Scaling Ambitions and Overcoming Hurdles 

Our client, a brilliant team of powerhouse people, collectively creating a life changing app for medical professionals backed by angel investors, had a vision to revolutionise patient care through technology. Collaborating with the NHS, they developed a promising app to support mental health and other long-term conditions. As a small organisation with big ambitions, they had reached a pivotal point and needed to re-platform their existing app, build a new portal, and introduce new features like a well-being prescription. With a high-profile launch on the horizon and a growing NHS pilot programme in motion, they required expert guidance to scale their product and operations smoothly.  

Tailored Solutions for Complex Needs (it is possible) 

We stepped in to provide bite-sized consultancy, working closely with the client to understand their unique challenges, goals, and timelines. Through in-depth discussions with the team, we identified key areas where targeted support could make the greatest impact. Our recommendations were focused on aligning their development efforts with their strategic objectives: 

• Product Development Partnerships: As part of their strategy, the client was working with a development partner with an impressive portfolio of projects for well-known brands. However, the development work was proving challenging, and we recommended a change to a third-party developer who not only had the necessary technical expertise but also aligned culturally and strategically with the client’s vision.
• Project Management and Technical Expertise: With a small team lacking the capacity and skills for a project of this scale, we recommended our embedded resource solution – experts with project management, business analyst and testing skills, to work alongside them. This approach reduced risk and ensured that the frameworks and skills learned would empower the client to handle smaller, planned changes independently in the future. 

Turning Vision into Reality 

We worked with the client to support them in their search for a new development partner that was a better fit both technically and culturally. To support the ongoing NHS pilot, ensure a smooth transition to the new developer, and manage the app enhancements and development, we introduced a tailored governance framework that all parties could work within. This framework was robust enough to handle all the risks, actions, issues, and dependencies, keeping the project on track and aligned with the client’s strategic goals. At the same time, it was streamlined enough to avoid being a headache for our small but mighty team.  

To bring their innovative ideas to life, we introduced business analysis expertise to refine technical requirements and map out user journeys. This ensured every aspect of the app and portal was designed with the end-user in mind. When reporting needs exceeded the capabilities of the third-party developer, we brought in an additional expert temporarily to create a real-time tracking dashboard, enabling the client to monitor app usage and impact effectively. 

A robust quality assurance strategy was crucial to mitigate risks associated with the high-profile launch. We developed a tailored test strategy encompassing all stages of testing, from unit to user acceptance. By liaising with the third-party developers and the client’s team, we ensured the tests were pragmatic, risk-based, and provided the confidence needed for a successful launch. Daily stand-ups kept everyone aligned and allowed swift resolution of any issues, instilling confidence in the product’s readiness. 

The Outcome: A Flawless Launch and Ongoing Success 

Thanks to our strategic recommendations, the transition to the new development partner was seamless and caused minimal disruption. The enhanced app and new portal launched on time, performing flawlessly with no bugs or downtime, even amid a surge in signups during the launch. The real-time dashboard provided valuable insights into app usage, equipping the client with data to drive further product development and PR initiatives.  

The implementation framework that we embedded with the team along with the key skills we shared, have left the client well-equipped and empowered to confidently advance their product roadmap. 

Continuous Improvement: Lessons for the Future 

 One of the most impactful outcomes of our collaboration was the Lessons Learned workshop, which we facilitated with the client and their development team. This session not only highlighted successes but also identified areas for ongoing improvement, fostering a culture of continuous development. As a result, the client strengthened their internal capabilities, reducing their reliance on external support and positioning them to independently drive future initiatives. 

A Partnership for Growth and Innovation 

Our collaboration with this ambitious tech scale-up demonstrates the power of working in alliance to transform big ideas into impactful technology. By providing tailored support across development, quality assurance, and project management, we helped the client navigate their growth journey with confidence. For tech companies looking to scale, the right guidance can be the difference between potential and success, turning visionary concepts into real-world solutions that make a difference.