We're 16 and 18. We Run a Software Company. Here's Our Story.
Two teenage founders running a software company. Based in Norwich. Building custom applications and websites for businesses across the UK.
That's us.
And yes, we get the questions. "How old are you?" "Should I trust teenagers with my business?" "Don't you have GCSEs to worry about?"
Fair questions. Here's the honest answer about who we are and why age doesn't matter as much as you think.
Who We Actually Are
Harvey Washington, 16, Technical Director The one writing code. Started programming at 12. Built his first commercial project at 14. Handles system architecture, development, and all technical decisions.
Isaac Marshall, 18, Commercial Director The one talking to clients. Runs business development, client relationships, and operations. Figured out business stuff by doing it, not by reading textbooks.
Based: Digital Hub, Norwich Real office. Real business. We're not coding from a bedroom (though we did start there).
What We Actually Do
We build:
- Custom websites (properly coded, not template spam)
- Web applications (booking systems, CRMs, business tools)
- Automation systems (Orbit, our business management platform)
- API integrations (connecting your systems together)
We work with trade businesses, professional services, startups, and established companies who need software that actually fits their processes.
Why Age Doesn't Matter (But Experience Does)
Let's be direct: we're young. We're not hiding from that.
But here's what actually matters:
Can we solve your problem? Yes. Do we deliver on time? Yes. Do we communicate clearly? Yes. Is the code quality good? Yes. Will we be around in 5 years? Absolutely.
Age determines... what, exactly?
We're not more likely to mess up your project than a 40-year-old developer. We're probably less likely to disappear mid-project because we're building a reputation, not coasting on an existing one.
What We've Actually Built
Client management systems that replaced £800/month SaaS subscriptions Booking platforms handling thousands of appointments Business automation saving companies 15+ hours per week Custom integrations connecting incompatible systems Fast, modern websites that actually convert
These aren't hobby projects. They're production systems running real businesses.
What Clients Actually Say
"I was skeptical at first because of their age, but they delivered faster and better than the two previous developers I'd hired."
"Harvey understood our technical requirements better than developers twice his age."
"Isaac kept us informed throughout. No surprises, no missed deadlines."
"They built exactly what we needed, not what they wanted to build."
We let the work speak.
Why We Started Arcscribe
Harvey: Got frustrated with websites and software that sucked. Figured I could build better. Turned out I could.
Isaac: Saw businesses wasting money on terrible solutions. Realized there was a gap between what businesses needed and what most developers delivered.
We didn't start this because we thought it would be fun. We started because we saw problems we could solve better than the competition.
The age thing is incidental.
What We're NOT
We're not a side hustle. This is what we do. Full time. Proper business.
We're not learning on your project. We know what we're doing. If we don't know something, we tell you upfront.
We're not here to mess around. We have clients, deadlines, and reputations to maintain.
We're not charging student rates. Our work is professional quality. We charge accordingly.
Our Actual Approach
1. We listen first Too many developers build what they think is cool, not what you actually need. We ask questions until we properly understand the problem.
2. We communicate clearly No jargon unless necessary. Regular updates. Honest timelines. If something's going to be late, you know before it's late.
3. We build properly Clean code. Modern tech. Scalable systems. We're not hacking together quick fixes.
4. We support what we build You own the code. Full documentation. Training. Ongoing support if you want it.
5. We're honest about scope If a £20/month SaaS tool does what you need, we'll tell you. Custom development should solve real problems, not stroke developer egos.
Why Some Clients Choose Us
Speed: We move fast. No bureaucracy. No committees. Decision, build, ship.
Communication: Direct access to the people actually doing the work. No account managers playing telephone.
Modern tech: We use current tools and techniques. Your software won't feel dated in 6 months.
Fair pricing: We're not cheap, but we're not agency prices either. You pay for quality work, not expensive offices.
Flexibility: Need changes? Want to add features? We adapt. We're building a relationship, not completing a contract and disappearing.
Questions We Get Asked
"Are you actually qualified?" We build software that works. That's the qualification that matters. Harvey's been coding for years. Isaac's run business operations since 16. Experience counts more than certificates.
"Will you be around in a year?" Yes. This isn't a gap year project. This is our career. We're building Arcscribe for the long term, including launching our own SaaS products.
"Can you handle complex projects?" We've built CRMs, booking systems, business automation platforms, and integrated systems connecting multiple APIs. Define "complex."
"What if something goes wrong?" We fix it. Included in every project. We stand behind our work.
"Why should I choose you over an experienced developer?" Because we deliver quality work, communicate clearly, and move quickly. The "experienced" developer might have 15 years doing things the old way. We use modern tools and techniques.
"Do you go to school?" Harvey finished GCSEs (got what he needed). Not doing A-levels. Full focus on Arcscribe. Isaac finished school. Full-time on business.
Education matters, but it's not the only path. We're learning by building real things for real clients.
What We're Building Next
Beyond client work, we're developing our own products:
Orbit: Business management platform for service-based SMEs. CRM, invoicing, scheduling, automation. Built for businesses tired of juggling five different tools.
Launching properly soon. We're using it to run Arcscribe. If it's good enough for us, it's good enough for clients.
The Real Advantage of Young Founders
We're not set in our ways.
Older developers often have strong opinions about "the right way" to do things. Usually based on how they learned 10 years ago.
We don't have baggage. We use what works now. React, Next.js, modern frameworks, AI tools where appropriate. We adapt to the project, not force the project into our preferred stack.
We're also building for the long term. A 45-year-old developer might be thinking about winding down in 10 years. We're thinking about the next 30.
Your software will be maintained. Your relationship will last.
When NOT to Work With Us
Be honest: if you're uncomfortable with our age, don't hire us. That discomfort will create friction. Work with someone you trust.
Also don't hire us if:
- You want hand-holding through basic technology decisions
- You need in-person meetings every week (we can do some, but we're not your local agency)
- You want rock-bottom prices (we're fair, not cheap)
- You want a big team (it's just us, intentionally)
- Your project needs 10+ developers (we partner with others when needed, but we're a small team)
When You SHOULD Work With Us
Choose Arcscribe if:
- You want modern, well-built software
- You value clear communication and speed
- You need custom solutions, not template work
- You're happy working with people who actually do the work
- You judge us on output, not age
We're not for everyone. That's fine.
How We Work
1. Initial call Understand your problem. See if we're a fit. No sales pressure.
2. Proposal Detailed scope, timeline, and cost. Fixed price or phased approach.
3. Build Regular updates. Demos as we go. Your input shapes the final product.
4. Launch Training, documentation, handover. You own everything.
5. Support Ongoing if you want it. Bug fixes included. Future development available.
Simple. Transparent. Professional.
Get In Touch
We're based in Norwich but work with clients across the UK and internationally.
If you've got a software problem and think we might be able to help, let's talk.
Isaac Marshall Commercial Director isaac.marshall@arcscribe.co.uk 01603 327078
Harvey Washington Technical Director harvey.washington@arcscribe.co.uk 01603 327078
Free consultation. Honest conversation. No obligation.
We'll tell you if we're the right fit. We'll tell you if someone else makes more sense. We'll tell you if you don't need custom software at all.
The Bottom Line
We're 16 and 18. We run a real software company. We build production systems for real businesses.
Judge us on our work, not our age.
That's all we ask.
Arcscribe: Custom software and web development from Norwich's Digital Hub. Founded by Harvey Washington (16) and Isaac Marshall (18), building modern solutions for UK businesses.