Your app, built to last.
Everything you need to know about turning your idea into an app with us: how it works, how to prepare and what we take care of for you. Plain English, no surprises.
Your idea, shaped around real users.
Great apps start with people, not features. We learn how your users work, prove the idea with a prototype, then build in short steps so you see progress every couple of weeks.
Discover
A free 30-minute call, then a discovery workshop where we map your users, their problems and the features that matter most.
You · 2–3 hoursPrototype
A clickable prototype you can try on your phone and test with real users before a line of code is written.
Typically 1–3 weeksPlan
A fixed-price proposal for the first version, with a clear feature list, timeline and milestones.
Within 48 hoursBuild
We build in two-week sprints. At the end of each one you see a working demo and give feedback.
Typically 6–16 weeksTest & launch
You test on your own devices, we fix what's found, then we submit to the App Store and Google Play together.
Allow 1–2 weeksGrow
30 days' support after launch, then optional care and improvement plans as your users grow.
30 days supportBuilt to last. Owned by you.
Building an app is a big investment. Here's what's true on every app we build.
You own the code
Source code, designs, store accounts and data are all yours once paid. No lock-in, ever.
Senior people only
The people in your workshop design and build your app. Direct access, no account managers.
Privacy by design
Security and data protection built in from day one, with a data processing agreement as standard.
Built to grow
Modern, well-documented technology that other developers could pick up, so you're never stuck.
Stephen Jonathan
Your single point of contact from the first idea to launch day and beyond. Any question, big or small, comes to me.
A brief for your kind of app.
Pick the one closest to your project. If you're not sure, that's exactly what the discovery workshop is for.
Startup MVPs
The first version of your product: just enough to prove the idea with real users and investors, built so it can grow.
What we'll handle
- Prioritising ruthlessly: what must be in version one, and what can wait
- A prototype to test with users and show investors
- A scalable foundation (logins, payments, data)
- Analytics so you learn from real behaviour
What we need from you
- A clear picture of the problem and who has it
- Access to potential users for interviews and testing
- Your business model: how the app makes or saves money
- A signed NDA, if you'd like one, before sharing details
Business & field team apps
Replace paperwork, spreadsheets and phone calls with an app your team actually wants to use. For example, ScaffLife saved scaffolding firms 85% of their admin time.
What we'll handle
- Shadowing how your team works today (we may visit a site)
- Forms, sign-offs, photos, maps and checklists
- An admin dashboard for managers
- Offline mode for patchy signal, with sync when back online
What we need from you
- Real examples of the paperwork or spreadsheets it replaces
- Two or three team members to test it in the real world
- Who needs to see what (roles and permissions)
- Any systems it must connect to (payroll, CRM, accounts)
Customer-facing apps
An app for your customers: bookings, loyalty, ordering, memberships or content. It needs to be simple, fast and worth keeping on their phone.
What we'll handle
- A user experience designed around your customers' habits
- Payments, accounts and notifications
- App store listings, screenshots and submission
- Analytics and in-app feedback
What we need from you
- Your brand assets and tone of voice
- Why customers would download it, and keep it
- Store accounts in your organisation's name (start early)
- Privacy policy and support contact details
SaaS platforms
Software you sell to other businesses on subscription: dashboards, workflows, portals and integrations, usually web-first with mobile apps to follow.
What we'll handle
- Multi-company accounts, roles and permissions
- Subscription billing and trials
- Admin tools, reporting and data exports
- Security, backups and monitoring built for business customers
What we need from you
- Your pricing plans and what each includes
- Early customers willing to pilot and give feedback
- Any compliance needs (e.g. ISO 27001 questionnaires)
- A product owner who can make decisions quickly
Web apps & progressive web apps
App-like experiences that run in the browser and can be "installed" on a phone home screen, with no app store needed. Often the fastest, most affordable route.
What we'll handle
- A responsive app that works on any device
- Home-screen install and offline support
- Updates without app store reviews
- A path to native apps later if needed
What we need from you
- Confirmation that store presence isn't essential
- The devices and browsers your users rely on
- Any device features needed (camera, location, notifications)
Prototypes & proof of concept
Not ready to build? A clickable prototype lets you test the idea with users, win stakeholder support or raise funds, before committing to a full build.
What we'll handle
- Discovery workshop and user journeys
- Clickable, realistic screens you can try on a phone
- User testing sessions and a findings report
- A costed roadmap for the build
What we need from you
- Your idea, rough sketches or notes, however messy
- 3 to 5 people from your target audience to test with
- A decision-maker for the workshop
How to get the most from your build.
The most successful apps have clients who are closely involved, quick with decisions and close to their users. Here's how to set yours up for success.
Appoint a product owner
One person who knows the vision, makes decisions quickly and joins sprint demos. It's the single biggest factor in a smooth build.
Line up real users
Five people from your target audience for interviews and testing. Real feedback beats opinions every time.
Write user stories
Describe what users need to do in plain English. Use our user story template. No technical knowledge needed.
Start store accounts now
Apple organisation accounts need a D-U-N-S number and can take several weeks to approve. Start in week one.
Plan your data
What personal data will the app collect, and why? It shapes your privacy policy, store listings and our data agreement.
Define success
Downloads, active users, time saved, revenue? Agree what success looks like now, and we'll measure it from day one.
Week one
DiscoveryBefore the build
PlanDuring the build
SprintsBefore launch
TestingYour app. Your code. Your accounts.
Everything is set up in your organisation's name, with us invited as team members. If we ever parted ways, another developer could pick it up.
Source code
Kept in a code repository (e.g. GitHub) owned by your organisation, with full history and documentation.
App store accounts
Apple Developer and Google Play accounts in your organisation's name. The app and its reviews belong to you.
Cloud & backend
Hosting, databases and services (e.g. AWS, Firebase, Supabase) on accounts you own and pay for directly.
Designs
Design files and prototypes (e.g. Figma) shared with you, including the full design system.
Third-party services
Payments, maps, email, SMS and analytics accounts in your name, so you control costs and data.
Admin & data
You hold the admin keys. Your users' data belongs to you, and we only process it under our data agreement.
The small print, made simple.
Apps handle personal data and live under app store rules, so a little planning goes a long way. We guide you through all of it.
Privacy & data protection Shared
Most apps collect personal data, so you'll need a clear privacy policy and a lawful reason for each use of data under UK GDPR. If the app handles sensitive data (health, children, location tracking) or monitors people at scale, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) may be required. We'll flag this in discovery and help you complete it.
Because we build and may host the app for you, we sign a data processing agreement, which you can do online in Templates.
App store requirements We handle
Apple and Google review every app before release. Common requirements include an accessible privacy policy, accurate privacy labels (Apple App Privacy and Google Data safety), a way for users to delete their account from within the app if they can create one, a working demo login for reviewers, and content that matches the store listing. We prepare everything and handle the submission with you.
Payments & subscriptions Shared
Physical goods and real-world services (bookings, deliveries) can use providers like Stripe. Digital content and subscriptions used inside the app usually must go through Apple and Google's in-app purchase systems, which charge a commission. We'll design the right model in discovery.
Security We handle
We follow recognised mobile and web security practice: encrypted connections, secure authentication, least-privilege access, protected secrets, dependency updates and regular backups. For apps handling sensitive data, we can arrange independent penetration testing.
Intellectual property & open source Shared
Once paid, you own the code and designs created for you. Like all modern software, apps use open-source libraries under licences that allow commercial use. We keep a record of these and avoid licences that would cause problems.
Want to protect your idea before sharing it? Sign our mutual NDA online first.
Accessibility We handle
We design for accessibility from the start: readable text sizes, colour contrast, screen reader labels and large tap targets, following WCAG 2.2 AA principles and platform guidelines.
Regulated sectors Shared
Health, finance, education and apps for children can carry extra rules (for example the ICO's Children's Code, or medical device regulations for some health apps). Tell us early and we'll factor it into the plan and any specialist advice needed.
This guide is general information to help you prepare. It isn't legal advice. Your proposal and our terms of business set out the agreement between us.
Enterprise thinking. SME-friendly prices.
Every app is quoted individually after discovery, so you only pay for what you need. These starting points help you plan. Full rates and retainers are on our Start a project page.
Prototype
Test the idea before you build it.
From£1,4501–3 weeks- Discovery workshop
- Clickable prototype
- User testing & costed roadmap
MVP app
A focused first version, live with real users.
From£7,5008–12 weeks- iOS & Android (cross-platform)
- Logins, data & admin panel
- Store submission & 30 days' support
Business app / SaaS
Feature-rich apps and platforms.
From£12,00012 weeks+- Roles, integrations & dashboards
- Payments or subscriptions
- Built in sprints with demos
Web app / PWA
App-like, no app store needed.
From£5,5006–10 weeks- Works on any device
- Installable & offline-ready
- Instant updates
Prototypes
- 50% to start
- 50% on delivery of the prototype
App builds
- 30% to start
- 30% on design approval
- 30% at beta / testing
- 10% on store launch
Ongoing development
- Monthly retainer from £1,020
- Or sprint-by-sprint billing
- Unused retainer hours roll over a month
Charity, CIC or social enterprise? Ask about Nectar.
Our Nectar programme gives eligible organisations 15% to 25% off every service, depending on your size and impact, plus 90 days' post-launch support, 60-day payment terms and grant-ready quotes.
Apps need looking after.
Phones and operating systems update every year, and app stores change their rules. Every app includes 30 days' support after launch (90 days for Nectar clients). After that, choose the level of care that suits you.
App care
Keeps your app healthy, secure and in the stores.
From£150/moCancel anytime- Monitoring & crash alerts
- Security & library updates
- Annual iOS / Android compatibility
App care
Everything in Essential, plus small improvements.
From£450/moCancel anytime- 5 hours of changes each month
- Monthly usage report
- Priority bug fixes
Product partner
Ongoing development as your users grow.
From£1,870/mo24 hours a month- New features each month
- Roadmap & strategy sessions
- Bi-weekly check-ins
Handover
Prefer to take it in-house?
FromIncludedAt launch- Full documentation
- Code walkthrough for your developers
- All accounts and keys handed over
Short forms. Big head start.
They go straight to Stephen and help us plan properly. You'll get a reply within one working day.
Paperwork, minus the paper.
Every agreement and planning document we use, ready to sign online, download as a PDF or edit in Word.
Questions, answered honestly.
Can't find yours? Email office@lifegrowth.digital and Stephen will get back to you.
Planning
Native, cross-platform or web app?
For most projects we recommend cross-platform (one codebase for iPhone and Android, such as React Native or Flutter). It's faster and more affordable, with near-native quality. Web apps suit internal tools and quick launches. Fully native builds make sense for apps that rely heavily on device features. We'll recommend the right fit in discovery.
Will you sign an NDA?
Of course. You can sign our mutual NDA online in two minutes before sharing your idea, or send us yours.
How long does an app take?
A prototype takes 1 to 3 weeks. A focused MVP takes 8 to 12 weeks. Larger business apps and SaaS platforms take 12 weeks or more. Your proposal confirms the timeline.
I'm not technical. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most of our clients aren't. We explain everything in plain English, and you only need to know your users and your business.
During the build
How involved do I need to be?
Roughly an hour a week: a sprint demo every two weeks, quick answers to questions and combined feedback. Apps built with involved clients are always better.
Can we change our minds during the build?
Yes. That's the point of building in sprints. Small changes within scope are handled within your revision rounds. Bigger ones go through a quick change request with cost and timing agreed first.
How do we test it?
You'll install test versions on your own phone (through TestFlight on iPhone and a test link on Android) and report anything using our bug report form.
Launch & after
What if Apple or Google reject the app?
It happens to everyone occasionally, usually for small, fixable reasons. We prepare carefully to avoid it and handle any resubmission as part of your launch.
Do apps need ongoing maintenance?
Yes. Apple and Google release major updates every year, and libraries need security updates. An app care plan keeps your app working and in the stores. Without one, we'll hand over full documentation.
Can our own developers take over?
Yes. The code is yours, documented and kept in your repository. We'll do a walkthrough with your team at handover.
Money & ownership
Are there hidden costs?
No. Your build price is fixed. Running costs (store fees, hosting, paid services) are listed in your proposal, and anything outside scope is quoted before work starts.
Who owns the app?
You do: code, designs, store listings, accounts and data. No lock-in.
Do you offer charity rates?
Yes. Eligible charities, CICs and social enterprises get 15% to 25% off through our Nectar programme, depending on size and impact. See Nectar.
Do you work with founders outside the UK?
Yes. We work with clients across the UK, US, UAE and Africa, and can quote in GBP, USD or AED.
Let's turn your idea into something people use.
Send your discovery questionnaire, or sign an NDA first if you'd prefer. Want to see what we've built? Take a look at ScaffLife and our other work.