OrangeGrove

Our mission is to make the web a more human-centred, user-friendly and accessible place for all.

We believe websites are stuck in the dark ages, in a time that pre-dated the information age. And it’s now time we brought them into the 21st century.

Built on a science-backed, data-driven approach, our secret formula is a combination of UX, neuromarketing and psychologically persuasive design, and we use it to transform the success of our client's websites.

It's all about understanding, empathising and resonating with the end users and creating a journey and experience that meets every one of their needs. 

The user feels heard, understood, informed, and at ease. Now, and only now, are they ready to 'convert'.

We offer the means to get inside your website user's heads and to translate that into an optimised user experience. 

Companies come to us when they think their user experience isn't up to scratch and want to know how to fix it. Or they're looking for ways to optimise it further to generate more leads or money. 

Prepare for 'light bulb moments' and to kick yourself that you've never thought of our suggestions before.

Owner / Creative Director

CD Team Limited

Web Designer

EBITS

Front end web designer and developer

CD Wow

Head of Design

I have over 20 years experience in the field of web design and user experience (UX) with 100s of websites under my belt.

You'll see me talking at events such as The Marketing Meetup, or hear me on podcasts advocating for a human-centred, user-first approach to web design, and sharing our SmartSite™ methodology which has helped generate £1m's for our clients.

I'm here to help you (marketing and business leaders of £2m+ B2B, non-profit, retail & saas companies), and make your lives easier. We do this by:

- Reducing your need for expensive outsourced CRO, UX or web design agencies,
- Providing training and coaching to empower your team to find opportunities in your existing website,
- Removing the pain experienced when marketing campaigns fail to convert,
- Helping you create accessible, sustainable website growth strategies.

Ultimately my goal is to make the web a more user-friendly, accessible and better place.

🧠 It's no secret we use behavioural science as our weapon of choice. After initially working alongside UCL (University College London) to corroborate our hypothesis, we then developed the SmartSite™ methodology, which harnesses behavioural science. This has subsequently accelerated the success of every website and organisation we've applied it to.

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When I'm not working, I'm enjoying the experience of raising two beautiful children and watching them grow.

Much love
Louisa (Lou)

🍊Louisa Dunbar

Full Metal Software Ltd

I work with growing businesses to design and deliver custom software that solves real operational problems. We don’t need the unnecessary guesswork. With 20+ years of experience, I lead projects end to end, from discovery through delivery, ensuring every build fits the way the business actually runs.


Having successfully delivered a number of key critical project platforms that help improve productivity and efficiency, I have vast experience in helping companies achieve their goals.

Director and Process Improvement Specialist

RedTie Ltd

RedTie is a software developer with a difference. Grown originally from a calendar print company, we are printers first, software developers second. 

We understand that software is just a tool and as such needs to be used correctly to get the most out of it. We therefore put as much effort into growing our customers’ online revenue, with account managers experienced in business development, training, education and support, as we do into developing our software.

That’s why at RedTie we think of ourselves as an extension of your business.

Operations Director

Sportal

Web Engineer

Hi, I’m Ben. I’ve been building software solutions for over two decades, helping businesses simplify their software and solve complex problems with tailored technology.

My journey began in the '80s. I was super excited by the possibilities of programming and the idea of making a computer do something new. That curiosity led me to pursue Computer Science, and eventually to co-found (with my brother) Full Metal Software in 2004.

At Full Metal, we specialise in creating bespoke software that fits seamlessly into existing business processes. Our approach is grounded in understanding the unique challenges each client faces and developing solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

Over the years, I've worked with a diverse range of industries, from logistics to retail, always focusing on delivering software that makes a tangible difference. I believe in building long-term relationships with clients, ensuring that the software evolves alongside their business needs.

The love of problem-solving is what gets me up in the mornings, except on the days when I’m coaching my son’s football team. 

In fact, as a father, I see a lot of parallels between kids and developers. They’re all very individual personalities with unique points of view!

If you're looking for someone who can translate complex requirements into practical software solutions, send me a message.

fullmetalsoftware.com | info@fullmetalsoftware.com | +44 (0) 1604 664 390

Ben Thomson

Buying a gym membership doesn’t make you fit.




Just like buying SaaS doesn’t make you agile.

January sees gym memberships soar, but we all know that buying the gear is the easy part. The exact same logic applies to your software budget. It is incredibly tempting to buy expensive, off-the-shelf products because they look shiny and new.

But here is a thought to take with a pinch of salt: off-the-shelf software is designed to be a general fit for everyone. And in a competitive B2B market, "general" doesn't win.

"Specific" does.

If you have a unique process—say, a specific way you handle logistics, a proprietary method for client onboarding, or a complex pricing model—forcing that into a rigid box will kill your competitive edge.

I have seen too many businesses alter their own efficient workflows just to suit the limitations of a software tool.

That is not efficiency. That is surrender.

This is where Bespoke Software Development acts as your personal trainer. It builds the muscle exactly where you need it. By investing in tools built specifically for your workflows, you create a user experience that empowers your team to work smarter, not harder.

For 2026, stop asking "What software can we buy?" and start asking "What unique value can we build?".

If your workflows don't fit into a generic box, let’s talk about building a solution that adapts to you, not the other way around.

Read more on building digital muscle:

https://lnkd.in/eQz6Akmt

Do you have a unique business process that standard software just can't seem to handle?

Founder and Ops Director @ Full Metal Software | Improving Efficiency and Productivity using bespoke software

Open article: The January Digital Detox | Full Metal by fullmetalsoftware.com

In the business world, few decisions keep you awake at night quite like choosing who will build your custom software.




It is a heavy responsibility because you aren’t just picking a vendor to supply stationery; you’re choosing a partner to translate your vision into a digital reality.

Over my 20+ years in this industry, I have learned to spot the warning signs a mile off.

The biggest red flag to watch out for? The "Yes Man".

If a potential partner agrees to every request without asking "why" or warning you about the cost, run!

If they promise to build a complex banking system in two weeks for example, they are either lying or deluded. Quality software takes time to design, build, and test properly.

You also need to be wary of the "too cheap" quote. Fixing a bug found after release can be up to 100 times more expensive than if it were found during the design phase.

A low base price often comes with a mountain of "extras" later, or you might be paying for a junior team to learn on the job.

Look past the salesperson as well. If you hit a "sales wall" and cannot speak to a technical lead or project manager, that is a concern.

You need to verify if they can actually build what they claim.

Finally, check the contract for IP ownership. This is non-negotiable—you must own the code at the end.

https://lnkd.in/eUY2_V8c

Have you ever hired a vendor that promised the world but failed to deliver when it mattered?

Open article: Guide to Picking a Bespoke Software Partner | Full Metal by fullmetalsoftware.com

Guide to Picking a Bespoke Software Partner | Full Metal

It is January. The 2026 budget is signed off, the strategy is mapped out, and everyone is feeling optimistic. 




But there is a massive problem lurking in the server room.

We see this scenario constantly. A leadership team has ambitious growth plans for the next three years, but their technology stack is still partying like it is 2018.

We call this the "Legacy Anchor".

It is not just about old software being slow. It is about the friction that silently erodes your margins. I am talking about data silos that refuse to speak to one another and security vulnerabilities that are currently being held together by the digital equivalent of duct tape.

If your workflows require a spreadsheet to bridge the gap between two core systems, that is not a process; that is a liability.

The document attached highlights a frightening statistic: the average cost of downtime is now hitting £4,500 per minute. Reliability is no longer just a "nice to have"—it is the baseline requirement for staying in business.

Strategy cannot survive on expired technology. If you are trying to drive 2026 innovation on 2018 infrastructure, you are not going to move anywhere fast. You are simply papering over the cracks.

So, before we get too deep into the new year, have a serious look at the foundation.

Are you building on solid ground, or are you hoping the legacy anchor does not drag the whole ship down?

Read the full breakdown in the carousel below.

What is the one manual workaround in your business that drives you absolutely mad every time you see it?

2026 Digital Detox

You would never go into a supermarket on an empty stomach.....



... when you do, you end up with a trolley full of things you do not need.

Step one of software development is simple: Don't Shop Hungry.

You must define your scope before you even open Google. If you do not know what you want—core functionality, business problems to solve, and success metrics—you cannot expect a partner to know either.

Once you know what you want, you need to ensure you keep what you pay for.

This brings me to the "Ownership Clause". It sounds straightforward, but I see business owners get caught out by this constantly.

If you pay for the code, you must own the IP. Simple as that.

It should be non-negotiable. Never sign a contract where the vendor retains ownership of custom work. If you don't secure the IP, you are effectively renting your own house.

Before you get cracking on your next build, check the contract. Ensure you have the keys to the castle when the project is sorted.

This and more are covered in the attached PDF.

Does your current vendor contract explicitly state that you own the source code and IP?

taplio

The Battle

🍊Louisa Dunbar

Ben Thomson

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The Battle

🍊Louisa Dunbar

Ben Thomson

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Ben Thomson's LinkedIn Performance

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