Software, built properly
For over 25 years, we’ve designed and delivered bespoke software for businesses that depend on it every day.
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About First Option
Who we are
Based in Hampshire, England, at First Option Software we design and develop bespoke systems for companies with specific needs, where off-the-shelf tools just don’t cut it. We take time to understand the business behind the software, build relationships over the long term, and focus on delivering systems that are practical, reliable and genuinely useful.
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How we work
We combine deep technical depth with a practical understanding of how real businesses operate, keeping projects clear, collaborative, and focussed.
Built to last, not just to launch.
Designed for how you actually works.
Clear communication from the start.
Systems that evolve as your needs change.
Over 25 years of building software that matters
From early desktop systems to modern, integrated platforms, our focus has remained the same, building software that works in the real world.
1989
First Option Incorporated
1998
Developed first scalable facial recognition system
2000
Developed enterprise-scale SMS delivery platform
2007
First Option Software formed following reorg of development arm of First Option
2008
Our first app on sale in App store
2016
Awarded Royal Warrant
2018
Won two Innovate UK projects worth £1.5m
2020
CommandCentr product launched at Paultons Park
2023
First Option Software awarded ISO27001 certification
CommandCentr won “Best Product Innovation” at Park World Excellence Awards in Vienna
2024
Working with Jaguar Land Rover for 25 years
2026
CommandCentr live at more than 30 theme parks worldwide
Let’s plan together
Good planning reduces risk, avoids wasted time and effort, and gives everyone a clear, simple route to launch.
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+ years
Designing and delivering bespoke software systems
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+ systems
Built across a wide range of industries
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+ sectors
From attractions and logistics to healthcare and HR
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+ partners
Supporting and evolving systems over the long term
Our team
Meet the team
Every organisation works differently. Industry experience gives us useful context, but the systems we build are shaped around your own unique needs, users, and goals.
Matt Clarke
Managing Director
Owen Jones
Product Director
Richard Turner
Technical Director
Mike Edwards
Operations Director
We’re always on the lookout for hands-on people who care about solving real problems. If that sounds like you, please drop us an email with your CV to jobs@firstoptionsoftware.com
Contact us
Get in touch
Drop in on us
Find us at Signal House,
Jacklyns Lane, Alresford,
Hampshire UK SO24 9JJ
FAQs
How much does bespoke software development cost, and how are projects priced
The cost depends on the scope, complexity, required integrations, and technical requirements of the project. We start by understanding the software and your goals before providing a proposal and estimated cost and timeline. Larger projects may be divided into defined phases to help manage priorities and budget.
How involved does our team need to be during the design and development process
Your team’s input is important, particularly during discovery, design reviews, and testing. We manage the technical delivery, but regular feedback helps ensure the software reflects real processes and user needs. We agree responsibilities and feedback points at the beginning, ensuring the project does not place unnecessary demands on your staff.
How do you test and validate software designs with our staff or customers
We involve the people who will actually use the software and can perform testing throughout the design process. This can include reviewing prototypes, observing how real users complete key tasks, and gathering feedback before development progresses too far. Testing ideas early helps us identify bottlenecks, missing requirements, and usability problems while they are still straightforward to fix.
Our previous developer has left us stranded. Can you take over an unfinished software project
Potentially, yes. We first review the source code, documentation, hosting, data, and current state of the system to understand what can be retained and what may need to be improved or rebuilt. We then provide an honest assessment of the risks, priorities, and likely next steps.
What ongoing support, maintenance and SLA options do you offer after launch
Support can include monitoring, maintenance, security updates, technical assistance and further development as your requirements change. Ongoing arrangements depend on the importance and complexity of the system. When needed, response times and service expectations can be defined through a formal service-level agreement.
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Let’s talk about your system
From new platforms, to modernising existing systems, we design, build, and support software based around your needs.
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