Custom software development
A custom software company that answers to you.
Bespoke business software built around how your company actually works, by the person who writes the code. Based in Sheffield, working with businesses across the UK.
Off-the-shelf tools almost fit, then leave gaps you plug with spreadsheets and copy-paste. A custom software company builds the system that matches how your business really runs, takes out the manual steps and gives your team one reliable place to work. With Thackr you work directly with the developer, from the first conversation through to delivery and support, with no account managers in between.
Not sure exactly what you need yet? Turn your idea into a clear, development-ready spec with thesoftware brief generatorbefore we talk.
What a custom build looks like
Custom software is a broad term. In practice it is usually one or more of these, shaped around a real operational problem rather than a feature list.
Bespoke business systems
Software designed around your workflow instead of forcing your team into a generic product. It replaces the spreadsheets and manual steps holding you back.
Internal systems & CRMs
One source of truth for job tracking, scheduling, stock, reporting and pipeline, so your team stops re-keying data and starts trusting the numbers.
Customer & staff portals
Secure portals that let customers self-serve and give staff the tools to respond quickly, cutting the back-and-forth.
Workflow automation
Approvals, reminders, hand-offs and follow-ups that move on their own, with a clear audit trail of every step.
Integrations
Get the tools you already pay for talking to each other, so data flows automatically instead of being re-typed in three places.
Legacy system replacement
Careful, phased replacement of ageing software, starting by understanding what the old system really does before anything is switched off.
Why work with Thackr
Most custom software agencies put a layer of managers between you and the people building your system. I keep it direct, and I stay accountable for the result.
- You work with me, the developer, start to finish
- 10+ years building operational software businesses actually run on
- Built on modern, maintainable foundations you are not locked into
- Fixed scope and a clear price for the first phase before any code is written
- Working software shown early and often, not months of silence
- Ongoing support from someone who knows your system
Real products I've designed and shipped.
I don't just talk about this work, I ship it. Here are products I've built end to end.
- SaaS · Bookings & paymentsPatchBooking and payment software for tradespeople.View case study
- SaaS · Knowledge & policy managementDirectiveA team's source of truth for policies and procedures.View case study
- SaaS · Consumer wellbeing appMabliA calm, private space for you and your relationship.View case study
Custom software in Sheffield and across the UK
I am based in Sheffield and work with businesses in Leeds, Manchester and across the UK. Most work happens remotely over calls and screen-sharing, and I am happy to meet in person when it helps.
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Manchester
- London
- Birmingham
- Exeter
- Bristol
- Nottingham
- UK-wide, remote-first
Custom software questions
What does a custom software company do?
A custom software company designs and builds software specifically for your business, rather than selling a one-size-fits-all product. That covers bespoke systems, internal tools, portals, automation and integrations, all shaped around how your company works.
How is custom software different from off-the-shelf?
Off-the-shelf software is built for the average of many businesses, so it usually almost fits and leaves gaps. Custom software is built around your actual process, removing the workarounds and giving you exactly what you need and nothing you do not.
Do you build custom software in Sheffield?
Yes. I am based in Sheffield and work with local businesses as well as clients across the UK. Most projects run remotely, and I can meet in person around Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester when it helps.
How much does custom software cost?
Projects typically fall between a few thousand and around fifty thousand pounds, depending on scope and complexity. I scope and price each one properly rather than selling fixed packages, and you will always have a clear figure before you commit.
How long does a custom software project take?
It depends on scope, but I work in short, visible steps so you see working software early rather than waiting months. A focused first phase is often live within a few weeks.
Got a project like this in mind?
Tell me what you're trying to build or fix. The first conversation is free and it's with me, the developer, not a salesperson.
Or email me at josh@thackr.co.uk