Last month, we announced our acquisition by global tech consultancy Elemental Concept, and we’re very excited about what this means for the future of our business and our service offerings for clients.

Firstly, this acquisition provides us with engineering capabilities from a global team of technology consultants. Their expertise spans data science, infrastructure, cybersecurity, software architecture and development, as well as AI and machine learning, giving us a strong technical foundation to serve our partners.

Secondly, this means we can now offer a comprehensive range of service lines, taking you from strategy and design through to build, implementation, and support, ensuring we can meet all your technology needs.

Here are some of the new areas in which we’ll be able to help you, our partners, and why we’re excited about them.

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Software development and engineering

What is it?

‍As part of the Elemental Concept family, we’ll be able to combine the technical expertise of a global team with our creative problem-solving approach to customers, users and employees, building robust digital solutions that put user experience front and centre. Our software development services enable us to create custom applications, platforms, and tools that meet current business needs and can evolve over time, underpinned by unparalleled expertise in user experience.

‍Why does it matter?

‍ High-quality software development improves customer experience, streamlines operations, and supports sustainable growth without adding unnecessary complexity.

‍Services provided:

• Proof of concept and rapid prototyping
• Minimum viable product (MVP) builds
• Enterprise-grade application development
• Legacy system upgrades
• Mobile app development
• Web app development

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Tech consultancy

What is it?

‍Tech consultancy identifies where technology can solve business challenges and guides you in implementing the right solutions. A technology consulting partner, such as Purple Shirt and Elemental Concept, integrates with your team, providing strategic guidance, expertise, and leadership without the cost of permanent hires. Our tech consultants can embed in your teams, work on a project basis or cover skills gaps whilst you recruit permanent team members.

‍Why does it matter?

‍Working with a tech consultancy helps align your technology stack, infrastructure, and strategy not just with business goals, but also with your users, customers, and employees. We’ll help you innovate and scale, and avoid wasting resources on technology that won't deliver results.

‍Services provided:

• Strategic technology leadership
• Fractional CTO, CSO, CPO services
• Technical and data architecture design
• AI and machine learning consultants
• UX and UI strategy consultancy

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Data discovery and due diligence

What is it?

‍Data discovery services reveal how your business collects, stores, and utilises data, transforming it into actionable business intelligence. Our data scientists will explore your biggest challenges and organisational goals, to make sure every insight connects to your strategy, helping your data drive the outcomes that matter most.

‍Why does it matter?

Effective data management supports compliance with privacy regulations and transforms raw data into insights that enhance decision-making, improve customer experience, and boost operational efficiency. This adds to our strong capabilities in user, customer, and employee experience.

‍Services provided:

• Data audits and due diligence
• Data architecture and systems review
• Operational process mapping
• Compliance checks
• Data strategy roadmap
• AI and machine learning recommendations

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Legacy system support

What is it?

‍Legacy system support maintains, secures, and upgrades older technology, including legacy applications, databases, and system architectures that are critical to your operations. Elemental Concept’s team are uniquely placed to help with legacy systems (having built some of them in the first place!), and offer a mindful approach to legacy systems, preferring smooth transitions to total rewrites.

‍Why does it matter?

Without proactive legacy system management, outdated platforms might become slow, insecure, and incompatible with modern tools. This can damage productivity and increase business risk.

‍Services provided:

• Legacy system maintenance and optimisation
• Security upgrades
• Integration with modern technology
• Phased migration to scalable, cost-efficient solutions
• Support for applications written in older programming languages, such as Visual Basic 6.0, Visual Basic for Applications, legacy PHP, Java 8 and earlier
• Support for applications built on outdated frameworks such as Java Struts, Seam, early versions of Spring, end-of-life .NET versions and/or the Microsoft Entity Framework
• Support for native Microsoft desktop applications, based on Microsoft Foundation Class Library or other outdated UX options
• Support for legacy databases, including Microsoft Access databases struggling to support multiple users, old and potentially expensive Oracle databases, and ageing on-prem SQL Server databases
• Support for outmoded but business-critical network communication protocols, including SOAP, Java RMI, and CORBA
• Support for system architectures in need of modernisation, such as distributed monoliths, overly complex event-driven systems or the infamous “big ball of mud.”

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Tech due diligence

What is it?

Technical due diligence is a structured assessment of your technology, software architecture, and processes to confirm they’re fit for investment, acquisition, or growth. Our tech consultants and experts will dig deep, starting with your business goals and challenges, to determine whether your technology can support your ambitions. They will provide a roadmap for changes to help you achieve your objectives.

‍Why does it matter?

‍A due diligence process will highlight risks, performance gaps, and scalability issues before you commit to major decisions, so your tech investments are sound and set up for success.

‍Services provided:

• Infrastructure and architecture review
• code quality analysis
• tech stack assessment
• process, QA and workflow audits
• data due diligence and compliance audits

If any of the above are of interest to you or your business, please don't hesitate to get in touch.