Bespoke software development in Gloucestershire
16i is a Gloucestershire-based software development agency. We build bespoke applications, customer portals and system integrations designed around the way your business actually works, not the other way round.
Our studio is on Rockfield Business Park in Cheltenham, which means Gloucestershire clients get a partner they can sit down with. We also work with organisations across the UK and internationally, but for businesses on our doorstep, that proximity counts.
What we build
We build a range of systems, from customer-facing portals to back-office processes that keep a business running.
Built around your workflows, not the other way round
We don't start with a template. Every project begins by understanding your users, your goals and your constraints, then we build something that fits, rather than something that sort of works.
That runs through a structured, transparent process: discovery to understand the problem; strategy and UX to shape the right approach; design; build against a clear specification with regular review points; and a thorough launch with ongoing support. You always know what's happening, and the process flexes when things change.
Off-the-shelf or bespoke: which do you need?
Bespoke software isn't always the right answer, and we'll tell you if it isn't. Off-the-shelf products suit simple, common needs. Bespoke makes sense when your requirements are complex, specific, or central enough to your business that a generic tool would hold you back. We've laid out how to make that call in our guide to customer portal software versus bespoke.
If you're testing a new idea, it's often smart to start small. Our explainer on what an MVP is covers how to validate a concept before committing to a full build.
Why a Gloucestershire software partner
There's no shortage of software developers. What's rarer is one that combines technical depth with genuine local accountability.
We're in Gloucestershire
On-site discovery workshops, in-person when it matters, and easy to reach. For businesses burned by remote suppliers going quiet mid-project, that proximity means a lot.
Real technical depth
.NET, Umbraco and bespoke frameworks. We're a Microsoft Partner.
B Corp certified
Independently verified standards on people, planet and governance.
Green by default
Azure's completely green infrastructure, powered by renewable energy.
Who we work with
We've built software for organisations including Grant UK, PIPA and SoPublishing: portals, reporting systems and platforms engineered for real-world demands.
16i are a very approachable business and have been very easy to work with throughout the planning and development stages. You feel that your project is as important to them as it is to us as a business. Feedback from our G1 installers on the new digital platform has also been incredibly positive.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as bespoke software?
Bespoke software is built specifically for your business, rather than bought off the shelf. It's shaped around your exact workflows, rules and goals, which makes it a good fit when generic products can't do what you need or force you to work in ways that don't suit you.
Do you only work with Gloucestershire businesses?
No. Roughly half our clients are based outside Gloucestershire, including organisations in London, Oxford and internationally. We're Gloucestershire-based but work nationally. For local clients, we value in-person working and our studio is available for workshops and reviews.
What technologies do you build in?
We develop primarily in .NET, Umbraco and bespoke frameworks, and we host on Azure green servers. We choose the right tools for each project rather than forcing everything down one path.
How much does bespoke software cost?
Bespoke projects are scoped individually, because cost depends entirely on what you're building. We provide a detailed proposal after an initial discovery conversation, so you get a real figure based on real requirements, not a guess.
How long does a bespoke software project take?
It varies with scope, so we scope each project individually and agree clear milestones at the outset. You'll always know what's being delivered and when, and we stick to the plan we agree.
Ready to talk?
If you've got a problem that off-the-shelf software can't solve, we'd like to hear about it. An initial conversation is free, no-obligation, and usually the most useful 45 minutes you'll spend this month.