Mobile apps have become central to business, projected to generate over $935 billion globally by 2023 as companies increasingly use apps to connect with customers. This momentum has catalyzed demand for skilled mobile app developer and android app developers.
The United Kingdom has emerged as a preeminent hub for app talent. By some estimates, the UK hosts over 8,000 app development firms, employing around 380,000 combined professionals. London alone is home to nearly 31% of Europe’s app agencies.
This concentration of talent has been driven by several key factors:
Multi-Cultural Talent Network
The UK has attracted top-tier developers from around the world, thanks to its diversity and position as an English-speaking gateway to Europe. Globally-connected talent brings innovative ideas and specialty expertise that locally-grown teams may lack.
Thriving Tech Ecosystem
Robust tech infrastructure, research ecosystems like universities, and access to financing has enabled the UK app industry to thrive. Successful apps seed growth of new agencies and talent.
Ideal Gateway for Global Users
For US companies and others targeting international audiences, UK developers offer not only quality talent but linguistic and cultural insight into engaging European and global users.
Table 1. Number of app development companies in UK regions:
| Region | Companies |
|---|---|
| London | 2,500+ |
| South East England | 1,900+ |
| North West England | 1,100+ |
This talent pool owes partly to multiculturalism; over 59 million UK residents speak English, enabling developers to serve global app markets. The app industry will contribute over £30 billion to the UK economy by 2025 [1]. With world-leading talent and continuous growth projected, the UK provides fertile ground for app innovation.
Benefits of UK App Developers
Hiring a UK app developer offers many advantages, including:
- English language fluency – Useful for engaging global users
- Abundant talent pool – Range of specializations and expertise
- Cultural diversity – Unique perspectives to enhance apps
- Proven results – Many successful apps created by UK teams
Additionally, by outsourcing to the UK versus offshore, time zones align more closely with North American teams. This enables smoother collaboration and communication versus working with distant offshore teams.
Average Costs
On average, building a mobile app in the UK costs :
| Development | Cost |
|---|---|
| IOS App | $28000 |
| Android | $23000 |
| Windows | $18000 |
The median hourly rate for contracting a UK developer also aligns closely with global averages:
| Developer Type | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level iOS Developer | $25 – $45 |
| Mid Level iOS Developer | $45 – $75 |
| Senior iOS Developer | $75 – $125 |
| Entry Level Android Developer | $20 – $40 |
| Mid Level Android Developer | $40 – $70 |
| Senior Android Developer | $70 – $120 |
So while UK talent is world-class, costs remain competitive versus other Western regions.
Top 10 App Development Companies in the UK
Here are 10 leading app developers with presence in the UK today:
- 10Pearls
A leading Mobile app development Company founded in 2004. 10Pearls has delivered over 2000 mobile apps for clients like Coke, Stanford University, and Yamaha. They have development centers in the UK, USA, and Pakistan. 10Pearls specializes in iOS, Android, and cross-platform app development.
- Apadmi
A UK app developer with over 200 employees. Apadmi has built mobile apps for major brands like the BBC, Race Formula One, Trainline, and more. They focus on UX/UI design, native iOS & Android development, as well as back-end functionality & integration.
- Mubaloo
A mobile innovator since 2005, with offices in the UK and Belgium. Mubaloo develops beautiful, functional apps for clients ranging from startups to global enterprises like L’Oreal, Deloitte, Santander. Specialties include prototyping, UX/UI design, and multi-platform mobile development.
- Sided Cube
Award-winning app developers behind chart-topping entertainment, lifestyle, and productivity apps. 3 Sided Cube builds high-performing iOS, Android, web, and emerging tech solutions for startups and big brands globally.
- App Maisters
A fast-growing mobile shop and startup specialist, having built apps for Shell, Universal Music Group, Deliveroo, and more. App Maisters is an end-to-end mobile partner featuring strategy, UX/UI design, DevOps, and multi-platform expertise.
- Rain Creative
A digital transformation agency offering full stack mobile development across iOS and Android platforms. Rain Creative develops digital products for startups and enterprise clients from the idea stage through launch and optimization.
- Neoteric
Top app development talent with an in-house team of over 60 specialists. Neoteric has launched mobile solutions for publishers, media companies, ecommerce brands, and more. Areas of expertise include cloud architecture, data security, emerging tech, mobile payments.
- Digiteum
A leading iOS and Android app developer with 14 years of experience building innovative mobile solutions for startups and big brands alike. Strengths include IoT, fintech, media & entertainment, and location-based apps.
- Made by Many
An award-winning digital product studio and certified B-Corp founded in 2007. Made by Many has launched mobile solutions for clients like Standard Chartered, Jamie Oliver, the BBC, and more.
- AD:60
A worldwide network of digital specialists including strategists, designers and software engineers that excel at mobile app development. AD:60 has built beautiful, highly functional apps across iOS and Android for globally recognized companies.
This list represents some of the most innovative, trusted app developers fueling mobility transformation throughout major industries. Evaluating client reviews, portfolios, awards, and areas of expertise can match companies to strategic needs.
Choosing the Right App Developer
Follow these tips when selecting an app development provider:
Set detailed requirements
Document must-have features, tech needs, timeline, budget constraints. This filters qualified teams.
Review portfolios
Look for apps similar to yours to confirm needed expertise. Assess app quality and user ratings.
Check development process
End-to-end service including planning, UX design, DevOps? Monthly releases or continuous delivery?
Talk to past clients
Ask for client references and testimonials confirming work quality and partnership strength.
Compare communication
Schedule calls with shortlisted teams. Assess responsiveness and English proficiency.
Prioritizing these criteria helps find developers poised to deliver maximum value. Aligning with a technically and culturally matched team can lead to successful collaboration for years to come.
Conclusion
Thanks to abundant talent, competitive costs and thriving app ecosystem growth, the UK stands tall as a premier global hub for app development. Both homegrown UK studios and outposts of leading international firms offer world-class mobile expertise.
For businesses seeking their technology partner to design, build and launch a next-level mobile experience, the app developers highlighted here provide proven pedigree. By matching project needs to developer strengths, UK-powered apps carry huge potential to engage users, unlock revenue streams and stand out from rivals.
