The FWD Blog

Practical guides, case studies, and insights from building software for UK businesses.

A diagonal split comparing the old Hoofflix WordPress site on the left with the rebuilt platform on the right

Case Study 20 September 2026

Building Hoofflix: What Happens When a Marketing Job Turns Into a Partnership

I was brought in to help with marketing. I ended up rebuilding an industry's entire professional platform and putting my own name on it. This is how that happened.

Guide 21 April 2026

5 Signs Your Website Is Costing You Clients

If your website is slow, hard to use on mobile, or missing basic trust signals, it's not just underperforming — it's actively sending potential clients elsewhere. Here's what to look for.

Guide 14 April 2026

How AI Tools Are Changing Small Business Websites in 2026

AI website builders and content tools are everywhere. Here's what they actually do well, where they fall short, and why a good developer is still worth having — from someone who uses AI daily.

Guide 30 March 2026

Why Every UK Small Business Needs a Custom Website in 2026

Template websites are holding UK small businesses back. Here's why a custom website beats a Wix or WordPress template on speed, SEO, and conversions, with real examples.

The Balanced Horse video learning platform showing course library and lesson view

Case Study 16 March 2026

Building The Balanced Horse: A Video Learning Platform for Equestrian Training

How I built a custom video course platform for equestrian trainer Rebecca Duke. Subscriptions, one-off purchases, content dripping, and progress tracking.

Automation 16 March 2026

5 Business Tasks You Should Automate Right Now (And What It Costs)

Five tasks UK small businesses can automate today. Real examples, actual costs, and honest advice on what's worth automating.

Automation 16 March 2026

ChatGPT vs Custom Code: When AI Tools Aren't Enough for Your Business

When should you use ChatGPT and when do you need proper code? Honest guide with real examples from a developer who uses both daily.

Guide 16 March 2026

Freelancer vs Agency: Which Is Right for Your Website Project?

Honest comparison of hiring a freelancer vs an agency for your website. Pros, cons, costs, and when each option makes sense.

Guide 16 March 2026

How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

Honest breakdown of website costs in the UK for 2026. From £299 starter sites to £10,000+ custom builds. What you actually get at each price point.

Guide 16 March 2026

10 Questions to Ask a Web Developer Before You Hire Them

The questions smart clients ask before hiring a web developer. What to look for in the answers, and red flags to watch for.

Horsebox hire booking system showing vehicle selection and availability calendar

Case Study 4 March 2026

Building Horsebox Hire Software: From One Client to a Multi-Tenant SaaS Platform

How a one-client booking system became a multi-tenant SaaS platform for the horsebox hire industry, handling licence checks, deposits, and document management.