About

Hi, I'm Neil Ludlow - a freelance software developer helping individuals, startups, and small businesses bring their digital ideas to life. You can find out more about me at nlud.uk.

What I Do

I design and build websites, mobile apps, and custom software solutions. My work combines clean code, thoughtful UX, and practical business sense - so the things I build don't just work, they solve problems.

I've worked with all kinds of tools over the years. I started with PHP, HTML and CSS, and now mostly use modern JavaScript frameworks like React, Next.js, and Nest.js for web, and React Native and Flutter for cross-platform mobile apps. I'm comfortable working with any kind of database - whether it's PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or serverless options like Firebase - and I'm equally at home on Linux servers or cloud platforms like Vercel, Render, and AWS.

From backend APIs to frontend performance, I know how to get software across the finish line. That includes good Lighthouse scores, smooth deployments, and a setup that's easy to maintain.

I've learned the hard way that clinging to one way of doing things holds projects back. So while I value experience, I also stay curious and open to change. Good development isn't just about code - it's about understanding your goals and crafting a solution that makes sense for you.

While I have my preferred tools, I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every project is different - so I work closely with clients to figure out what makes sense for their needs, budget, and users.

Whether you're looking to build something from scratch, improve what you already have, or just need advice on the right direction - I can help.

How I Work

Every project is different, but I aim to keep the process simple, collaborative, and transparent from start to finish.

1. Understand the Goal

We start with a conversation. I'll ask questions about your idea, your users, and what success looks like. If you're not technical, that's fine - my job is to translate your goals into software.

2. Choose the Right Tools

I don't push one stack for every job. I'll recommend technologies that fit your project's scope, timeline, and budget - whether that's a custom-built app, a static site, or something in between.

3. Build in Small Steps

I work iteratively - building and testing as we go, so you can see progress early and give feedback often. This keeps surprises to a minimum and ensures we stay on the right track.

4. Ship With Confidence

Once we're ready to go live, I handle all the details - deploying to your server, cloud provider, or app store. I make sure everything runs smoothly, loads fast, and scores well in performance tools like Google Lighthouse.

5. Support If You Need It

After launch, I can stay on to maintain and improve the project, or hand things over with clear documentation and support.

Ready to Talk?

If you have a project in mind, or you're not sure where to begin, head over to the Contact page and let's start a conversation.