Web development in Manchester without the bloated CMS theme trap
We build custom WordPress, Shopify and React/Next.js sites for Manchester businesses. Clean code, fast hosting, proper Core Web Vitals. Project-based.
Most Manchester WordPress sites are running 40 plugins and 8-second load times
The typical Manchester small-business WordPress site was built on Elementor or Divi, had 15 plugins bolted on over three years, and now scores 28 on mobile PageSpeed. Every Google update makes it worse. Every hosting renewal makes it slower. Nobody knows which plugin to remove because everything might break.
We build differently. Custom WordPress themes (not drag-and-drop builders). Minimal plugins, vetted ones only. VPS hosting we control. Assets optimised, queries cached, CDN where it makes sense. Sites score 90+ on mobile and stay there.
For ecom, we build on Shopify — the platform is mature enough that custom WooCommerce rarely makes sense anymore. For apps, custom Next.js on Vercel or our own infrastructure.
Stacks we build on
WordPress
Custom themes in PHP, no page builders. Rank Math or our own Signal SEO Command Center plugin. ACF for content flexibility. Hosted on VPS we manage.
Shopify
Custom theme work, Liquid development, section extensions, app integrations. Proper theme architecture so you don’t get locked into one theme version.
React / Next.js
For custom apps, portals, and performance-critical marketing sites. Headless where it fits. Hosted on our infrastructure or Vercel.
Manchester projects we’ve built
Olympian Health is a custom Shopify build — bespoke theme, custom sections, integrated with their existing ops. David Rozman’s backend booking system is a custom WordPress extension handling stylist schedules and client bookings — built for a Manchester city-centre salon.
For our own Manchester site you’re on right now, we built three custom WordPress plugins (Signal SEO Command Center, Signal Redirects, Signal Cleanup). Eating our own dog food.
Typical timelines
- Simple WordPress (5-10 pages): 3-5 weeks
- Shopify theme build: 4-8 weeks
- Complex WordPress (custom post types, integrations): 6-10 weeks
- Custom Next.js app: 10-20+ weeks depending on scope
FAQs
Do you host the sites too?
Yes, for WordPress. We run our own VPS infrastructure. Faster and cheaper than most managed WP hosts, and we have full control.
Will my site be fast?
Yes. We target 90+ on mobile PageSpeed Insights. If we don’t hit it, we fix it before launch.
Can you build on top of my existing site?
Depends. A solid custom WordPress: yes. An Elementor build with 40 plugins: usually better to start fresh. We’ll tell you honestly.
Do you do design too?
Yes via our Website Design service, or we can work from an existing Figma file.
What about ongoing maintenance?
Optional retainer: updates, backups, security, uptime monitoring, small content changes. Quoted per site.
“Flawless design. Delivered quicker than I expected.”
— Reece King, verified Trustpilot review
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Let’s chat
Tell us what you’ve got, what you want, and what’s breaking. We’ll reply with a realistic scope and timeline.
Say hi