We have been providing software development services for over 15 years to many SME as well as blue-chip clients.
At HeadChannel, we translate the needs and goals of B2B and B2C businesses into reliable software solutions where utility, ease of use and efficiency are key factors and where state-of-the-art technical solutions minimize both future operational costs and risks. By implementing the best UX and CX practices, top technologies and project management methodologies, we give our clients a competitive advantage in business.
We have built all sorts of bespoke software, from dynamic websites to complex web-based or mobile applications, for organisations such as:
FIFA
Nestlé Purina (pet foods brand)
Smiley (the happiest brand ever)
The University of Winchester
The William Pears Group (one of the UK’s largest property companies)
Hospice UK (formerly known as Help the Hospices, the UK’s leading charity for hospice care)
Four04 Packaging (one of the leading packaging producers on the British market)
Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (industry body)
Prepay Solutions (European leader in pre-paid cards and services)
At Your Service Group (provider of waiting staff and services at major events)
Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (national charity)
Good Hotel Guide (independent publisher of hotel advice)
JC Decaux (leading outdoor advertising company)
BBC Haymarket (magazines, exhibitions and events)
…and many more.
We were recently awarded funding by Innovate UK for our part in a project involving South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Teesside University.
We are part of the Mayor’s International Business Programme which helps the fastest growing tech companies to break into international markets and as such have access to some fantastic help and resources.
We are a member of The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, the 100th livery company of the City of London, combining centuries-old tradition with a modern focus, energy and innovation.
Custom Software Dev for Education & Publishing Company
Custom Software Development
$50,000 to $199,999
May 2020 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"We have been impressed by HeadChannel’s flexibility and the effort made to understand what we were trying to do."
Sep 2, 2021
CEO, DaCapo Primary Music
Michelle Groves
Education
Online Review
Verified
HeadChannel provides custom software development services for an education and publishing company. The team built the client's interactive whiteboard music curriculum software for primary schools.
More schools can have access to the client's curriculum and the client can increase the teaching hours using the software developed by the team. They communicate via Google Meet and Skype. So far, the client is impressed by the team's flexibility and enthusiasm as they continue their collaboration.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am one of the directors of this education software and publishing company.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire HeadChannel, and what were your goals?
We wanted to convert our analogue music curriculum into a software programme for the interactive whiteboard in primary schools.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
HeadChannel were recommended to us. We met with them and one other company who did not compare well. Their presentation persuaded us that they would not only be able to create the software but also look after the project going forward.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
The DaCapo platform has been built on a commercial version of the ABP.io framework that provides a complete infrastructure to create modern, modular, web applications. The framework is designed and implemented based on the latest technologies i.e. Microsoft's ASP.NET Core (REST API) and Google’s Angular Javascript framework (Client and Admin portals).
The ABP.io framework provides a multi-tenant architecture that allows each school to be set up as a different tenant so that access to the school’s data is secured on a low permission level. Additionally, it provides the ability to distribute the application in the SaaS distribution model with support for subscriptions and payments. A REST API, as the core of the system, has been implemented based on the modern and high- performance ASP.NET Core framework. In case of high load in the future it will be possible to migrate the whole system into a cloud solution without significant, high-cost, changes in development.
Thanks to many features on the technical level, like a modular and layered architecture, event driven communication and Domain Driven Design, the system is easily extensible and reliable.Authentication and authorisation is secured by the IdentityServer4 with the support of the contemporary and well-known OAuth2.0 standard.Data is accessed by Entity Framework Core ORM and stored in a Microsoft SQL Server database.Technologies used: Asp.Net Core, EntityFramework Core, MS SQL, Swagger, Quartz, Xamarin.Forms, Angular, Metronic, Bootstrap
The application is built on a flexible and modern framework which guarantees full technical support and which enables low-cost implementation of changes and no functional limitations. The application allows DaCapo not only to build a learning experience but also to manage the accounts of schools and teachers. The user can choose a variety of exercises (play cards, match cards, video) that were designed from scratch. Each exercise can have from one or many variants, which makes the system and user experience even more attractive. The application has been built as a SaaS solution which supports multi- tenancy to allow future system scaling.
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
We have worked with three directors, one senior business analyst and one junior business analyst.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
Many more schools will be able to access our curriculum
The software will increase the number of hours per week that DaCapo music is taught in schools.
When the full system in place it will free up admin time by managing the subscriptions
It will change our method of collecting long term research in music education. This could possibly have a wider national impact over time.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
Good and frequent communication via email, Googlemeet and Skype. Informal and very friendly and supportive.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
We have been impressed by HeadChannel’s flexibility and the effort made to understand what we were trying to do. The enthusiasm and interest and have also been welcomed and impressive.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
We haven’t always quite understood all the terminology and acronyms etc.. We think we should have asked more questions at the beginning of working together to be sure we understood the various stages and elements involved. However, our questions are always carefully answered.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Software Development for Healthcare Company
Custom Software Development
$200,000 to $999,999
Jan. 2018 - Mar. 2021
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They delivered all the requirements and met deadlines."
Apr 26, 2021
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Healthcare Company
Pouyan Mehryar
Healthcare
Cambridge, United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
HeadChannel developed software for a healthcare company. This involved 3D reconstruction, data collection, and storage for the QuickFit project.
The team professionally delivered the software on time and had fulfilled the project’s requirements. Their communication was excellent, which established a seamless workflow. HeadChannel was dedicated and met the deadlines.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the a healthcare centre. My role in the QuickFit project was to technically lead different aspects of the work and resolve any technical issues.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire HeadChannel, and what were your goals?
The project involved software development. As a result, we collaborated with HeadChannel to develop software for 3d reconstruction, data collection and storage.
SOLUTION
How did you select HeadChannel and what were the deciding factors?
HeadChannel was among our top choices when the proposal was written, and they met all the criteria for this project. Their track records were remarkable as they had worked on multiple challenging projects, which showed their capability to handle this specific project.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
We needed the following to be done in the software
Produce Check socket for lower limb amputees using 3D reconstruction.
Calibrate the sensors within the QuickFit system
Defining the QTSS sensors' location on the model and transferring the coordinate system to the physical socket.
Collect data from the sensors in the QuickFit system
Feed the processed data into the socket design module of the QuickFit software package to adjust and optimised socket
Repeat the test several times
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
We worked with four people throughout the project including a project manager, a business analyst and two software engineers.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
All the requirements were fulfilled during the project and delivered on time. This helped us to improve the system over time and optimise the performance of the software at the end of the project.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.
The communication was excellent through emails and other platforms (e.g., skype and zoom). We never experienced any delays in response. They delivered all the requirements and met deadlines. They accommodated changes made during the project, which showed how dedicated and professional they were.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Communication was seamless and smooth throughout the project. The synergy between our team and HeadChannel was great, which lead to the delivery of a successful project.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
We were very impressed with the whole team, and their performance was exceeded our expectation.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Project Assurance Platform for Management Consulting Company
Custom Software Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Aug. - Nov. 2020
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“Whether it’s a rough idea or a detailed one, they can take it and turn it into a good application.“
Nov 23, 2020
Partner, DMRC Consulting
David Martens
IT Services
United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel partnered with a management consulting company to create a project assurance platform that can track various projects and workstreams. The key tech stacks used include ASP.Net, Angular, and Python.
The platform, particularly its smooth UI design, has received positive feedback from the company’s clients. HeadChannel took charge of business analysis, management, and progress reviews. As a result, they could turn the company’s concept and vision into a well-functioning platform.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a partner at a management consulting company based in the UK. We provide management consulting and innovation services to a variety of clients and governments as well as some private sectors mainly around the construction and asset-heavy industries.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
We hired HeadChannel for a government project that we worked on with one of our clients. There was a construction process that handled the assets, and it was challenging to manage. We initially designed a solution or concept for how we could solve the problem.
We needed help to develop a platform based on that concept. It lets users track a portfolio of projects or a program, including milestones, program modules, interlinking workstreams, and dependencies. It enables users to understand the link or requirements from one asset to another and ensures the conformity and consistency of requirements throughout the program's delivery.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
HeadChannel helped us develop the entire project assurance platform. We engaged with them in designing the architecture, development of modules, and the platform itself. They also provided us guidance on business analysis.
This SaaS platform is based on ASP.NET Zero. It uses Swagger for API management. The main components are Docker image for the deployment, various iterations of Python for AI models running in the background, and Angular on the frontend.
What is the team composition?
There were 3–5 people that I worked with. On the commercial side, we worked with Andy (Director) and Beata (Strategic Director). We also worked with Radoslow (Managing Director), Adam (IT Project Manager), Michal (Programmer), and a project manager.
They also provided us with a very competent business analyst that has helped us distill our requirements and technical components within the overarching framework.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
For us, it’s really important that they were UK-based. HeadChannel was also very receptive and flexible, which were among the key reasons we worked with them.
We have other partners, but they’re more transactional — we give them a requirement, and they either deliver or don’t. HeadChannel really looks to solve the problems. That’s why we work with them.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve invested about £40,000 (approximately $54,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We started the project in August 2020 and finished in November 2020. This has been a quick build, but we’ve worked with each other on an ongoing basis for about a year.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
At this point, we don’t have any metrics yet since we’ve just completed the project, but we’re looking to ship quite soon.
The quality of their application has been really great. We’ve already demoed it to clients, and they seem quite impressed with the usability of the application. It’s been quite smooth in terms of how the UI was designed. We have clients on a waiting list to test the solution.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
It was a partnership approach. We used JIRA to do local work and had a dedicated project manager and business analysts who facilitated the entire process for us. They also managed the JIRA backlogs.
All we did was feed the project requirements and clarify things. HeadChannel did all the heavy lifting on the analysis and management sides of things.
Depending on the demand and requirements, we had weekly or biweekly requirement reviews for clarification. At the beginning of the project, we had much more biweekly reviews. In the end, when the requirements were clearer, we had much fewer reviews. Our team also had live access to the development environment to see any updates being pushed in real-time.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The most impressive aspect was the developers' caliber and the fact that we didn’t have to specify things too much. We could give them a high-level vision, and they could turn that into a well-thought-out application. I’m also impressed by their ability to understand what was asked.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There’s nothing I could think of. We’ve been pretty happy with their service.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Think about the application that you want. HeadChannel can take it on from any part of the cycle. Whether it’s a rough idea or a detailed one, they can take it and turn it into a good application. However, if you work with them, you should have some clarity and documentation in terms of what you want.
RATINGS
5.0
"We continue to work with them."
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Mobile Development for Retail Solutions Platform
Custom Software Development
$50,000 to $199,999
Apr. 2020 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.5
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“They’ve delivered 100% of the requirements on time and within budget.”
Aug 10, 2020
Innovation Director, By Appointment App
Adam Batten
IT Services
London, United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel developed the mobile app of a SaaS that facilitates businesses reopen in light of COVID-19. Their tech stack has included Angular, .NET, and SQL, and they're currently working on more iterations.
HeadChannel’s exceptional delivery has completely fulfilled the client’s product requirements. Their team maintains exquisite communication throughout the development lifecycle, making for a pleasurable engagement. They’re a great team that can handle ideation, execution, and testing.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the Chief Innovation Officer of By Appointment. We’re a SaaS company that aims to assist retail companies in restarting their businesses in the wake of COVID-19.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
I was looking for a partner to create our mobile application in adherence to our requirements. The app would be for businesses looking to manage their in-store capacity as well as their consumers.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
HeadChannel created an app that enables stores to list themselves in the app. They can enter their opening hours, capacity, and other information. Shoppers can search for local stores and book appointments with them.
They have a comprehensive view of the stores’ policies, and whether they’re available for virtually-queueable appointments. They utilized .NET Core and Angular in a SQL database.
They analyzed the requirements and built the architecture before launching into front- and backend development. They then went into testing.
What is the team composition?
The team size and structure varies depending on the requirements. We worked with between 5–10 people, including a project manager.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
I’ve been working with HeadChannel for over a decade. I knew them intimately and also knew that they had the capabilities to pull off this project.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve probably spent around $100,000 for this project.
What is the status of this engagement?
We introduced the project in April, started coding in May, and released the first iteration of the app in July of 2020.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They’ve delivered 100% of the requirements on time and within budget. We’ve been extremely satisfied with their work. Their testing has yielded phenomenal results — if we’re not completely there by the time we launch, they’ve ensured a complete fulfillment of requirements by the time we release the product.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
They were exceptional on this front. They gave us timelines, budgets, and resource requirements. We held weekly management meetings to mitigate risks, accept requirement changes, and reorder sprints.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They have successful communication throughout the entire development lifecycle. This ensures a pleasurable engagement that results in a high-quality delivery.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I don’t think so. They could possibly charge me less money — I’d love that!
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Engage them in the ideation stage. Otherwise, you can arrive at an idea that’s unnecessarily complex or unfeasible. You might end up spending more of your time on something that doesn’t work.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Software Development for E-Card & Animated Content Company
Custom Software Development
Less than $10,000
Feb. - May 2020
4.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They were determined to deliver and please us as their client."
May 20, 2020
Director, 2050.Cards
Benjy Barkes
Consumer Products
London, United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel helped the client integrate their solution with WhatsApp so that users could send e-cards. They used Node, Twilala, and Front.
As a result of HeadChannel’s work, the client saw a decrease in their failure rate and an increase in their capacity. Although there were issues with the first project manager, HeadChannel was responsive to feedback and worked to make the necessary changes.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the director of an e-card business. Each card is a bespoke video delivered via WhatsApp.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
We were looking for a solution to enable e-card delivery via WhatsApp.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
They came up with a solution for initiating a conversation on WhatsApp once a client creates a card. They don’t have an open API. The first solution they presented was to have a button to start a conversation, on the finished order screen. We weren’t keen on that one. They came back with the idea to send an email once the e-card had been ordered, where the client opts in to receive a message from us on WhatsApp in order to receive the e-card.
They also helped find a solution for us to receive reports from our clients if they encountered problems. They came up with a system that allows those messages to reach us, and we can respond to make it right, in a cost-effective way.
The language they worked in was Node. The apps used were Twilala and Front.
What is the team composition?
Our initial communication was with Andy (Director). Michael (Senior Software Developer) was the first project manager. We got a new project manager midway through the project. I was also in communication with our developer.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
I did a Google search, and they were the first company on the list. I had a series of calls and meetings with Andy and decided to work with them.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent about €6,000 (approximately $7,400 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together on the project from February – May 2020. It just wrapped up at the end of May.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The new delivery system has increased our capacity by over 1,000%. The old system had a 30% failure rate, the new one has a 1% failure rate.
It’s too early to report any revenue at this point.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
The second project manager did great. He spoke excellent English, was quite responsive, and went the extra mile to ensure our happiness and delivery of the best solutions. We communicated via email primarily.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They were determined to deliver and please us as their client. The most important thing to me was their willingness to do whatever it took to get the solution.
For example, in the middle of the project, they had achieved much of the scope, but there were a few areas that had worsened in the performance of the system. They didn’t add to the cost or refuse to do them since they weren’t listed specifically in the scope. Rather, they worked hard to fix those issues. They worked in the spirit of the project rather than the letter of the law.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, not really. The first project manager was not very communicative and just didn’t fit well with us. They took necessary action by switching project managers, and they fixed the problem.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Try to fully lay the scope out in the beginning. If you have any concerns, contact Andy and he will sort it out.
RATINGS
4.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Web App Dev for Marketing Agency
Custom Software Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Jan. 2015 - Ongoing
4.5
Quality
4.5
Schedule
4.5
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
4.5
"Both projects have helped to establish a lasting connection with the clients."
Mar 11, 2020
Director, Beaconbrands
Fiona Day
Advertising & marketing
London, United Kingdom
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
HeadChannel provided web app development. Their team implemented a CMS, designed the site architecture, and handled hosting based on the client's design input.
HeadChannel has established a lasting connection with clients. The project management was effective and had solid server maintenance. Their efforts were in use for a long time and very competently developed.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
Beaconbrands is an advertising and marketing agency. We work for global FMCG brands as well as having a specialist healthcare division. I am a company director and have worked for the agency for over 10 years.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire HeadChannel?
We have worked with HeadChannel to create an asset management site for a large company. We have also worked with them to build a bespoke web app to help visualise the classification of psychoactive medications.
What were your goals for this project?
The assets site was to make it easier for local market teams to access and share centrally created creative assets. The web app was to help students and healthcare professionals understand the mode of action behind certain medicines and influence their studies or prescribing decisions.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?
We collected three estimates and had a meeting with each vendor. HeadChannel came back with the most serious and considered response. They asked relevant questions and made some suggestions for improvement.
Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.
They provided the CMS system, helped decide the site architecture/wireframes, hosting, troubleshooting for the asset site. They built, tested, refined, host and help maintain the medicines library. We provided the design input and handled the client.
What was the team composition?
Andy Green + account manager (various over the years) + developers.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
Both project have helped to establish a lasting connection with the clients. Both projects are still in use many years after being commissioned.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
The project management was fine. We have had a dedicated account person to look after the project. We are notified ahead of time if there is going to be any server maintenance which would effect us. No complaints.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
They're serious. They take the time to consider the project goals and then answer. They're not simply into the latest trend or fad.
Are there any areas for improvement?
No. They were the right people for these projects.
RATINGS
4.5
Quality
4.5
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
4.5
NPS
ICT Platform Dev for a Financial Services Company
Custom Software Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Apr. - June 2019
4.0
Quality
4.0
Schedule
3.5
Cost
3.5
Willing to Refer
4.0
"From an organizational point of view, HeadChannel understands their clients and their needs very well."
Oct 18, 2019
Managing Partner, Financial Services Company
Anonymous
Financial services
London, United Kingdom
11-50 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel was hired to develop an ICT platform for an investment boutique agency. The first phase of work included brainstorming and scoping out technologies and systems for development.
The work that HeadChannel completed during the first phase is being used internally. While they could be a bit more diligent from a project management standpoint, their team strives to understand their clients’ vision. Expect a stable group of workers.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CEO of an impact investment boutique advisory firm based in London.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
We were looking to build an ICT platform for one of our programs that is a tech-enabled education to employment lending platform.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
The first phase involved scoping out the IT systems and infrastructure needs to devise a development platform. After that, we would move to the software development of the client application onboarding and data management system. Most of the work would be done using Microsoft-enabled technology. We had the beginnings of a manual system, but we were looking for HeadChannel to build it from scratch.
What is the team composition?
In total, we worked with five people. Two of the founders, a project manager, and two developers were involved.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
We came across HeadChannel while searching for IT development firms in the area. We chose them because of their strong client reviews.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent £20,000 (approximately $26,000 USD) on this project.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked with HeadChannel from April–June 2019.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Our team decided to not move into the second phase that included the actual development of the platform. At this point, we’re using the output and deliverables from the first phase of work internally. We, as a company, decided that we needed to go more agile and develop some of the solution that they mapped out in a more modular fashion. We’re using HeadChannel’s work on an ongoing basis internally for development.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
From a project management standpoint, they were good. They could’ve improved on having a more diligent follow-up. From time to time, the project may have been a bit to handle, but overall, it was well done.
What did you find most impressive about them?
During our proposal process, their team stood out. They seemed to have a good grasp of our needs and what we were looking for. We got a good feel for their organization, which is why we selected them. From an organizational point of view, HeadChannel understands their clients and their needs very well.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I think for a smaller company, like ourselves, we were looking for a more agile approach. If we would’ve entered a more modular type of thinking sooner, we could’ve worked with HeadChannel longer.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I would recommend HeadChannel. Their solid team stands out for their excellent understanding of businesses and their needs.
RATINGS
4.0
Quality
4.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
3.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
3.5
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
4.0
NPS
Custom Operations Platform Dev for Packaging Firm
Custom Software Development
$200,000 to $999,999
June 2017 - Ongoing
4.5
Quality
4.5
Schedule
4.5
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
4.5
"I would not hesitate to recommend HeadChannel to any other business."
Jul 10, 2019
Operations Director, Four04 Packaging
Anne Harrison
Manufacturing
United Kingdom
11-50 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel designed a new order processing system from scratch and continue to develop it in stages with the view to eventually cover all administration aspects of the business.
As a direct result of HeadChannel’s contributions, the company has managed to cope with rapid and substantial growth. The team is very reactive, knowledgeable, intelligent, and polite. Their ability to read between the lines and proactively offer solutions sets them apart from other service providers.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am the operations director at Four04 Packaging. We are a manufacturing business in the flexible packaging industry.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
We were in desperate need of an update to our order processing system and more importantly a stock management system, which we did not have at all.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
They completed a brand-new system for us.
The first and second stage of the project is complete and we are now on the third stage. We have an on-going SLA with HeadChannel, which covers bugs and changes and general maintenance. This also hosts the web-based system for us.
What is the team composition?
It varies, but up to around six people at any one time.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
We initially began the project with another company, but we very quickly concluded that they were not up to the job. It transpired that the business was a one-man band—a project manager with very little experience who contracted external programmers. It was this company, which introduced us to HeadChannel.
How much have you invested in them?
We have spent around $450,000 with them to date.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working with them around August 2016, and the relationship is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The system HeadChannel have created for us has enabled us to keep control of our rapidly expanding business. At the time we started the project, we were turning over around £10 million-pound, now we are over £20 million and the system has without a doubt, enabled us to manage this growth.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
In the early days, I struggled to work with our assigned contact, which resulted in inefficiencies and gross underestimation in terms of the cost and timescale of the project. However, this was more or less solely attributable to one member of staff who no longer works for HeadChannel. Once we had someone else on the project, all has gone very well indeed.
For further explanation, the person originally assigned to us met with me to ascertain the scope of the project. Once he had heard so much, he insisted on starting the development before understanding the full scope of the project. I suggested that he needed to understand all of our needs, to avoid the possibility of developing a system to suit one aspect, which might then not be appropriate for another. He insisted his ‘staged fact-finding and development’ approach was best and I allowed him to take control. Unfortunately, I was right and as previously stated, time was wasted and costs escalated. However, a meeting with HeadChannel regarding the situation was constructive and a mutually satisfactory way forward was easily reached.
The project manager ensured we have what we need, in terms of updates on both the project and the budget, she took on board my request to keep the dialogue and written correspondence concise and is always very quick to respond to requests and questions. She has also looked into other business solutions for us such as key fob access, barcoded warehouse management systems and introduced us to a very useful online tool (Jira Service Desk) to manage the many tasks we ask of them.
What did you find most impressive about them?
There is no comparison to the provider we had before. HeadChannel’s experience and knowledge is unmatched to any IT company I have previously dealt with. I am very happy with the service they provide.
I had previously worked for a large PLC who had their own/in-house IT department. I can honestly say that working with HeadChannel has been better. I have found them l to be very reactive but also proactive, they are accommodating, intelligent and polite.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I would advise then to tell clients from the outset that the team are not UK based, whilst assuring this would not in any way be detrimental to the project.
I was a little annoyed initially by the fact that they did not made it clear that their programmers and business analysts were working out of Poland. When we took them on, we met them in the UK, and we assumed that they were located in London and they didn’t tell us otherwise. I let them know I thought it would have been proper and more appropriate to highlight the team’s geographically location. My fear was that they would not be able to respond as quickly as a UK based team and would not be on hand if I needed a face-to-face meeting. However, I need not have been concerned; they have flown to us whenever needed, sometimes at the drop of a hat.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Clients know their business the best and they need to provide as much information as humanly possible before any work commences.
I would not hesitate to recommend HeadChannel to any other business.
RATINGS
4.5
Quality
4.5
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
4.5
NPS
Staff Augmentation for a Software Platform
IT Staff Augmentation
$1,000,000 to $9,999,999
Apr. 2009 - Ongoing
4.5
Quality
4.0
Schedule
4.5
Cost
4.5
Willing to Refer
5.0
"We’ve been in a partnership with HeadChannel for ten years, and I don’t see that changing."
Jul 1, 2019
Director, Software Platform
Anonymous
Software
United Kingdom
11-50 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel performed staff augmentation services by providing an outsourced development team. They were tasked with building a workforce platform. Key technologies included a SQL database and ASP.NET 5.
HeadChannel’s quality services led to a lasting and successful partnership. Their commitment makes them stand out from other similar providers. They take on any challenge, consistently delivering. Customers can expect a transparent and skilled team.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a director at a software platform provider for a workforce management solution.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
We needed to outsource a development team.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
We outsourced a development team to build our system. The platform is a B2B system for companies to manage their workforce in the Cloud. There have already been three previous versions–their team, along with maintaining the entire platform, designed Version 4 and now Version 5. We’ve used a SQL database and an ASP.NET 5 framework for development. Now, we’re moving to a Core database.
What is the team composition?
It varies on the month. With an assigned project manager, we’ve worked with between six to 20 members of their team.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
After putting the project out there, they were one of the team companies we selected. When we whittled it down to the final three, their team had the best all-around proposal.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent €5 million (approximately $6.3 million USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We started engaging with HeadChannel in April 2009, and the services are ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I have between five to 20 people working for me a month. We’re focused on what we’re delivering as a team rather than what the success ratio is. We can look at the number of bugs in a version that they developed and things like that. But as it’s our platform, it’s a slightly more symbiotic relationship. Everything has been well-received internally. They do deliver all that we ask.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
Their project management style is good. It’s quite a complicated project, so there are some challenges.
What did you find most impressive about them?
We’ve been in a partnership with HeadChannel for ten years, and I don’t see that changing. They’re committed, taking ownership to have a successful delivery. Their team is great at project managing. With any business, there can be challenging bits, such as testing. HeadChannel is always willing and able to scale the team up and down. For example, we have a three-month up and down lead time for scaling the team, which they haven’t failed to deliver. It’s different than other engagements. It’s not only one project, like building a pencil. It’s like they’re maintaining my car and keeping it on the road.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There’s always room for improvement on both sides. But I think most people have to look at what they can learn. If there’s a willingness to learn, hopefully, the same mistake won’t happen twice.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Clients should make sure they’re clear in their requirements. As a project manager and platform owner, I think clarity helps stop any confusion.
RATINGS
4.5
Quality
4.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.5
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"I would recommend them.
Application Development to Mimic Various Diseases
Mobile App Development
$200,000 to $999,999
Apr. 2018 - Ongoing
4.5
Quality
4.5
Schedule
4.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“They’ve given me the tool I needed to grow my business, and the app has received great feedback.”
Jun 27, 2019
Owner, The Method
Mark Doyle
Arts, entertainment & music
United Kingdom
Phone Interview
Verified
HeadChannel developed an app, building off an older version and extending its functionalities. They created a customizable template to expand its uses and are currently working on a new version of the app.
HeadChannel has good communication and works hard to meet project goals. They missed quite a few deadlines, but they were able to deliver what was needed to the end client. They provide helpful and insightful feedback that has improved the product and made it even better than the original vision.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the owner of The Method, a company that provides innovative immersive learning solutions to businesses.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with HeadChannel?
We’d developed an immersive patient experience program for a pharmaceutical client that was designed to enable people working in healthcare to get a better understanding of what it’s like to be a patient. People use the app, which assigns them a disease and interactive challenges that reflect the types of difficulties patients with that disease might have. The program was a success, but the app was not very flexible or easy to update. We wanted to be able to deliver multiple disease experiences through the app, so we began looking for a partner who could redesign the app for that purpose.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
HeadChannel took the original concept and created a single app that enables us to populate it with multiple disease types without having to remake it from scratch each time. They created a template for the disease types and also made the backend admin system simple enough for us to run without having to hire a technical person to manage it. The app is solely designed for smartphones and is available in the App Store and Google Play. HeadChannel is currently working on a new version.
What is the team composition?
We mainly interact with the senior project manager, who acts as the interface between us and the technical team.
How did you come to work with HeadChannel?
Someone in my company had worked with them before and recommended them. I met with four organizations, and HeadChannel seemed the most excited and willing to work on the project. Their price was in the middle, and they had the capabilities we needed, so I hired them.
We partnered in April 2018, and the work is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They’ve done exactly what we needed, which is to create a simple to use template that can be adapted for multiple programs by non-technical personnel. They’ve given me the tool I needed to grow my business, and the app has received great feedback. It has about a 4.3 average with around 1,000 users.
How did HeadChannel perform from a project management standpoint?
They ensure they fully understand my needs before starting on anything, providing suggestions and feedback to make the product as good as possible. They have strong communication, and we mainly talk via Skype.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They took my vision and translated it into something that exceeded my expectation. They found new and exciting ways to improve it and clearly explained their plans in a way I could understand, even though I have no technical knowledge. Despite its complexity, they have managed to create something that anyone in my organization can update and use with minimal training, which was exactly what I needed.
Are there any areas they could improve?
We missed some deadlines, but they worked incredibly hard to always ensure our clients were unaffected.
Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?
Allow them to take all the time they need in the beginning to do their business analysis–you will get the best results this way.