive better decision-making. Whether you need a customer portal, internal management system, or SaaS product, the right web application can revolutionize how you work.
Whether you're looking to build a complex enterprise system or a customer-facing web app, our expert development team can create a solution that perfectly matches your business needs and scales with your growth.
We specialize in developing robust, secure web applications using modern technologies and architectures. From single-page applications to multi-tenant SaaS platforms, we deliver solutions that are reliable, maintainable, and built for the long term.
Tailored solutions built specifically for your needs
Systems designed to grow with your business
Bank-level security and compliance standards
Seamless connection with existing systems
Deployed on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
Live dashboards and instant updates
Role-based access and permissions
Works perfectly on all devices
Every business has different requirements. Here's how we approach the most common types of web application projects.
We build multi-tenant SaaS products designed for commercial distribution. This includes user management, subscription billing, tenant isolation, and the infrastructure to support hundreds or thousands of customers from a single codebase. Our SaaS builds typically include Stripe integration, usage analytics, and admin portals for your operations team.
Your customers expect self-service. We build portals that let your users manage their accounts, track orders, submit requests, view invoices, and communicate with your team without picking up the phone. Good portals reduce support costs and improve satisfaction at the same time.
Many of our clients need internal applications that replace spreadsheet-driven processes. We build workflow automation tools, approval systems, reporting dashboards, and data management platforms. These applications are designed for daily use by your team, so usability matters just as much as functionality.
We work with funded startups to turn product concepts into working software quickly. Our approach prioritises the core value proposition first, gets it in front of real users, and then iterates based on actual feedback. We've helped startups go from idea to paying customers in as little as 10 weeks.
Progressive Web Apps combine the reach of a website with the functionality of a native app. They work offline, send push notifications, and can be installed on a user's home screen without going through an app store. PWAs are a strong option when you need mobile functionality but want to avoid the cost and maintenance overhead of native iOS and Android apps.
If you're running a web application built 10 or 15 years ago, it's likely slow, expensive to maintain, and difficult to extend. We help businesses migrate legacy systems to modern architectures without losing critical functionality or data. This often involves a phased approach where we rebuild the system piece by piece while keeping the old system running.
We select technologies based on your project requirements, not personal preference. Here's what we work with and when we recommend each option.
Node.js — Our go-to for real-time applications, API-heavy systems, and projects where JavaScript across the full stack speeds up development. We use Node.js with Express or NestJS for most of our SaaS and portal projects.
Python (Django / Flask) — Ideal for data-heavy applications, machine learning integrations, and projects that need rapid prototyping. Django's built-in admin panel and ORM make it particularly efficient for internal business tools.
.NET (C#) — The standard for enterprise environments, particularly where integration with Microsoft ecosystems (Azure, Active Directory, SQL Server) is required. We use .NET for projects in finance, healthcare, and government where the Microsoft stack is already established.
React — Our most-used frontend framework. React's component model and large ecosystem make it the right choice for complex, interactive applications. We pair it with TypeScript on every project for type safety and fewer runtime bugs.
Vue.js — A lighter alternative to React that we recommend for smaller applications or teams who need to onboard developers quickly. Vue has a gentler learning curve without sacrificing capability.
Angular — Best suited for large enterprise applications with complex forms, strict architecture requirements, and teams who benefit from Angular's opinionated structure.
PostgreSQL — Our default relational database. It handles complex queries, full-text search, JSON data, and geospatial operations. PostgreSQL powers the majority of our production applications.
MongoDB — We use MongoDB for applications with flexible data schemas, document-heavy workflows, or where rapid iteration on data models is more important than strict relational integrity.
Redis — Used alongside primary databases for caching, session management, and real-time features like live notifications and chat.
All our web applications are deployed to cloud infrastructure, typically AWS or Azure. We set up CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform), and monitoring from day one. This means your application can be deployed, rolled back, and scaled without manual intervention.
With over 20 years of experience building web applications, we've delivered solutions for businesses across healthcare, finance, logistics, education, and many other industries. Our applications handle millions of transactions and serve thousands of users daily.
We follow industry best practices and use proven methodologies to ensure your application is delivered on time, within budget, and exceeds expectations.
Our web application development portfolio spans payroll platforms, recruitment systems, and workforce management tools. Here are three projects that show what we deliver.
Full SaaS payroll application handling HMRC RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and multi-company payroll processing for UK businesses.
The challenge: Payroll processing in the UK involves strict HMRC reporting deadlines, complex tax calculations, and constant legislative changes. Octopaye's previous system was a desktop application that couldn't scale and required manual data entry for every pay run.
What we built:
Results: The platform grew from processing 1,000 timesheets per month at launch to over 15,000 within two years. Processing time for a typical payroll run dropped from hours to minutes.
End-to-end recruitment management platform replacing spreadsheets with automated timesheets, invoicing, and Bullhorn CRM integration.
The challenge: Like many recruitment agencies, Infinitemp had outgrown their patchwork of off-the-shelf tools. Candidate data lived in one system, timesheets in another, and invoicing in a third. Consultants spent more time on admin than on placing candidates.
What we built:
Results: Infinitemp scaled their contractor base by 10x without adding back-office headcount. Weekly invoicing that previously took a full day now runs automatically.
Resident portal connecting housing providers with tenants for repairs, payments, and community updates — built accessibility-first.
The challenge: Housing associations manage thousands of properties and residents. Floc wanted to give residents a single portal for repairs, rent payments, community updates, and direct communication with their housing officer. The system also needed to work for residents with limited digital skills.
What we built:
Results: Resident satisfaction scores improved by 80% in the first year. Repair reporting moved from phone-based (average 12 minutes per call) to self-service (average 3 minutes). Housing officers reduced their admin workload by roughly 40%.
"Make IT Simple built us a system that actually works the way recruiters work. We went from drowning in spreadsheets to having everything in one place. The team understood our industry from day one."
"The team at Make IT Simple got what we were trying to achieve straight away. They didn't just build what we asked for; they challenged our assumptions and the end product was better for it."
"We'd tried two other development agencies before finding Make IT Simple. The difference was immediate. They actually listened, gave us honest advice about what would and wouldn't work, and delivered exactly what they said they would. Our platform has been running for three years now with zero downtime."
Our development process has been refined over 20 years and more than 100 projects. Every project follows these stages, though the depth of each stage varies based on complexity and budget.
We start with workshops to understand your business, your users, and the problem you're solving. Discovery typically takes 1-2 weeks and produces a detailed specification document, wireframes, and a realistic project estimate.
Our design phase produces clickable prototypes that let you test the user experience before any code is written. We design for your actual users, not for design awards. You'll sign off on designs before development begins.
Before writing code, we define the technical architecture: database schema, API structure, third-party integrations, authentication model, deployment strategy, and performance targets. This planning prevents expensive rework later.
We build in two-week sprints. Each sprint delivers working, tested functionality. You'll have access to a staging environment from the first sprint. Sprint demos happen every two weeks, and your input directly shapes priorities.
Testing is built into every sprint, not bolted on at the end. We write automated unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests. Before launch, we also run performance testing, security testing (OWASP top 10), and user acceptance testing.
We deploy using automated CI/CD pipelines, which means deployments are repeatable, auditable, and reversible. We handle domain configuration, SSL certificates, CDN setup, and monitoring. Most launches include a soft launch period.
Launch is the beginning, not the end. We offer ongoing support packages that include bug fixes, security updates, performance monitoring, and feature development. Most of our clients continue working with us after launch.
Security isn't a feature we add at the end. It's built into every decision from architecture through to deployment.
Every application we build handles personal data in line with UK GDPR requirements. This includes data encryption at rest and in transit, consent management, data retention policies, right-to-erasure functionality, and audit logging. We can also prepare the technical documentation your DPO needs for Data Protection Impact Assessments.
We implement industry-standard authentication using OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and multi-factor authentication. Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures users can only see and do what they're supposed to. For enterprise clients, we integrate with existing identity providers including Azure AD, Okta, and Auth0.
Healthcare (NHS): DTAC assessment, clinical safety.
Finance (FCA): PCI DSS for payment handling.
Government: Cyber Essentials Plus.
Recruitment (AWR): Agency Workers Regulations compliance.
All applications are deployed behind WAF protection, with DDoS mitigation, automated vulnerability scanning, and encrypted backups. We conduct regular dependency audits and apply security patches promptly.
Understanding the differences between web applications, websites, and SaaS platforms is crucial for making the right technology investment. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which solution fits your business needs.
Not sure which option is right for you? Our team can help you assess your requirements and recommend the best approach. Learn more about our custom software development services →
One of the most common questions we receive is "How much does it cost to build a web application in the UK?" The honest answer is: it depends on complexity, features, and scope. Here's a realistic breakdown based on our 15+ years of experience:
Simple functionality, 3-5 core features, basic user authentication, single user role. Timeline: 2-3 months.
Multiple user roles, third-party integrations, custom dashboards, reporting features. Timeline: 4-6 months.
Complex workflows, multi-tenant architecture, advanced security, high scalability requirements.
Timeline: 6-12 months.
Factors That Affect Web App Development Cost:
Want an accurate quote for your project? Get a free consultation and we'll provide a detailed estimate based on your specific requirements.
Our web application development expertise spans across multiple industries. We understand the unique challenges and compliance requirements of each sector, enabling us to deliver solutions that truly fit your business context.
Patient portals, appointment systems, NHS integrations, HIPAA-compliant platforms, telemedicine solutions.
Trading platforms, payment processing, regulatory reporting, risk management systems, FCA-compliant solutions.
Applicant tracking systems, candidate portals, back-office automation, Bullhorn integrations, timesheet management.
Learning management systems, student portals, virtual classrooms, assessment platforms, administration tools.
Custom storefronts, inventory management, order processing, customer loyalty programs, B2B portals.
Fleet management, route optimization, warehouse systems, real-time tracking, supplier portals.
Production planning, quality control systems, IoT dashboards, inventory tracking, ERP integrations.
Case management, document automation, client portals, billing systems, compliance tracking.
Explore our related services and resources to help you make informed decisions about your software project:
Build bespoke solutions tailored to your unique business processes and requirements.
Learn More →Discover why Make IT Simple is one of the UK's most trusted software development partners.
Learn More →Need a mobile app alongside your web application? We build native and cross-platform apps.
Learn More →We've been building web applications since before "web app" was a common term. That experience means we've seen what works, what fails, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that derail software projects.
We're not just coders — we're business problem solvers. The technology follows the business need, not the other way around.
Our entire development team works from the UK. When you call us, you speak to the people building your software. There's no language barrier, no timezone gap, and no communication chain between you and the developers writing your code.
Most of our clients have worked with us for years, not months. We don't build your application and disappear. Ongoing support, feature development, and performance optimisation are all part of what we offer. Your application grows as your business grows.
We offer fixed-price contracts for well-defined projects. If your requirements are clear, we'll give you a firm price and stick to it. For less defined projects, we work on a time-and-materials basis with weekly budget tracking and full transparency.
You own 100% of the code and intellectual property for bespoke applications we develop. It's your software, built for your business.
Got questions about web application development? Here are answers to the most common queries we receive:
A web application is software that runs in a web browser rather than being installed on your computer or phone. Unlike a standard website, which mainly displays information, a web application lets users interact with data, complete tasks, and trigger workflows. Examples include Gmail, Trello, Xero, and Slack. If your users need to log in and do something (not just read something), you probably need a web application.
Web application costs in the UK typically range from £15,000 for a simple application with basic functionality to £300,000+ for complex enterprise systems. The main cost drivers are the number of features, the complexity of integrations, security requirements, and the level of custom design. We provide detailed estimates after a discovery phase so you know exactly what you're paying for.
A basic web application takes 2-3 months. A mid-complexity application with integrations and multiple user roles takes 4-6 months. Large enterprise applications can take 6-12 months. These timelines include design, development, testing, and deployment. We can often deliver an MVP faster if you need to validate your concept before committing to a full build.
A website presents information to visitors. A web application lets users perform tasks, manage data, and interact with systems. Websites are typically built with a CMS like WordPress. Web applications are custom-built with frameworks like React, Node.js, or .NET. If your project involves user accounts, dashboards, workflows, or data processing, it's a web application.
A web application runs in a browser and works on any device with internet access. A mobile app is installed from the App Store or Google Play and runs natively on a phone or tablet. Mobile apps can access device features like the camera, GPS, and push notifications more easily. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) bridge this gap by offering some native-like features through the browser.
Yes. SaaS (Software as a Service) development is one of our core specialisations. We build multi-tenant SaaS platforms with subscription billing, user management, tenant isolation, and the scalable infrastructure needed to serve hundreds or thousands of customers. We've built SaaS products for payroll, recruitment, property management, and several other industries.
We build integrations with most business systems and third-party services. Common integrations include CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, Bullhorn), accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage), payment processors (Stripe, GoCardless), email services (SendGrid, Mailchimp), and cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). We also build custom APIs for systems that don't have standard integration points.
Yes. You own all the code and intellectual property we create for your project. We don't retain any licensing rights, and you're free to take the codebase to another developer if you choose to. We provide full access to the code repository, documentation, and deployment configurations.
We offer ongoing support and maintenance packages. These typically include bug fixes, security updates, server monitoring, performance optimisation, and a set number of hours per month for new feature development. Most clients start with a support package and then use those hours to continuously improve their application based on user feedback and business needs.
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