Web Development
Web Development
WordpressShopifyBespoke Symfony / PHPReact / NextJS
We are experienced, modern web developers who use PHP and React to create secure, scalable digital experiences.
We create websites and ecommerce stores, develop API's and work with the latest headless technologies – plus we advise on infrastructure and hosting.
We stand out as an agency with a deep technical understanding of how to build outstanding websites and cloud-based tools. We use Symfony, WordPress and React to deliver user-friendly business systems, brochure websites and ecommerce experiences
Great web development is about more than writing code
Web Development Built Around Your Business
We build websites around your business, your users and what you need your technology to achieve. From WordPress and bespoke functionality to complex integrations, we combine technical expertise with practical thinking to create fast, reliable and maintainable websites with room to grow.
what we do
20 years of web development - what we deliver
WordPress Development
Flexible, bespoke WordPress websites that are easy to manage and built around your business.
Symfony Development
Robust Symfony development for complex websites, applications and business-critical platforms.
React Development
Fast, interactive React experiences built for performance, flexibility and future growth.
Headless / Jamstack
Modern headless websites using React, Next.js and API-driven content.
Custom Web Development
Bespoke websites, applications and functionality designed around your specific requirements.
API & Systems Integration
Connecting your website with third-party platforms, services and existing business systems.
Our Web Development Process
1
Discover & Define
We start by understanding your business, users and objectives, alongside the technical requirements, existing systems and functionality your website needs to support.
2
Technical Planning
Before development begins, we define the right technologies, architecture and approach for the project, considering performance, security, scalability and future development requirements.
3
Development
Our developers turn the agreed designs and specifications into a robust, maintainable website, using established technologies and development practices appropriate to the project.
4
CMS & Content
We configure your content management system around the people who'll actually use it, making everyday content updates straightforward while retaining the flexibility your website needs.
5
Integrations
Where your website needs to communicate with other platforms, we connect APIs and third-party systems to exchange data, automate processes and create joined-up digital experiences.
6
Performance & Optimisation
Performance is considered throughout development. We optimise code, assets and delivery to create fast, efficient websites that provide a better experience across devices and connection speeds.
7
Testing & Deployment
Before launch, we thoroughly test functionality, responsiveness, browser compatibility and performance, then carefully manage deployment to the live environment.
8
Support & Evolution
Development doesn't have to stop at launch. We can continue supporting, maintaining and extending your website as technology changes and new business requirements emerge.
Delivering solid web-based experiences
Our team of web developers deliver a huge range of projects.
What we offer
WordPress Development
WordPress is a flexible, open-source content management system that gives businesses control over their website without compromising on what can be built. We develop bespoke WordPress websites that are easy to manage, technically robust and tailored around your requirements, from brochure websites to more complex content-driven platforms.
Symfony Development
We've worked with Symfony for over a decade, giving us extensive experience with the framework and its evolution. We can develop new Symfony applications, extend existing platforms or provide ongoing support, bringing the technical knowledge needed to work confidently with complex, business-critical systems.
React Development
React gives us the flexibility to create fast, interactive digital experiences with sophisticated functionality. Its widespread adoption and established ecosystem also make it a strong long-term development choice. We use React where it adds genuine value, creating maintainable applications and interfaces that can evolve as requirements change.
Headless / Jamstack
For projects that benefit from separating content management from the frontend experience, we develop headless and Jamstack solutions using technologies such as React and Next.js. Content can be managed through a familiar CMS and delivered via API, giving us greater freedom over performance, functionality and the user experience.
Custom Web Development
Sometimes an off-the-shelf platform simply isn't the right fit. Our developers can create bespoke websites, applications and functionality around the particular requirements of your business, from custom workflows and user experiences to complex data processing, portals and integrations with existing systems.
API & Systems Integration
Your website doesn't always operate in isolation. We develop integrations that connect websites and applications with the systems and third-party services your business relies on, using APIs and bespoke development to exchange data, automate processes and create more joined-up digital experiences.
Benefits for your business
Built to perform
Clean, considered development creates faster, more reliable websites that deliver a better experience for your users and provide a stronger foundation for your digital presence.
Ready to evolve
Your website shouldn't restrict where your business goes next. We build with future development in mind, making it easier to introduce new functionality, integrations and experiences as your requirements change.
Easier to manage
Good development should make life easier behind the scenes too. We create websites and content management systems that are straightforward for your team to use, maintain and update without unnecessary complexity.
What our clients say...
Atlantic Cedar
Having worked with Matt a number of times over the years, we highly recommend Free Thinking Design, the team are friendly, professional and always happy to help.
Freshwater Habitats Trust
Matt and the Free Thinking Design team met every challenge with intelligence and creativity. They really 'got us' as an organisation and understood our brand and requirements. The result is a website that not only looks beautiful and perfectly reflects the organisation we've become, but is easy to use and gives us the range and flexibility we need.
Manor Fresh
Matt, Dan and the team at Free Thinking have taken our website from the dark ages into 2023, by doing what they promised: listening to our needs, researching and providing recommendations, and positively challenging our thinking in a collaborative style.
PCVS
Matt, Dan and the team are great to deal with. Coming up with fresh ideas and solutions both at design stage and as we develop our services - and are quick to respond. They have supported us through the whole process of designing and updating our website, and adding new interactive features and our membership platform. They have helped train our staff to keep our website up to date and looking great! Thanks guys
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about Free Thinking? Drop us an email hello@ftd.io or give us a call on 01733 394610 for an informal chat
That depends on what your website needs to achieve. We work with technologies including WordPress, Symfony, React, Next.js and headless platforms, and recommend an approach based on your functionality, users, existing systems and future requirements rather than favouring one technology for every project.