Why nearshoring works: The best European software partners for your business

When to consider nearshoring

You might consider a nearshore software partner if:

1. You want more real-time collaboration

One of the main benefits of nearshoring over offshoring is the ability to have real-time communication with your development team. With nearshore teams located in similar or overlapping time zones, you can work together more closely, with frequent check-ins, quick feedback loops, and more dynamic collaboration.

1. You need to scale a development team without hiring locally

When you need to scale your development capacity quickly but don’t have the time or resources to hire locally, nearshoring provides a solution. It allows you to quickly augment your in-house team with skilled developers from nearby countries, without the need for lengthy recruitment processes.

1. You want cost savings without significant timezone differences or communication barriers

Nearshoring offers a good balance of cost savings and high-quality talent without the significant communication issues that come with offshoring. By working with teams in nearby countries, you can achieve the financial benefits of outsourcing without sacrificing effective collaboration due to time zone differences or language barriers.

1. You seek a long-term strategic partner for development, maintenance, or innovation

If you’re looking for a partner to help you with the ongoing development of your product, as well as maintenance and future innovation, nearshoring can provide the stability and continuity you need. The proximity of nearshore teams means that you can build long-term relationships with your outsourcing partner.

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Top nearshore destinations in Europe for software development

When considering nearshoring in Europe, it’s important to choose a destination that offers the right mix of skilled talent, time zone compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some of the best countries in Europe for nearshoring software development:

1. Poland

Poland is one of the top nearshore destinations for businesses in the UK and Western Europe. The country offers a highly skilled talent pool, competitive pricing, and a strong culture of collaboration. With a well-developed IT sector, Poland is home to many software development companies that specialize in agile methodologies, custom software development, and UX/UI design.

Top companies:

• Boldare – Leading product design and development company specializing in agile methodologies and custom software development.
• STX Next – A leading Python development company specializing in custom software development and digital transformation.
• Intive – Known for agile development and providing innovative software solutions across various industries.

1. Ukraine

Ukraine is another strong nearshoring option, particularly for businesses looking for high-quality development at competitive prices. Despite the challenges the country has faced, it remains a hub for skilled IT professionals, particularly in software engineering, mobile development, and web development. Ukrainian developers are known for their problem-solving abilities and expertise in complex projects.

Top companies:

• Intellias – A major player in IT consulting, providing services in software development and system integration.
• SoftServe – A global IT and consulting firm specializing in product development, cloud computing, and AI.
• Miratech – Offers IT services in areas such as software development, testing, and cloud solutions.

1. Romania

Romania is an increasingly popular nearshore destination, known for its strong educational system, especially in STEM fields. The country offers a highly skilled workforce at competitive rates, particularly in areas such as software engineering, IT consulting, and cloud development. Romania’s location in Eastern Europe also means it shares a similar cultural affinity with Western Europe.

Top companies:

• Endava – A global IT services company that offers software development, automation, and data analytics.
• Luxoft – Provides IT services and consulting, specializing in custom software development and business consulting.
• Zitec – A Romanian leader in digital transformation services and software development.

1. Portugal

Portugal has become a prime nearshoring destination, especially for companies based in the UK or Ireland. Lisbon and Porto are home to a growing tech talent pool, and Portugal offers the added benefit of a strong English-speaking population. With its proximity to Western Europe, Portugal allows for seamless collaboration with minimal time zone differences.

Top companies:

• Unilabs – Known for providing software solutions, cloud services, and IT consulting to businesses across various industries.
• Altar.io – Specializes in software development, digital transformation, and design.
• Vortexa – An energy analytics company that relies on Portugal-based software developers for its platform.

1. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has established itself as a growing hub for nearshore software development, particularly in cities like Prague and Brno. The country offers a highly educated workforce with expertise in areas like software engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The Czech Republic’s strong tech ecosystem makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking for skilled developers in Central Europe.

Top companies:

• Accenture – With offices in Prague, it provides software development and consulting for businesses across various sectors.
• Ciklum – A software development and IT services company offering custom solutions and consulting.
• GoodData – A leading business intelligence platform offering cloud-based analytics.

Boldare – your trusted nearshore software partner with a UK presence

If you’re exploring nearshoring, Boldare stands out as an ideal partner for businesses seeking a trusted and skilled team. With more than 20 years of expertise, Boldare is a top-tier product design and development company headquartered in Poland. Our team of 70+ professionals has successfully delivered over 300 digital products to more than 111 clients from a range of industries. We specialize in software development, digital design, generative AI, and product innovation, focusing on providing high-quality, user-centric solutions.

David Cook, one of our UK clients from Xinfu, shared:

The speed with which they grasped the challenge was impressive.

To better cater to our UK clients, we’ve also formed a partnership with a UK-based company. This collaboration brings the benefits of local legal compliance, cultural alignment, and access to UK talent, while still offering the cost benefits of working with a nearshore team in Central Europe.

If you want to delve into case studies of our work for UK clients, check out the article about an open bank-based, real-time payment solution for a UK fintech startup.\

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Open bank-based, real-time payment solution for a UK fintech startup

Final Thoughts: Is Nearshoring Right for You?

Nearshoring offers a compelling option for companies that need to scale quickly, maintain real-time collaboration, and save on costs without sacrificing quality. By partnering with companies in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, you can tap into a skilled workforce and establish a long-term relationship with a strategic partner.

If you’re ready to explore nearshoring and want to find the right partner, make sure to assess not just technical capabilities but also cultural fit and time zone compatibility. The right nearshore partner can help you achieve your goals and drive innovation in your software development process.