App development · Oxford
App development in Oxford
You're turning research into product. Your app needs to work reliably, integrate with systems your team relies on, and stay maintained after launch. We build mobile tools designed around how Oxford operations actually run.
App development for Oxford businesses
Hubb Group is a digital agency and software company. Our studio is in Dubai and we work with UK clients remotely, on UK hours, with a named lead on every project. Contracts and invoices are issued by our UAE company, in pounds.
We measure what the app delivers: does it sync reliably, stay available offline, load quickly on real devices, pass both app stores on first submission? After launch, we track uptime and response times. Maintenance is measured by bug fix turnaround and deployment frequency. No vanity metrics.
Every project is a fixed quote with a clear timeline and clear milestones. You own the work and the accounts outright when we're done — no lock-in, and nothing you can't take with you.
Sectors we work with in Oxford
- Life sciences spin-outs and biotech
- Quantum computing and physics instrumentation
- Academic publishing and research platforms
- University technology transfer and commercialisation
- Field research and data collection tools
- Precision manufacturing and calibration
Apps scoped to what you actually need
Research spin-outs and instrumentation makers move fast. You can't afford bloat in your app—scope creep wastes months and budget. We start with what your users need to do first, build that, and add nothing else. An MVP that works beats a feature-rich prototype that doesn't ship.
Scoping matters more here because your funding cycles and term times move in predictable patterns. We build during the window you have. That means asking hard questions up front: which workflows matter most, what data needs to sync, what happens offline. No assumptions.
Offline-first, because connectivity fails
Mobile apps on research sites, in labs, or in the field often lose signal. Your app keeps working anyway. Users collect data, record measurements, make notes. When the network returns, everything syncs. This isn't a nice-to-have in your sector—it's how the work actually happens.
We build the backend alongside the app. The two work together: the app holds state locally, the server handles conflicts and keeps teams in sync. Both get tested rigorously before launch. That's how you end up with apps people reach for instead of paper.
App Store and Play Store approval built in
Getting an app approved takes longer than most people think. Apple and Google check for specific things: permissions handling, data privacy, accessibility, how you store credentials. Most rejections come from missing the checklist, not breaking the rules. We know the checklist.
We handle the submission process. We know what each store needs from your app, how to describe it accurately, and what to do if they flag something. You launch when you're ready to, not when you've hit your third rejection cycle.
Maintenance so your app stays useful
One-off builds fail. iOS and Android release updates every year. New devices ship. Third-party services change their APIs. An abandoned app decays. Six months in, it's slow or broken. People stop using it. You've wasted the investment.
We maintain the apps we build. That means fixing bugs, updating dependencies, adapting to OS changes, and adding small features as your team's needs shift. You pay a modest monthly fee. Your app stays current, secure and performant. It stays useful.
App development in Oxford — common questions
Will this app work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. We build native apps for both platforms, or cross-platform apps using frameworks that run efficiently on both. The choice depends on your timeline and the specific features you need. We'll advise which makes sense for your team.
How long does approval on the App Store take?
Usually 24–48 hours. It varies. We prepare your submission carefully to avoid common rejections. If Apple or Google flag something, we fix it and resubmit. Transparency in the process stops delays from becoming surprises.
What happens if my team finds a bug after launch?
We fix it. Under maintenance, you have a clear path to us: you report it, we prioritise based on severity, we deploy the fix. Critical bugs go first. We aim to turn around most fixes within a week.
Does this work for researchers selling into procurement?
Yes. Your users might be in the field gathering data, or at a desk analysing it. The app works offline so data collection doesn't depend on WiFi. It syncs when it can. Procurement teams see a tool that lets their teams work faster and capture better data.
How do you handle data security and compliance?
We build security into the app from the start: encrypted storage, secure authentication, permission controls. We discuss your specific compliance needs early—funding bodies, data regulations, institutional policies. We document what we've built so your team understands how it works.
What does ongoing maintenance actually cost?
It depends on the app's complexity and how often you need updates. We quote a monthly fee upfront. It covers bug fixes, dependency updates, compatibility with new OS versions, and a small number of new features. We're transparent about scope and costs change only if your needs do.
Everything we deliver includes
Scoped to ship
A first version people will actually open, priced before the build starts.
Store review handled
App Store and Play requirements — privacy, account deletion, demo logins — dealt with.
Works on a bad connection
Offline behaviour and accessibility treated as requirements, not polish.
Fixed prices
A clear quote and timeline up front — no open-ended retainers, no surprises.
A named lead
One person who knows the build, on UK hours, not a ticket queue.
Yours to own
Code, signing keys and store listings in your name.
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Need app development in Oxford?
Tell us what you need and we'll come back with a fixed quote and a timeline — usually the same day.