While there are an increasing number of platforms and tools being released that are designed to speed-up DIY app development, sometimes the best option for both enterprises, and anyone with an idea in their head, is to work with an app development agency.
Outsourcing to an agency means you’ll get a dedicated team who have the right expertise to design and code your app, they will also often be able to help with the strategy side of things, offering consulting on mobile marketing strategies, branding and much more.
UK and Europe
Hedgehoglab – App developer based in the North of England, with a string of major clients such as the Financial Times, RAC and Booths.
Monitise Create – Award-winning mobile development agency based in London, with offices throughout Europe and the US. Worked with clients such as Xbox, BT and Adidas.
Nodes – London and Copenhagen based app development agency. Specialises in social apps and has worked with major clients such as Carlsberg, BMW and Unilever.
Somo Global – Major mobile app developer as well as acting as a full service mobile marketing agency. London-based.
Locassa – App developer that’s won no less than six awards and created everything from mobile games to newspaper apps. London-based.
Future Platforms – London-based and well established mobile development agency with a large client list and technical and design credentials.
E-Man – Development agency covering mobile and web apps. Also offers wearable app development. Based in central London.
Ribot – Well-established mobile app development and design shop with an award winning rosta of previous projects including for Tesco and other major brands
Red C – App developer that recently won an award for it work in the non-profit sector. Red C has worked for clients such as Save the Children and Sony. Based in Tech City.
Ustwo – East London based mobile app developer behind major apps including Barclays Pingit as well as in-house successes such as Mouth Off.
Nice – App dev agency that was recently acquired by marketing firm Karmarama. Worked with clients such as The Times, Channel 4 and Guiness.
Tokyo – Digital agency specialising in mobile apps and web design. Despite the name, is based in London with offices in Liverpool.
Gospelware – Mobile app and mobile game developer based in Gateshead, UK. Gospelware develops across Android, iOS and BlackBerry platforms. Clients include Disney, Cravens and GameHorizon.
The App Business – App development house that’s created news apps, retail apps and more. Worked with the Sun, Homebase and Unilever. Based in London.
Episty – London-based software company that focuses on mobile app and web app development. Clients include BT, Food Kingdom and ArtsThread.
Locassa’s newspaper app for The Times
Other Edition – Mobile development company that focuses on creating digital magazines for the iPhone and iPad. Clients include magazine brands such as Dazed and Confused and V Magazine.
Mubaloo – Bristol-based mobile app developer that specialises in creating bespoke business apps for corporate clients, such as NHS, AXA and William Hill.
PocketApp – Cross platform smartphone app developer based in London, with offices in India. Clients include BBC, Sky, Vodafone and Samsung.
Golden Gekko – Award winning app developer base in London. Golden Gecko claims to produce more apps than any other developer. Clients include O2, Volkswagon and Unilever.
Simon Judge – Android-only developer based in Surrey, UK. Clients include Philips, Oracle and Sony Ericsson.
Copper Mobile – UK developer, with offices in the US and India, which supports iOS, Android and Windows Phone development. Clients include Cisco and the US Army.
Mokaza – London-based app development team, responsible for iPhone apps SuperDoc, WordBlox and Instabam.
Portable Pixels – London-based iOS and Android developer, responsible for the popular Hatchi virtual pet game. Clients include Audi, Alfa Romeo and Wallpaper magazine.
SnApp – UK developer that focuses on creating apps for businesses. Has worked with Tesco, HMV and Waterstones.
Red Ninja – Liverpool-based cross platform app developer that focuses on augmented reality and location-based applications. Clients include Slazenger and TicketLine.
Create Digital Media – iOS and Android development team based in Kent responsible for a number of featured iPhone apps. Has worked with travel brands Belle France and Alan Rogers.
Bluemungus – Edinburgh-based iOS and Android developer. Clients include The Co-operative and rock band The Proclaimers.
Streamba – Multi-platform smartphone app developer with offices in Glasgow and London. Developed apps for Moviecom.tv, Atlantic Fast Food and Peterson SBS.
Common – Award-nominated Android and iPhone app developer based in Huddersfield. Clients include Moonpig and HTC.
Casio product app developed by Episty
Gourmet Pixel – iOS-only developer responsible for a number of award-winning apps. Clients include Electronic Arts, Virgin and Shakeaway. Based in Berkshire.
Waracle – Mobile app developer based in Dundee, Scotland. Clients include Virgin Atlantic, NHS Scotland and the Scottish Football Association.
Chelsea Apps Factory – West London based apps production company, working with leading brands such as Telefonica, Waitrose and KPMG.
MAD Ideas – iOS, Android and web app developer based in Madrid, Spain. Has developed a number of transport-related apps for clients, including MADbus, RAEplus and BCNbus.
La Fapptoria – Barcelona-based developer covering iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry apps. Has developed apps for El Mundo, Real Valladolid CF, and Sara Lee.
DuoApps – iOS and Android developer based in Corsica, France. Has developed apps for a range of clients including Gizmodo, Menly and French magazine Marianne2.
KickYourApp – Paris-based app developer that uses a middleware development platform to create promotional apps for brands. Clients include EuroSport, Relais & Chateaux and Sprite.
iD Apps – Multi-platform developer based in Boulogne, France. Clients include spirit brand Pernod and catering service Centrale De Reglement Des Titres.
greenrobot – Android app developer based in Berlin, Germany. Developed popular apps such as QuickSearch, GroovyMovie and PreisScanner.
MobileJuice – App developer based in Belgium. Develops apps across iOS, Android and BlackBerry and for clients such as Nokia, BMW and Red Bull.
EdgeLabs – Windows Phone, iOS and Android developer based in Lisbon, Portugal. Clients include Samsung, LG and Portugal’s transport body Metro do Porto.
Crystal Code – iOS developer based in Stockholm, Sweden. Offers both iPhone app development and mobile enterprise development. Clients include Puma, McDonalds and Pacifico.
Vitamin Interactive – Based in Malmo, Sweden. Produces mobile apps for iPhone and Android for client such as Sony Ericsson, O2 and Vodafone.
Miquido – a mobile apps studio based in the heart of the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland, working for international and Polish clients across IoS, Android and mobile web.
4mobile – Android and iOS app developer based in Prague, Cezch Republic. Worked with brands such as Samsung, Hallmark and Glu.
Gourmet Pixel’s award winning conceirge app for Virgin
Looking for more app developers or app development platforms? Check out our directory. If you have a suggestion for this list, get in touch.