Affect is a bespoke software development agency based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Since 2016, we've been building the platforms that businesses actually run on — from process automation for growing companies to the clinical systems behind Europe's largest private ADHD provider.
Our UK based team is deliberately small. You deal directly with the people writing your software, decisions get made in days not committees, and the developer who built your system is the one who answers when something needs changing. Nine years in, most of our work still comes from clients we've served for years — the strongest reference we can offer.
Founder & Lead Developer
Affect started in a nightclub. I spent fifteen years in the Manchester nightlife industry and ended up owning a club of my own — which meant weekends that finished at 6am, and quiet weekdays that I filled by teaching myself to code. Before long I was building websites for local businesses on the side. When our second child arrived, nightclub hours and a young family didn't really mix, so I sold the club and just kept building.
That was 2016. It snowballed from there — from small WordPress sites for local firms to bespoke platforms running healthcare providers across the UK. I never expected to be a software engineer with a team around me ten years later, but the thing that made the club work turns out to be the same thing that makes software work: understand what people actually need, look after your regulars, and be there when it matters.
Supported by a trusted network of specialist contractors we've worked with for years — design, DevOps, and security, brought in when a project needs them.
Every project starts with the business case, not the technology. If we don't think a build will deliver value, we'll tell you before you spend money finding out.
We build in Ruby on Rails and PostgreSQL — proven, stable tools chosen for reliability over fashion. Innovation belongs in what the software does for your business, not in gambling your operations on this year's framework.
Our favourite projects are relationships: systems we've evolved for years as the businesses behind them grew. We'd rather build something we're proud to maintain in 2032 than something impressive to hand over and forget.
Sometimes the answer is "you don't need custom software for that." You'll get honesty in scoping, transparent pricing, and bad news early when it exists — because trust is the actual product.
We're proud to support The Christie Charity, backing the work of one of Europe's leading cancer centres here in Manchester through a monthly donation.
You can help The Christie Charity to keep funding vital, life-changing projects thanks to regular gifts
Incorporated
2016, England & Wales
Company number
ICO registration
ZA933954
Based in
Heaton Moor, Greater Manchester — clients across the UK
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“I have worked with Affect for over five years, and they have built and continually refined our bespoke patient management system to meet our evolving business needs. Their web solutions blend sleek design with strong digital functionality, creating a system that's highly effective and genuinely patient-friendly.
What sets Affect apart is their commitment to understanding our needs and adapting the platform as we grow. No request has ever been too much, and their responsiveness, expertise, and willingness to find solutions have made them an invaluable long-term partner. I would highly recommend Affect to any organisation looking for a forward-thinking and reliable digital solutions provider."”
We have a proven track record of growing with our clients — always available, in your timezone, and on the same page.