Web Apps
Web Apps
- Service: Custom web app development
A UK based Web App Development Company
Makilo is a web app development agency with years of experience delivering bespoke web based applications designed to address core business improvements.
- Covering London, the Midlands and the Oxford Cambridge Arc, Makilo is web app development company based in Milton Keynes. The company has over 8 years experience delivering web applications that are thoughtfully designed, distinct to each client and yet practical to implement.
Using technology that supports ease of use, and contemporary integrations that enhance our clients day to day business processes, we’re able to deliver innovative solutions alongside your existing internal team. Our approach to web applications has always been to collaboratively nurture ideas with a projects’ stakeholders. Aiming to reduce the burden of business inefficiency and focusing on how apps, not just websites, can help our clients achieve their goals much more quickly.
Recreated 1970s Milton Keynes Development Corporation hand gate between MK Gallery and Theatre, part of the City Club Project by Gareth Jones and Nils Norman, reflecting the city’s original leisure infrastructure plans.
Reproduction Milton Keynes globe streetlight next to MK Gallery’s 2019 redesign by 6a architects, referencing the original 1970s city lighting by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation.
‘2B Series No.2’ by Bernard Schottlander, 1983, supporting the Milton Keynes Development Corporation’s vision of embedding art into the city’s landscape.
- App Services
Looking for:
- [01]
Web Apps for Startups
Creative Strategy / Dev Consultation / Technical Specification / MVP / UX&UI design / Product development
Innovative ideas, and the founders responsible for them, sometimes feel uncertain about where to start. Makilo is used to helping. Based centrally between London and Birmingham our team in Milton Keynes has supported multiple startups through individual funding cycles. From financial technology businesses to online SaaS products we can bring an idea to life from design and UI through to development and launch.
- [02]
Customer Portal Web Applications
Data Mapping / AI-assistants / Knowledge base / Chatbots / Support centre
‘Portals’ and ‘Hubs’ have become an increasingly popular way of enabling both businesses and their customers to receive and share information. Web app based portals can provide considerable ROI if designed with utility in mind. Makilo specialises in designing portal apps to enhance communication and improve operational processes. Incorporating features like chatbots and CRM integrations that allow you and your customers to benefit from directly tailored support and self-service while reducing operational costs.
- [03]
Supercharging CRM Systems
Value Add / Reduce Bloat / Data integration / Custom dashboards / Advanced analytics
Making your CRM system work harder for you and your business is a challenging but vital task undertaking that requires dedication and strategic planning. While the process may be demanding, it is crucial for enhancing customer interactions, streamlining processes, reducing manual repetitive tasks, and ultimately driving business growth.
A successful CRM implementation goes beyond simply inputting customer data; it involves customising the system, training your team, and using data analysis for decision-making.
Custom automations that open up the potential of your CRM to respond to real world circumstances have become an increasingly important part of our development process. We build interventions that can enhance your existing CRM system, meaning the interactions you or your users have whilst using it feel increasingly more valuable.
- [04]
Web Apps for Enterprise Systems
System architecture / Bespoke software / Scalable infrastructure
Working with existing processes in large organisations is a critical factor in the successful development of any web application. Planning and designing an app with an understanding of the underlying systems that are integral to a business is a considerable part of delivering an impactful tool capable of improving the circumstances of an organisation or solving the complex business issues that they currently face.
- [05]
Saas Products
Cloud-based platforms / Subscription models / API integration/ Multi-tenant architecture
We specialise in building Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms that scale from MVP, through to the first customers and beyond. Whether that’s through cloud-based solutions or user-friendly interfaces, building products that engage users, streamline the onboarding and payment processes and deliver measurable results is a cornerstone of the SaaS business model. Our approach ensures secure, cost-effective development of platforms for businesses of all sizes.
- [06]
Product Development
Responsive design/ Cross-platform compatibility / User testing
Delivering web apps that cater to every use case or client experience requires a huge amount of product development. Working with internal teams to build out applications that cover the fullest spectrum of users is incredibly important to us. Applications that are optimised, responsive and reinforce visual identities and design standards.
- [07]
Web App Support & Maintenance
Performance monitoring / Security updates / Feature enhancements
Technology rusts. Just like any other business asset, be that the maintenance contract on your office building or your servicing of your commercial vehicle fleet, it requires ongoing investment to maintain its value and effectiveness.
Keeping your new web application updated and secure as it gets used requires a blend of in-house training and some custom support. So, in the same way we collaborate on developing the web app project itself we make sure to work with clients on support models that fit around your budget and the resources available client side to maintain a healthy application. Apps change over their lifespan, good SLAs match that change, meaning everyone’s prepared and excited for what’s next.
Recreated 1970s Milton Keynes Development Corporation hand gate between MK Gallery and Theatre, part of the City Club Project by Gareth Jones and Nils Norman, reflecting the city’s original leisure infrastructure plans.
Reproduction Milton Keynes globe streetlight next to MK Gallery’s 2019 redesign by 6a architects, referencing the original 1970s city lighting by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation.
‘2B Series No.2’ by Bernard Schottlander, 1983, supporting the Milton Keynes Development Corporation’s vision of embedding art into the city’s landscape.
- App Services
Working with Makilo
Hiring Web app developers? Looking for collaborative project delivery that’s done right, and done fast.
- From supporting your internal team to building relationships with an organisation's CTO and stakeholders. A key step in building a successful collaboration around a web application project is transparency. A shared understanding across participants provides a route for app based solutions to strike a balance between overall functionality and innovative or custom features all whilst providing a clear ROI.
At the point where a development project planned for ‘in-house’ suddenly feels out of reach, outsourcing becomes a necessity or an existing supplier feels like a potential risk. There’s a lot to be said for finding the right fit for your project and feeling comfortable bringing them in. Makilo frequently steps into projects and supports delivery from that point forward, from the planning and strategic stages right up to final designs ready for implementation. Our goal is a working relationship that like your new web application can augment existing business processes efficiently rather than disrupt them.
- Full-stack web development
In-house IT and development resources are almost always already at capacity. So full-stack expertise that’s able to collaborate quickly becomes invaluable. Support from Makilo steers each step of your web app development. From mapping data and planning architecture, to designing user interfaces and producing efficient front end solutions tailored to your end users needs. Full Stack Development >
- Backend development
Development that is progressive, secure and reliable is a huge part of Makilo’s skillset. Providing web apps with a secure footing that’s scalable and robust is vital. The expertise in our development team means we can frequently build with the business strategies of our clients in mind. More often, this means challenging integrations with existing systems whilst preparing for the growth that comes from increased customer engagement. Backend Development >
- Frontend development
General familiarity with the concept of an ‘App’ means that it’s increasingly important to provide well designed responsive user interfaces. Whether your app needs to stand out or match internal stakeholder expectations, we develop experiences that flow and feel intuitive across a range of devices. Frontend Development Services >
- MVP Development
A Minimum Viable Product or MVP is often a great first step
for an organisation to establish a market-fit for their web application idea without over committing resources. MVPs help to sense check concepts, test business ideas and gather market research. Having a user ready version of your application in a customer’s hands early on, can offer feedback and savings on the eventual production ready app. MVP Development Services >
- Development of PWAs
PWA stands for Progressive Web Applications. Savvy users are increasingly aware of the bloating on their devices packed full of native apps — this is where PWAs can provide an alternative that spans both mobile and web. Applications that work offline or in areas of poor coverage, yet still feel like ‘apps’ that users are familiar with. All while loading quickly to prevent user drop off. Progressive Web Applications >
- Data Mapping
Understanding the location and flow of data through an organisation is a daunting task, and often prevents clients tackling projects they know will improve the overall efficiency of their organisations. We provide audits and hands‑on support so that collaborating on web application projects with complex data architectures becomes straightforward and low‑risk. Through comprehensive data discovery workshops, clear flow diagrams, and a living mapping document, we pinpoint where every data source lives, how it’s transformed, and which services consume. Data Mapping Service
- Modernisation of legacy approaches
Outdated systems leveraging old tech or processes are more commonplace than you’d expect. By undertaking a contemporary refresh and optimising your current codebase opportunities for improving performance, security, quickly emerge. Helping you meet today’s standards and expectations. Digital Transformation Services >
- App Services
What we do
Understanding the tools we use to develop Web Applications
- Web applications have become the cornerstone of modern business, enabling organisations to connect with customers, streamline operations, and adapt rapidly to changing needs.
By leveraging the right frameworks and libraries, we build solutions that are accessible from any device, integrate with your existing systems, and evolve alongside your growth. From internal applications that boost team productivity to customer‑facing portals that drive engagement, our approach ensures every web app is performant, secure, and designed for long‑term success.
- Tools
Web Application Technologies
Laravel
- The backbone of your web application is the Laravel PHP framework. It quietly handles all the heavy lifting—managing how URLs map to pages (routing), securely storing and retrieving your data (ORM and migrations), keeping your users’ information safe (built‑in authentication and authorisation), and rendering polished, dynamic views (Blade templating).
With Laravel in place, you get a consistent, well‑tested foundation that lets us focus on building the unique features your project needs, while ensuring reliability, scalability, and security from
day one.
Frontend Technologies
Laravel Inertia.js + Shadcn
React / Vue.js + Tailwind
- On the frontend, we give your application the polish and responsiveness of a true single‑page app—without the complexity of a full SPA framework. By pairing Laravel Inertia.js with the sleek, component‑driven Shadcn UI library, we seamlessly bridge your server‑side routes to dynamic client‑side views.
With Laravel in place, you get a consistent, well‑tested foundation that lets us focus on building the unique features your project needs, while ensuring reliability, scalability, and security from
day one.
API & Event‑Driven Technologies
Node.js + Typescript
Microsoft Azure / Amazon AWS
- On the frontend, we give your application the polish and responsiveness of a true single‑page app—without the complexity of a full SPA framework. By pairing Laravel Inertia.js with the sleek, component‑driven Shadcn UI library, we seamlessly bridge your server‑side routes to dynamic client‑side views.
With Laravel in place, you get a consistent, well‑tested foundation that lets us focus on building the unique features your project needs, while ensuring reliability, scalability, and security from
day one.
API & Event‑
Driven Technologies
Microsoft Azure / Amazon AWS
- Node.js powers the behind‑the‑scenes workflows that keep your business systems in sync. Its event‑driven architecture lets us respond instantly to triggers — new leads in your CRM, payment confirmations, or messages on a queue — by wiring up webhooks, message brokers, and real‑time streams. With TypeScript’s strong typing, every payload and API contract is checked at compile time, so your data flows reliably between platforms such as HubSpot or Dynamics 365.
- App Services
Commercial Value
Web Application: Business benefits
- Cost and Speed
Producing a web app is often an affordable way to quickly design, develop and then distribute new software for use within an existing business. Rollout can be further accelerated through the use of frameworks and libraries that capitalise on open source software and resources. Meaning a user friendly solution can be ready for testing faster than ever.
- Security and Oversight
Your web application isn’t just a customer touchpoint — it’s the single source of truth for your data, user behaviour, and internal workflows. By centralising analytics, access controls, and audit trails within the app, you gain real‑time visibility into how people interact with your services and how your team operates.
We build in proactive monitoring and automated alerts so potential issues — unusual traffic patterns, failed transactions, or unauthorised access — are caught before they become problems. Every deployment follows strict security best practices (encryption at rest and in transit, role‑based permissions, regular dependency audits), and our ongoing support & maintenance service keeps your app up‑to‑date and resilient. The result is a transparent, trustworthy platform that not only safeguards your data but also empowers you to make smarter, data‑driven decisions.
- Flexible and Scalable
Web Applications can and often do change with use. When designed with growth in mind they provide organisations with a route to scaling up and down in relation to the businesses needs and performance. Hosted on cloud infrastructure and backed by automated deployment workflows, your web application can expand with your business demands.
Changes you make are tested and automatically rolled out, so new features reach your users smoothly and without downtime. Meanwhile, built‑in scaling ensures you’re only using (and paying for) the resources you need, whether you’re handling a sudden surge in visitors or winding back during quieter periods. The result is a system that grows with you, delivers updates effortlessly and keeps costs under control.
- Reliable and Adaptable
Consistency is vital for any digital product, and a well‑designed web app delivers just that — stable performance means fewer disruptions, lower maintenance costs and quicker detection of any issues. At the same time, its adaptable architecture lets you plug in new services — whether that’s your CRM, payment provider or collaboration tools — so your application’s capabilities can grow seamlessly alongside your business.
- Introduction
Testimonials (2024 – )
"We gave Makilo a loose brief, and they came back with a clear strategy and a concept that just made sense. The whole thing rolled out seamlessly. No drama, no slowdown, just smart ideas that landed exactly where they needed to."
3,000,000 Trees and counting...
It’s easier on a tablet than using your fingers
- App Services
What we do
We’ve Helped Startups, Scale-ups and National Brands Build Web Apps That Work. Our Process is What Makes it Happen.
- Strategy (Creative and Technical)
Every successful web app development project starts with strategy. This is where ideas get aligned to your business goals. You’ll spend time with us outlining what your web app needs to achieve — for you and for your users. We’ll map out user journeys, core functionality, and the best technologies for supporting your ambitions.
Web app development isn’t just code; but confronting real problems with suitable digital tools. New markets, improving internal systems, building a community Hub, strategy ensures your web application has a clear purpose and roadmap.
Evaluating your audience, competitors, and business model, collaboratively will give you the confidence to move forward. Strategy ensures that every decision is intentional and your investment delivers value long after launch
- Design (UX/UI/Art Direction)
Thoughtful design has a key role in our web app development process, so this stage becomes about creating an experience that supports your users wherever possible. Balancing creativity with usability we’ll focus on user experience (UX) design to make sure your app is intuitive and accessible, while user interface (UI) design ensures everything feels familiar, polished and aligned with your brand.
Art direction is often overlooked within web app development but it’s a chance to bring some personality into the process where we can. You’ll see wireframes, visual concepts, and mockups to test ideas. By investing in design that maps onto your strategies, you’ll avoid costly revisions later and set your app up for success from the start.
- Prototypes / MVP
Before full web app development begins, building a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can give you something real to test, share, and learn from.
A prototype often helps validate your ideas with stakeholders or early users, it gives you feedback, fast, and helps refine features before making larger investments in the final build.
You’ll see your concept come to life with working interactions, core functionality, and essential user journeys. If your project suits an MVP approach, this allows you to launch early with the most important features, gather insights, and evolve the product based on real user behaviour. App development is a process of iteration, and this stage gives you the freedom to test assumptions, prove demand, and build up momentum.
- App Development
Building begins. The App development phase is where your ideas become a fully working product. You’ll see your strategy, designs, and prototypes translated into high-quality code by our experienced in-house developers. This stage is where performance, security, and scalability are carefully considered.
We use modern development practices like agile project management, version control, and automated testing to keep things running smoothly. You’ll stay involved throughout — via your account manager Patrick with regular updates, progress demos, and opportunities for feedback.
Web app development is rarely a straight line; features evolve, new ideas surface, and priorities shift. That’s normal — and having a flexible, collaborative development process helps your app stay on track. The result? A fast, secure, and user-friendly web application that’s ready for launch!
- Testing and Rollout
Well almost… Before launching, every web app project needs thorough testing. This stage ensures your product works as intended across all devices, browsers, and use cases. You’ll benefit from a robust testing process that includes functionality checks, user acceptance testing (UAT), security audits, and performance optimisation.
We’ll also test for accessibility, ensuring your web app is usable for whoever it’s intended. Whether you’re rolling out to a small pilot group or launching globally, testing gives you peace of mind that your users will have the best possible experience from day one.
- Post Launch Support and Maintenance
After going live, you’ll need ongoing support to keep your app secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly. This stage is about maintaining performance, applying updates, and responding to user feedback. Web app development best practices include regular monitoring, backups, and security patches to protect your investment.
For the first month post-launch you’ll also have access to support for fixing bugs, improving features, and adding new functionality as your business adapts. Should you want it we can arrange ongoing maintenance that ensures your product stays relevant, reliable, and valuable to your users.
- Marketing and Outreach
Your web app development project is live! It’s time to connect with your audience. Even the best apps need a smart marketing strategy to find users and build traction. This stage is all about getting your product seen, shared, and talked about. You’ll work on a tailored outreach plan that might include content marketing, SEO, social media campaigns, paid ads, or partnerships. Fancy some help with all that? Whether your goal is to drive signups, increase engagement, or secure funding, budgeting for this ‘optimisation’ stage ensures your web app development journey delivers real-world impact.
- Output
We’ve Helped Clients Launch, Grow, and Succeed Across Dozens of Projects
Helping secure £2M for a leading national charity
Insulating an Institution for years to come
Keeping things moving with Dawsongroup
Old methods new vehicles green futures
If that sounds like a good fit for you; or you’d like to know more about how we work, please feel free to get in touch with us.
- Recent Posts
Our interests (2024 – 2025)
