Lessons from 18 Years in business: The journey of Shoothill
31th of July 2024
Our journey at Shoothill has been one of resilience and adaptability. Over the past 18 years, we’ve evolved from pioneering property portals to becoming crucial players in environmental monitoring and business support. Along the way, we’ve learned valuable lessons that have shaped our success and reinforced key principles in software development.
Our journey began with the development of the LMS Home Navigator, a precursor to modern property search giants like Rightmove. This early venture into the property market taught us the importance of user-centric design and data integration. By creating an intuitive platform that allowed users to easily navigate the housing market, we set a standard for how technology could simplify complex processes.
Advancing environmental monitoring
Our expertise expanded significantly with the creation of FloodAlerts and GaugeMap, two groundbreaking tools in environmental monitoring. FloodAlerts provides real-time flood warning information, leveraging advanced mapping technology to deliver critical data to users. GaugeMap offers comprehensive monitoring of river levels across the UK, providing valuable insights for both the public and authorities.
These projects underscored the importance of reliable data and real-time information. We learned that in areas where safety and preparedness are paramount, the accuracy and timeliness of software outputs are critical. Our work in environmental monitoring has taught us to prioritise precision and responsiveness, ensuring that our tools provide the best possible support during emergencies – better still enabling people to get ahead of problems.
Supporting businesses locally and nationally
Beyond our environmental projects, we have been committed to supporting businesses both nationally and in our local Shropshire area. Our bespoke software solutions have helped numerous companies optimise their operations and achieve their goals. We’ve discovered that understanding the unique needs of each business and tailoring our solutions accordingly is key to delivering impactful results.
The three deadly sins of software
Reflecting on our journey, our Executive Chairman Rod Plummer has identified what he calls the three deadly sins of software: never be late, never be broken, and never run over budget. These principles have become the cornerstone of our approach to software development.
Never be late: Timeliness is crucial in delivering value to our clients. We’ve learned that meeting deadlines not only builds trust but also ensures that our solutions can be implemented when they are most needed. Our commitment to punctuality has been a driving force behind our successful project completions.
Never be broken: Reliability is non-negotiable. Our software must perform flawlessly, especially in critical applications like FloodAlerts and GaugeMap. Rigorous testing and quality assurance processes are integral to our development cycle, ensuring that our products are robust and dependable.
Never run over budget: Cost management is essential for both us and our clients. We strive to provide transparent and accurate project estimates, adhering to budgets without compromising on quality. This principle has helped us maintain long-term relationships with our clients and fostered a reputation for financial integrity.
As we look back on our 18-year journey, the lessons we’ve learned have been invaluable. From our early days with LMS Home Navigator to our cutting-edge environmental tools and bespoke business solutions, we’ve continually evolved and adapted to meet the needs of our clients. By adhering to the three deadly sins of software—never be late, never be broken, never run over budget—we’ve built a foundation of trust and excellence that will guide us into the future.