Progressive web app development
Progressive web apps, built properly.
Fast, installable web apps that work like native software, without the cost and friction of two separate app builds. Designed and built by one experienced developer, for businesses across the UK.
A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that behaves like an installed app. It loads instantly, works offline, can be added to a phone's home screen and sends push notifications, all from a single codebase you reach through a normal web address. For most businesses it is the quickest, most cost-effective way to put a real app in front of customers and staff without building separately for iOS, Android and the web.
Not sure exactly what you need yet? Turn your idea into a clear, development-ready spec with thesoftware brief generatorbefore we talk.
What I build as a PWA
If your customers or team need an app-like experience without the app store overhead, a PWA is usually the right call. These are the builds I take on most often.
PWA booking systems
Installable booking and scheduling apps with real-time availability, reminders and payments. Ideal for services businesses that want customers booking themselves in from their phone.
PWA ecommerce
Fast, offline-tolerant storefronts and checkouts built on modern PWA technology, so slow connections and flaky signal stop costing you sales.
Customer & staff portals
Secure, installable portals your customers and team open like an app, with a home-screen icon and instant load, but nothing to download from a store.
Field & operations apps
Tools for people working away from a desk. They keep working with no signal and sync automatically the moment a connection returns.
Dashboards & internal tools
Live dashboards and internal apps that install to the desktop or phone and feel native, without a separate app to maintain.
Website to PWA upgrades
Turn an existing site into an installable, offline-capable app. Often the fastest route to an app-like presence for an established business.
Why a PWA, and when
PWAs are not the answer to everything. They are the right answer when you want reach, speed and a single codebase, and I will tell you honestly when a native app is the better fit.
- One codebase for web, Android and iOS, so you build and maintain once
- Installs from the browser, no app store review or approval delays
- Works offline and on poor connections, with automatic background sync
- Instant load and push notifications, the parts that make apps feel native
- Found on Google like any web page, not buried in an app store
- Built on solid foundations you can extend, not a locked-in page builder
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
A PWA agency for the whole UK
I work remotely with businesses across the UK, from Sheffield and Leeds to Exeter, Bristol and London. Most projects run 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
PWA questions, answered
What does PWA stand for?
PWA stands for progressive web app. It is a website built with modern web technology so it behaves like an installed app: it can be added to a home screen, works offline, loads instantly and can send push notifications, all without a separate download from an app store.
Is a PWA good for ecommerce?
Yes. PWA technology suits ecommerce well because pages load fast, the checkout keeps working on poor connections, and customers can install your store to their home screen for quick repeat visits. That combination tends to reduce drop-off and lift repeat orders.
Can you build a PWA booking system?
That is one of the most common things I build. A PWA booking system gives customers an installable app to check availability, book and pay, with reminders and a clear record for your team, all from a single codebase and a normal web link.
Do PWAs work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. A well-built PWA runs on Android and iOS as well as desktop from one codebase. Android support is the most complete, and iOS supports installation, offline use and, increasingly, notifications. I build to the strengths of each platform.
How much does a PWA cost?
It depends on scope, but a PWA is usually cheaper than building separate native apps because there is one codebase to build and maintain. I scope and price each project properly and you will always have a clear figure before committing.
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