Hiring Mobile App Developers in the UK: A Startup's Guide

Last Updated on 3 months

The United Kingdom currently stands as Europe’s largest technology hub for app development. IBISWorld forecasts the app development industry’s market size in terms of revenue to exceed £19 billion in 2022. Strong infrastructure, a skilled mobile app developer workforce, and a supportive business environment fuel this growth, making the UK an attractive destination for tech companies and entrepreneurs seeking to innovate and thrive in the app development sector.

Despite this significant market and its ongoing expansion, many businesses, especially startups, face challenges in hiring mobile app developers in the UK. The issue is not about finding potential candidates but retaining and integrating them into the company’s teams.

Naveck offers a comprehensive solution for identifying potential mobile application development talent in London and across the UK and supports businesses in their projects.

This guide will provide insights on how to efficiently hire mobile app developers in the UK, while also saving on costs, building business resilience, and speeding up time to market.

Is It Easy for Startups to Hire UK Mobile App Developers?

Finding the perfect candidate for your long-term web application project can be tough, especially for a new business. But this guide will help! Here are a few compelling reasons outlining the difficulties your company might encounter when seeking to hire app programmers in the UK.

Source: https://www.itjobswatch.co.uk/jobs/uk/mobile%20applications%20developer.do

Establishing trust and credibility is crucial for the success of any business, especially for startups. In the competitive landscape of the UK job market, companies are often evaluated by potential employees based on various factors such as working conditions, salary, team dynamics, and overall company reputation. This is particularly true when it comes to hiring app developers in the UK, as job seekers are keen to ensure that the opportunities they pursue are worth their time and effort.

For startups, this process can be particularly challenging. Unlike more established companies, startups may not have the benefit of online reviews or readily available information that potential employees can use to assess the company’s reputation and work environment. This lack of external validation can make it difficult for startups to attract top talent and build a positive employer brand.

Startups are unable to offer “average” salaries and benefits on the same scale as large enterprises.

One of the major hurdles for startups in the process of recruiting mobile app developers is the issue of competitive salaries. Startups typically operate within a constrained budget in comparison to well-established companies that boast extensive benefits and incentives for their staff. Although startups may hope to attract highly motivated individuals, it’s crucial to recognize that the compensation package significantly impacts the decisions of potential hires. If the remuneration offered is not competitive, exceptionally skilled employees may seek opportunities elsewhere.

Startups usually don’t benefit from long-term job contracts

Startups operating in the fast-paced tech industry encounter ongoing challenges stemming from rapid technological advancements and the emergence of innovations. Failing to keep up with these developments puts them at risk of financial hardship and potential bankruptcy. As a result, startups often show reluctance to offer long-term contracts, while job seekers prioritize job security when considering new opportunities.

Furthermore, startups frequently experience significant internal changes, such as pivoting to entirely new project directions or implementing abrupt shifts in employee roles. This dynamic environment means that the titles, responsibilities, and roles of startup employees undergo frequent revisions. Professionals seeking a more stable and predictable work environment may view this level of fluidity as a disadvantage.

Challenges When Hiring Mobile App Developers in the UK

Startups in the UK face challenges when seeking to hire professional mobile app developers. The scarcity of skilled developers and the high demand for their expertise can significantly impede the progress of projects. This can lead to delays in product development and market entry, potentially impacting the success of the startup.

To address these challenges, startups can consider various strategies, such as broadening their search parameters to include remote developers, offering attractive compensation packages, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development. Additionally, leveraging networking events and industry connections can help in identifying suitable candidates. By recognizing and proactively addressing these challenges, startups can streamline the hiring process and secure the right talent for their mobile app development needs.

The cost of the project.

When startups opt to manage their own hiring and onboarding procedures instead of seeking external assistance, they need to consider a variety of elements. These include the developers’ proficiency in mobile app development and their ability to comprehend the unique requirements of the project. It is essential for the developers to fully grasp the vision of the startup to foster a cohesive working dynamic.

When you introduce complexity, such as requiring several developers to meet your time-to-market estimates, it almost always results in an increased budget. Even if your desired mobile app is relatively simple, it’s crucial to have a qualified developer leading the building process. This ensures that the app is developed efficiently and effectively, meeting all quality and functionality requirements.

Is hiring a local developer the most cost-effective option for this project?

Solutions: If your budget does not allow for hiring a developer in the UK, you may want to consider leveraging the outsourcing services provided by a reputable hiring agency. By tapping into our extensive global talent pool, your startup will have the opportunity to handpick highly qualified candidates from diverse locations around the world. This approach not only offers cost savings but also provides access to a wide range of skills and expertise, ultimately contributing to the success and growth of your business.

Having trouble finding the right skills.

When you’re in the process of hiring mobile app developers, you may find that sifting through numerous applications is just the beginning. Despite the high demand for mobile app developers, the challenge lies in identifying candidates with the right skills. This is compounded by the fact that many other companies are also seeking out professionals with similar expertise. As a result, the task of not only attracting but also securing a candidate with the exact skill set you require can be quite daunting.

Solutions: You can overcome this challenge by tapping into a global talent pool. With Naveck, we connect you with the most suitable candidate, guaranteeing they possess all the necessary skills for your project.

Extended notice period

The notice period plays a critical role in the recruitment process for mobile app developers. It’s important to note that in the UK, the notice period can be as lengthy as six months. This prolonged period has the potential to significantly hamper the progress of your project development, causing delays and impacting timelines.

By selecting Naveck, you can save valuable time in your search for a mobile app developer. Our efficient service will help your company discover qualified candidates in less than three months.

Mobile App Developer Salaries in London and Throughout the UK: Market Overview

As previously mentioned, the UK has become an ideal location for companies specializing in app development, with an estimated market size of £19.4 billion in 2022.

Additionally, when considering the number of individuals involved in building these apps, it’s evident that the UK is home to 849,000 app developers, according to Statista. This makes the UK the second country in Europe (after Germany) with the highest number of professional developers.

How much does it cost to hire a UK app developer?

If you are in search of UK-based app developers, it’s important to keep in mind that the average gross salary is £57,841 per year, as reported by SalaryExpert.com. A junior-level application developer (1 to 3 years of working experience) earns, on average, £40,778. A senior application developer with more than eight years of experience makes an average salary of £71,729.

As per SalaryExpert.com, the average gross salary for an app developer in London is £85,104 annually. This is 47% higher than the average app developer salary in the rest of the UK. The average salary for an entry-level developer is £59,999, and £105,539 for a senior-level application developer.

How much does it cost to make an app?

Creating a simple application, with standard UI elements, basic backend support, and no API integration, can be achieved in 2 to 5 months at a cost ranging from £10,000 to £50,000. For more advanced applications, requiring 4-9 months of development time, customized UI/UX features, backend support, API integration, and a built-in payment gateway, the investment may range from £50,000 to £200,000.

What concerns do UK software developing companies have?

Despite the presence of a large number of mobile app developers in the country, UK software development companies are increasingly opting to outsource their activities. According to the 2020 LiveArea Research, 46% of British businesses are choosing to outsource their IT and development tasks.

One significant contributing factor to this trend is the lack of candidates with the necessary experience and skills for mobile application development within the domestic market. This shortage has led UK software development firms to seek international applicants with the required expertise.

Moreover, the app development market in the United Kingdom is highly competitive, with approximately 8000 businesses involved in app development-related activities. Faced with this intense competition, many businesses are making the strategic decision to outsource and enlist teams from overseas to reduce costs associated with mobile app developer salaries.

Ways to Reduce Mobile App Development Costs in the UK

If your company is facing budget constraints for the development of a mobile application, there are several strategies and approaches available to help minimize the project’s expenses.

Use your minimal viable product

When you’re in the early stages of developing an app and are unsure about the potential return on investment, it’s beneficial to consider creating a minimum viable product (MVP). An MVP allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying purpose, functionality, and features of your final product.

By focusing on the fundamental features, an MVP presents the simplest solution to the problem you intend to address. It serves as a valuable tool for gathering user feedback, enabling you to gain deeper insights into the specific needs and preferences of your target audience. This feedback can then be used to make informed adjustments and improvements to your final product.

Additionally, an MVP can also be leveraged to attract funding from angel investors or through crowdfunding platforms. This initial version of your product demonstrates its potential and viability, making it an attractive proposition for potential investors seeking to support innovative ideas.

Cross-platform development

To ensure that your application reaches the maximum number of customers, it needs to be accessible on the primary operating systems in the market, such as iOS, Android, and Windows. This can be achieved through cross-platform development. Here are some advantages of cross-platform development:

Cost-effective and less expensive compared to developing native applications
More opportunities for experimentation as your application will be platform-independent
The same code base can be used for all platforms.

The different types of languages used in cross-platform development include HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, Kotlin, and others.

Utilize free app design templates.

In the process of developing mobile applications, it is essential to invest a considerable amount of time and effort into the UI and UX design. When working within budget constraints, leveraging free UI kits and templates that are accessible online can be a prudent approach. By utilizing these resources instead of creating an app from the ground up, it is possible to significantly reduce development costs.

Consider outsourcing mobile app development.

Not all companies have the financial resources to hire app developers within the UK for their projects. One feasible solution is to opt for outsourcing the development of your application to save costs on salaries while still benefiting from the expertise and skills of external team members.

The Role of Naveck as Your Hiring Partner

Naveck offers comprehensive assistance for your mobile application development projects. Our custom mobile app development services are tailored to meet the unique requirements of your projects. We take pride in our extensive pool of developers with international experience and exceptional English proficiency. We strategically spread our team across 11 North American and 3 European time zones. This enables us to provide efficient support and communication across different regions.

Additionally, we have established offices in Ireland and the UK, allowing you to meet with us in person to discuss and plan your project. This personal touch ensures that we understand your needs and can deliver the best solutions for your mobile application development requirements.

In comparison to typical UK hiring agencies, our efficiency sets us apart. We can swiftly assemble an intermediate-level team within a timeframe of two to four weeks, while our competitors usually require three months to achieve the same outcome. This rapid turnaround time enables us to deliver high-quality results promptly, ensuring that your mobile application development projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

As the demand for mobile app developers continues to rise in the United Kingdom, startups and small businesses are facing the challenge of recruiting qualified personnel within a short timeframe and at a reasonable cost. These businesses are also seeking individuals who are motivated to drive improvements within the organization.

At Naveck, we understand these challenges and offer comprehensive recruitment and project management services tailored to support the specific needs of your business. Our goal is to assist you in navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and project oversight, allowing you to focus on the continued growth and success of your business.

You’ve taken a big step towards building your dream app by familiarizing yourself with hiring mobile app developers in the UK. Finding the right development partner is crucial for the success of a startup, and we hope that this guide has provided you with the knowledge to navigate this important step.