Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Focused Builds, software projects, pricing, support and where we work.
These are the questions people ask before deciding whether to talk to us. If your question isn’t here, you can still bring us the work as it stands and we’ll help you work out the next step.
Before you decide
What will it cost?
Our standard Focused Build price is £1,950 + VAT, with ongoing hosting at £49/month. IT support and larger software projects depend on what needs to be covered.
What areas do you cover?
For Focused Builds and larger software projects, we work with businesses across the UK. International projects are welcome too. We can work remotely, and overseas on-site work can be arranged in advance where needed. For ongoing IT support, we support businesses across Hertfordshire, Essex and North London, and further afield where remote support is a good fit.
Do you only replace spreadsheets?
No. We also work with trackers, shared folders, email-based handovers, old databases and manual ways of working. The common point is that one part of the business has become too hard to manage in its current form.
Could we build it ourselves with AI?
Yes. AI app builders can be a good way to explore an idea, and some businesses will build something that does the job. The question is whether you want to remain responsible for deciding what it should do, checking the result, handling real data and making later changes. AlphaFirst is for businesses that would rather hand that work to someone experienced and get back to running the business.
How a Focused Build works
What happens before Day 1?
We start with a short discovery call. We look at what you’re using now, who relies on it, what has to work in the first version and what can wait. We may also do some preparation before the day so the build can stay focused.
What do you need from me?
You know how the work happens today, so we’ll need you to show us what you use, explain the job and help us check that the important parts are right.
You don’t need to design the software or prepare a specification. We’ll lead the build and the technical decisions.
What happens on Day 1?
Day 1 is the focused build day at the centre of the work. By then we’ve already agreed the job and prepared what we need. During the day, we map the important steps, build the agreed forms, lists and stages, load real data where practical and check the main actions with you. The aim is a working system your team can start using.
Will someone help me through the process?
Yes. We won’t hand you a system and leave you to work it out.
We’ll talk you through what we’re doing, check the important parts with you and stay involved as your team starts using it. During the first month, that includes help using the system, resolving any problems found and agreed small adjustments.
What happens on Day 2? Day 20? Day 200?
During the first month, we help your team use the system and resolve any problems found. That includes agreed small adjustments needed for the job we built. New features, extra reporting, automation and wider changes are discussed separately.
After that, we’re still here. You can ask us for changes when you need them or agree ongoing application support. We can continue looking after the system for as long as you need us.
Do I need to know exactly what software I want?
No. Show us how the job works today and where it’s becoming hard to manage. We lead the software decisions with you and agree what the first version needs to do.
Do I need a specification?
No. A spreadsheet, tracker, shared folder, email trail or a clear explanation of the job is enough to start the conversation. We’ll ask the questions needed to understand it.
Can you use our existing data?
Yes, where practical. A Focused Build can include bringing real data into the new system. If the data needs substantial cleaning or reshaping first, we’ll explain that before the build.
What happens if we discover something during the build that we didn’t know beforehand?
That can happen. If it affects the job we’ve agreed, we’ll talk it through with you before making a decision. Sometimes we can deal with it within the agreed build. If it changes the scope or adds a new requirement, we’ll agree what should wait or be handled separately before doing extra work.
What if it won’t fit into a Focused Build?
We’ll say so. We may recommend narrowing the first version, doing some preparation first, using an existing product, or treating it as a larger software project.
Other routes
Can you build something larger than a Focused Build?
Yes. AlphaFirst also delivers larger software projects where the work spans several teams, needs integrations or has more complex requirements. We’ll tell you if that’s the better route.
Is a Focused Build only for small businesses?
No. It can suit a small business or one team or department inside a larger organisation, provided the first problem can be kept focused.
How do we start?
Book a Focused Build Call and bring the spreadsheet, tracker or process you’re relying on now. You don’t need to tidy it up first or prepare a specification.
Still have a question?
You can book a short call and show us what you’re trying to sort out. We’ll help you work out which route fits.