Introduction
As businesses increasingly seek tailored solutions to enhance efficiency, custom applications have become essential. In the UK, understanding the costs of app development and knowing where to streamline your budget can make all the difference, especially if you’re using tools like Microsoft Power Apps to build applications specific to your business needs.
Why Custom Apps for Business?
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom applications are purpose-built to fit the exact workflows, data needs, and user demands of your business. For SMEs, this can mean anything from a streamlined project management system to a custom CRM, each designed with the business’s unique needs in mind. Power Apps stands out for its ability to create robust, tailored applications without needing extensive coding expertise, making it an efficient, scalable solution. When estimating the cost of app development UK businesses should keep these unique requirements in mind.
Understanding the Costs of App Development in the UK
Custom app development costs can vary widely, particularly in the UK market where developer expertise and project complexity play a major role. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors influencing the cost of app development UK businesses can expect:
App Complexity
The more intricate the app—features like multi-layered workflows, data integrations, and user customisation—the higher the cost. Simple applications with straightforward data entry and retrieval will be at the lower end, while complex apps with analytics and automation features will push costs higher.
Development Team
Whether you’re working with a Power Apps developer, a business analyst, or an entire project team, the composition of your development team will affect costs. Partnering with a consultancy that specialises in Power Apps can streamline this process, providing targeted expertise without the need for a full-scale development team.
Integrations and Features
Integrating the app with existing systems, like CRM or ERP platforms, or incorporating specific features, such as automated reporting or data analytics, will impact cost. Power Apps offers native integration capabilities with the Microsoft ecosystem, which can help save on complex integration costs.
Licensing and Maintenance
Using Power Apps involves licensing, which varies depending on the scope of usage. Licensing costs are usually ongoing, so it’s essential to factor them into your budget.
Typical Cost Range
The cost of app development UK businesses incur can range from £2,000 for simple applications to £80,000 for highly complex solutions. This broad range reflects the varying levels of complexity and scale required to achieve different business goals.
Considerations For Estimating Your App Budget
To keep your app development budget in check, here’s a simple guide to estimating costs while aligning the project with your business objectives:
Define Your Objectives Clearly
A well-defined goal is the foundation of a successful, budget-friendly project. Identify what the app needs to accomplish for your business, whether it’s streamlining a process, automating workflows, or improving data accessibility.
Prioritise Must-Have Features
Separate core functionalities from “nice-to-have” features. Start with essentials, then add additional elements only if they fit within the budget.
Utilise Low-Code Development with Power Apps
Power Apps’ low-code framework allows for quicker development at a lower cost, ideal for projects that don’t require extensive customisation.
Consider a Phased Approach
Breaking development into phases can spread out costs and allow for feedback, adjustments, and gradual enhancement based on initial user response.
Plan for Maintenance and Support
After the initial build, maintenance and updates are essential. Consider budgeting for regular reviews and optimisations to keep the app running smoothly.
How to Save on App Development Costs with Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps is a powerful platform for creating business applications efficiently, and it offers cost-saving advantages:
Leveraging Existing Microsoft Tools
If your business already uses Microsoft 365, Power Apps integrates seamlessly with tools like SharePoint, Teams, and Dynamics 365, reducing the need for complex integrations.
Accelerated Development with Low-Code
Power Apps’ low-code nature allows you to create robust applications faster, reducing labour hours and minimising costs.
Scalability
Start with a basic app that meets current needs, then scale as the business grows. Power Apps makes it easy to add new features and adjust functionalities without a complete overhaul.
Flexible Licensing Options
Power Apps offers various licensing models, allowing you to choose a plan that fits your budget and scaling it up as your app’s usage expands.
Emerge Digital’s Approach to Cost-Effective App Development
At Emerge Digital, we take a strategic approach to app development by:
Tailoring the App to Business Goals
We start by understanding your objectives, then use Power Apps to design an application that precisely fits your needs—nothing more, nothing less.
Expert Guidance on Budgeting and Phased Development
With our experience in Power Apps, we offer insights on where to start small and how to expand, ensuring each phase brings measurable value.
Long-Term Support and Maintenance
Beyond development, we provide ongoing support to keep your app up-to-date and aligned with evolving business requirements, helping you get the most value from your investment.
Conclusion
Building a custom business application with Power Apps is an investment that, when done right, yields substantial returns. By setting clear goals, prioritising essential features, and leveraging the Power Apps platform, UK businesses can create impactful applications without overspending. If you’re ready to explore how a custom app can support your business goals, connect with an experienced team that prioritises cost-effective solutions aligned with your growth trajectory.
About Us
Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider (MSP) dedicated to igniting tech-powered growth for SMEs.
We know that whether your business is scaling rapidly or looking to reclaim industry leadership, sustainable growth requires more than just keeping the lights on – it demands innovation.
Our solutions – including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies like AI and automation – are tailored to your specific needs. We help you not only meet today’s challenges but also lead tomorrow’s trends. Partner with Emerge Digital to transform your growth potential into lasting success.
Introduction
AI consultancy is quickly becoming essential for SMEs looking to stay ahead, whether it’s to cut costs, streamline operations, or simply do more with less. But finding the right AI consultant isn’t about hiring someone who knows their way around technology; it’s about finding a partner who understands your business and knows how to make AI work for your specific goals.
So, what does an AI consultant actually do, and how do you know you’re picking the right one?
Understanding the Role of an AI Consultant
An AI consultant doesn’t just plug in tech for the sake of novelty. Their job is to look at your business challenges and find ways for AI to make a real impact. If a problem calls for automation, they find the right tools to eliminate time-consuming tasks. If you’re swimming in data, they’ll help turn it into insights that drive smarter decisions. In other words, a good AI consultant isn’t a tech enthusiast – they’re a problem-solver with a strategic mindset.
At Emerge Digital, for instance, we take a solution-first approach, evaluating your needs before suggesting the best tool for the job. Whether that’s Microsoft 365 Copilot or a custom AI model, it’s all about finding what works best for your business – not forcing a particular technology where it doesn’t fit.
Why Would an SME Need an AI Consultant?
For SMEs, resources are often limited, and investments need to be made wisely. AI consultancy can help maximise these investments, ensuring that every pound spent brings real, measurable value. Here’s where an AI consultant’s impact is most felt:
Streamlining Operations
Repetitive, time-heavy tasks can drain resources. With AI, these processes can be automated, freeing up your team for work that drives growth.
Turning Data into Decisions
From predictive analytics to real-time reporting, AI helps you make choices based on what’s actually happening in your business rather than on guesswork.
Improving Customer Experience
Today’s customers expect speed and personalisation. AI can improve customer interactions by delivering tailored, efficient service that builds loyalty.
Giving You a Competitive Edge
By investing in AI, SMEs can make moves that aren’t possible with traditional approaches. AI enables agility, helping you stay ahead of your competitors by responding to market demands faster and more efficiently.
The Business Outcomes of AI
For SME leaders, the question is: what business outcomes will AI actually deliver? Here are some of the most immediate benefits:
Increased Efficiency
By automating routine tasks, AI can drive efficiency gains across departments. The result? Faster processes and a team that can focus on the bigger picture.
Better Decisions, Faster
AI can process data and surface insights you’d never spot manually. Whether it’s customer trends or operational bottlenecks, AI gives you the clarity to act quickly and effectively.
Enhanced Customer Experiences
AI allows you to personalise and streamline service, helping you deliver a customer experience that feels less like a transaction and more like a tailored solution. This is what keeps clients coming back.
Boosted Profit Margins
Every efficiency gain and customer win helps to drive profitability. With the right AI strategy, even incremental improvements can stack up to create significant financial benefits.
How to Find the Right AI Consultant for Your Project
Not all AI consultants are created equal. When searching for a partner, look for qualities that ensure they’ll make a real difference:
1. A Business-First Approach
A good consultant sees AI as a tool, not a goal. They should ask about your business challenges before they ever mention a technology. Emerge Digital’s Digital Business Strategy is a perfect example of this. We start with understanding your business objectives and then recommend AI solutions that make sense for your needs.
2. Experience with SMEs
The challenges of a 50-person company aren’t the same as those of a large enterprise, so an SME-savvy consultant will suggest solutions that suit your scale and resources.
3. Proven Results
Testimonials, case studies, and a track record of measurable results will help you identify consultants who can deliver. Anyone can talk a big game – make sure they can back it up.
4. A Strategic Partner
AI isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution. The best consultants will help you build a roadmap for the future, adapting and optimising your AI solutions as your business evolves.
The Emerge Digital Approach: Digital Business Strategy
At Emerge Digital, we see AI as part of a larger picture – one that involves a Digital Business Strategy tailored to your specific needs. Here’s how we guide our clients from idea to implementation:
Identifying Needs and Opportunities
We start by examining your unique objectives. Are you looking to reduce overheads? Improve productivity? Enhance customer service? With your goals in mind, we map out where AI can make the most impact.
Creating a Strategic Roadmap
Armed with insights, we craft a plan tailored to your business. Whether you need automation tools, data-driven analytics, or AI-enhanced customer service, we develop a practical, phased approach to getting you there. Microsoft 365 Copilot, for instance, is an option if productivity is the focus, but only if it truly aligns with your business’s needs.
Building a Long-Term Partnership
Technology moves fast, and your needs will, too. That’s why our approach is about more than just today’s implementation. As your technology partner, we’re here to keep your solutions relevant, adjusting them to meet the future demands of your business.
Conclusion
AI has the potential to transform SME operations, but only if it’s implemented strategically. Partnering with the right consultant can make all the difference, turning complex AI technology into practical tools that solve your business challenges and drive your growth.
Are you ready to explore how AI could enhance your business? Connect with a consultant who understands your industry, listens to your goals, and has a track record of delivering real results. At Emerge Digital, we’re here to guide you from strategy to success – helping you make AI work for you, not the other way around.
About Us
Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation company and Managed Services Provider (MSP) dedicated to igniting tech-powered growth for SMEs.
We know that whether your business is scaling rapidly or looking to reclaim industry leadership, sustainable growth requires more than just keeping the lights on – it demands innovation.
Our solutions – including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies like AI and automation – are tailored to your specific needs. We help you not only meet today’s challenges but also lead tomorrow’s trends. Partner with Emerge Digital to transform your growth potential into lasting success.
Introduction
27 March 2024, Cheltenham, UK: Cheltenham-based technology and digital innovation provider, Emerge Digital has today announced a bumper round of new partnerships in the region as companies in the South West and Midlands seek to mature their IT, embrace AI and fortify their cyber security.
Digital transformation is moving up the agenda for most businesses in 2024. According to a recent study from Statista, total global spending on digital transformation technology and services is set to reach nearly £2tn in the next 12 months. In the UK, the digital transformation market was worth over £27bn in 2022 and is expected to rise by 27.7% a year until 2030.
Emerge Digital’s new IT transformation partnerships include OPS-BOX in Gloucester, Weston Aviation, Ritual Coffee Roasters and Circle2Success (C2S) in Cheltenham, and The HR Dept marking a period of sustained growth for Emerge Digital. These partnerships help make up £200k worth of contracts won by Emerge Digital in recent months, and have been instrumental in a 22.5% growth in Emerge Digital’s client base in the last 12 months.
"Emerge Digital is developing a customised and user-friendly CRM system that will help the franchisees manage their client relationships, sales, and marketing activities."
Felicity Kenny - Managing Director, The HR Dept
Working with The HR Dept, a national franchise network providing outsourced HR support to SMEs, Emerge Digital will modernise the company’s CRM system by creating and installing a new system that will be ready for the introduction of AI.
Felicity Kenny, Managing Director of The HR Dept, said: “With 60+ franchisees across the UK and Republic of Ireland, creating a tailored and effective CRM system which works for each of our franchise businesses is crucial. Emerge Digital is developing a customised and user-friendly CRM system that will help the franchisees manage their client relationships, sales, and marketing activities as well as give us the capabilities to harness AI that will support our internal operations.”
The technology provider is also providing IT support and cloud services to OPS-BOX, a leading business consultancy specialist in the South West. For Weston Aviation, a company that operates business aviation facilities in airports across the UK and Ireland along with private jet charters worldwide, Emerge Digital has implemented a modern and scalable customer telephony system and is managing a migration to Microsoft 365.
Finally, Emerge Digital is providing the leading regional leadership network, C2S, with a modern CRM, which can be developed to fit its needs over time amid the organisation’s continued growth.
Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, said: “It’s a privilege to be working alongside industry leaders across a wide array of sectors. All our new partnerships are embracing new technologies to streamline and enhance their service and product delivery for their customers and partners. These innovation and IT projects encapsulate the range of services and skills Emerge Digital offers.
“Providing industry-leading IT and technology solutions from national franchisees to independent SMEs is at the core of what we do, and these recent additions to our client roster are testament to the great work we have been doing in recent months.”
"It’s a privilege to be working alongside industry leaders across a wide array of sectors. All our new partnerships are embracing new technologies to streamline and enhance their service and product delivery for their customers and partners."
Nigel Church - CEO, Emerge Digital
Pictured: Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital (left), and Nick Weston, CEO of Weston Aviation (right).
Introduction
Imagine a scenario where a business, brimming with innovative ideas to streamline operations or enhance customer engagement, faces a significant hurdle: the absence of technical prowess to transform these ideas into functional applications. This predicament is not uncommon. Many organisations find themselves in this quandary, needing bespoke solutions to address unique challenges but lacking the in-house capabilities to develop them. Enter Power Apps, a beacon of hope in this landscape of technological aspiration.
Power Apps emerges as a revolutionary tool in this context, offering a no-code platform that empowers businesses to create custom applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Emerge Digital stands at the forefront of this transformation, simplifying the journey from conception to completion. Through our expertise, businesses can navigate the complexities of app development effortlessly, bringing their unique visions to life with precision and flair. In this blog, we look at some examples of Power Apps, as well as how to get started with creating your own.
The Power of Power Apps in Business Transformation
Power Apps is not just an application development platform; it’s a catalyst for business transformation. Its no-code interface democratises the development process, allowing users to design, build, and deploy applications that solve real-world business problems efficiently. This capability is crucial in today’s business landscape, where agility and responsiveness can set companies apart from their competition.
Emerge Digital harnesses the power of Power Apps to craft tailored solutions for businesses across various sectors. Whether it’s streamlining internal processes, enhancing customer engagement, or facilitating data collection and analysis, Power Apps offers a versatile foundation for app development. Here are ten Power Apps examples that can revolutionise business operations.
Power Apps Examples
1. Inventory Management System: An app that simplifies tracking stock levels, orders, and deliveries, ensuring businesses can manage their inventory effectively without manual spreadsheets.
2. Employee Onboarding Portal: A streamlined platform for managing new hires, from document submission to training schedules, enhancing the onboarding experience for both employees and HR teams.
3. Customer Feedback App: An application that captures customer feedback in real-time, providing valuable insights to improve products and services.
4. Event Management Tool: An app designed to oversee event planning, ticket sales, and attendee engagement, all from a single, user-friendly interface.
5. Health and Safety Compliance Checker: A tool for businesses to monitor and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of workplace incidents.
6. Project Management Dashboard: A comprehensive application for tracking project timelines, budgets, and resources, facilitating better project oversight and collaboration.
7. Sales Lead Tracking System: An app that organises and manages sales leads, enabling sales teams to follow up effectively and close more deals.
8. Field Service Management App: A solution for coordinating field service operations, from scheduling visits to tracking technician performance, improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.
9. Expense Reporting Tool: An app that streamlines the submission, approval, and reimbursement of employee expenses, reducing paperwork and processing times.
10. Maintenance Request System: A platform that allows employees to submit maintenance requests and track their progress, ensuring facility issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
These Power Apps examples demonstrate the platform’s flexibility and the range of challenges it can address in a business context.
How Emerge Digital Brings Your App from Concept to Reality
Emerge Digital’s approach to app development with Power Apps is comprehensive and client-focused. Here’s how we transform your ideas into reality:
• Understanding Business Needs: Every project begins with a deep dive into the specific challenges your business faces. This ensures the app we develop is not just a technological solution but a strategic tool that delivers real value.
• Scoping and Building: With a clear understanding of your requirements, we scope the project meticulously, designing and building an app that aligns perfectly with your business objectives. Our expertise in Power Apps allows us to tailor every aspect of the app to fit your needs precisely.
• Testing and Implementation: Rigorous testing is a cornerstone of our process, ensuring the app is not only functional but also user-friendly. Following successful testing, we manage a smooth implementation, integrating the app into your business operations seamlessly.
• Training and Support: To maximise the impact of your new app, we provide comprehensive training for your team, ensuring they are confident in using the app effectively. Our support extends beyond the launch, with ongoing assistance to adapt the app as your business evolves.
Through this detailed process, Emerge Digital empowers businesses to harness the potential of Power Apps, turning challenges into opportunities with innovative, custom-built applications.
Why Choose Emerge Digital for Your Power Apps Development?
Selecting the right partner for Power Apps development is crucial to the success of your digital transformation journey. Here are compelling reasons why Emerge Digital stands out as the ideal choice:
• Expertise in Translating Business Needs into Functional Apps: Our team at Emerge Digital excels in understanding your unique business challenges and crafting apps that provide tangible solutions. With our depth of experience, we ensure that every app we develop aligns perfectly with your strategic objectives, delivering not just a tool but a competitive advantage.
• Streamlined Process That Reduces Development Time and Costs: We pride ourselves on our efficient development process, designed to get your app from concept to deployment swiftly. This approach not only accelerates the time to market but also optimises resources, significantly reducing development costs without compromising on quality.
• Continuous Support and Training to Ensure Long-term Success: Our commitment to your success extends beyond the launch of your app. We provide ongoing support and comprehensive training, ensuring your team can leverage the full potential of the app. As your business evolves, we’re here to ensure your Power App evolves with you, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness.
Getting Started with Your Power App
Embarking on your app development journey can be an empowering experience, offering a blend of creativity and strategic thinking. Here’s a streamlined approach to kickstart your journey with Power Apps, emphasising a hands-on exploration before seeking expert assistance from Emerge Digital:
1. Dive into Power Apps: Begin by exploring Power Apps on your own. Microsoft has created an extensive range of resources, tutorials, guides, and example Power Apps that make it easy for beginners to start experimenting with the platform. This step allows you to familiarise yourself with the capabilities of Power Apps, understand its interface, and begin conceptualising how it can solve your business challenges.
2. Experiment and Conceptualise: Use the tools and resources available to create simple apps that address specific needs within your business. This hands-on experimentation is crucial for gaining insights into what Power Apps can achieve and how its features can be tailored to meet your requirements. It’s also an excellent opportunity to identify the limits of your in-house capabilities and where professional guidance could enhance your project.
3. Reflect on Your Experience: After spending some time with Power Apps, assess your experience. Consider the challenges you faced, the solutions you could create, and the potential impact on your business operations. This reflection will help you pinpoint areas where Emerge Digital’s expertise can add value, ensuring your app not only meets but exceeds your business objectives.
4. Reach Out to Emerge Digital: Once you’ve explored Power Apps and have a clearer understanding of your needs and aspirations, it’s time to elevate your project. Contact Emerge Digital to discuss your experience, the ideas you’ve conceptualised, and the challenges you’ve encountered. We’ll arrange an initial consultation to explore how we can collaborate to refine your vision, enhance your app’s functionality, and ensure it seamlessly integrates into your business processes.
5. Embark on Your Development Journey: With Emerge Digital, you’re not just building an app; you’re crafting a bespoke solution that’s meticulously aligned with your business strategy. Our comprehensive approach ensures your Power App is developed, tested, and implemented with precision, supported by continuous training and assistance to maximise its impact on your business.
Taking the first steps with Power Apps on your own is a valuable process that sets the foundation for a successful development project. When you’re ready to take your app to the next level, Emerge Digital is here to provide the expertise, support, and vision needed to transform your business processes. Reach out to us, and let’s create something exceptional together.
Conclusion
Choosing Power Apps for business process automation and innovation represents a strategic investment in your company’s future. With its no-code platform, Power Apps opens up a realm of possibilities, enabling you to respond swiftly to market changes, streamline operations, and enhance customer engagement. Partnering with Emerge Digital amplifies these benefits, offering expertise, efficiency, and unwavering support throughout your digital transformation journey.
As you consider the path forward, remember that the value of Power Apps (seen through some of the Power Apps examples that are available) extends beyond the technology itself. It’s about empowering your team, driving innovation, and securing a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Emerge Digital is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your Power Apps project is not just a success but a catalyst for sustained growth and innovation. Reach out to us today, and let’s explore how we can transform your business together with Power Apps.
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team to discuss your app requirements and see how we can help, get in touch here or email hello@emerge.digital.
About Emerge Digital
Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation business and Managed Services Provider (MSP) which provides solutions to SMEs that drive efficiency, competitiveness, and profit. Using comprehensive solutions, including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and innovative technologies like process automation, data visualisation and AI – Emerge Digital enables businesses to invest in technology that supports them in achieving their goals.
Join Tom Henson, Managing Director of Emerge Digital, for an engaging and enlightening 30-minute webinar on harnessing the power of AI and automation to transform your purchase invoice process. Discover how these advanced technologies can convert routine financial tasks into dynamic, high-efficiency operations.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Revolutionising Invoice Management: Learn how AI can replace traditional, cumbersome invoice processing with a streamlined, intelligent approach.
- Enhancing Cash Flow Optimisation: Explore AI methodologies that enable smarter, more efficient cash management strategies.
- Accelerating Financial Approvals: Experience how AI can speed up financial decision-making processes, making them more efficient and less time-consuming.
This webinar is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about gaining a strategic edge in financial management. With Emerge Digital’s expertise, you’ll discover how AI and automation are not just tools for efficiency, but catalysts for transforming your business’s financial operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to take a significant step towards future-proofing your financial processes.
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