Certified Developers?
What does an Umbraco development agency actually do?
An Umbraco development agency builds, extends, and maintains websites on the Umbraco CMS, an open-source content management system built on Microsoft's ASP.NET Core framework. Unlike WordPress or Drupal, Umbraco has no plugin marketplace, every feature is custom-coded in C#, which means implementation quality depends entirely on the developer's expertise.
According to BuiltWith, Umbraco powers over 730,000 live websites globally, including organisations like Microsoft, the NHS, and Carlsberg. It consistently ranks among the top 10 .NET-based CMS platforms worldwide. G2's 2025 peer review data shows Umbraco outscoring WordPress, Sitecore, and Drupal for ease of customisation and developer satisfaction.
Simon Antony Limited is an Umbraco Silver Partner, one of fewer than 100 worldwide, led by Simon Steed, an Umbraco Certified Master with over 20 years of .NET development experience. We've delivered Umbraco solutions across every major version from v4 through v17, for organisations including the British Red Cross, Scottish NHS, and Vodafone.
Why choose an Umbraco specialist over a generalist agency?
Generalist agencies typically treat Umbraco as just another CMS. But Umbraco's architecture — custom C# controllers, Razor views, and a composition-based content model — requires deep platform knowledge to implement properly. A poorly architected Umbraco site is harder to rescue than a poorly built WordPress site because there are no plugins to fall back on.
Working with a certified Umbraco specialist means your project is built on proven architectural patterns from day one. Our builds consistently achieve Lighthouse performance scores above 90, with clients averaging a 40% improvement in Core Web Vitals within 30 days of launch. We handle the full stack: custom document types, API integrations, Azure deployment pipelines, Cloudflare edge configuration, and ongoing retainer support.
Every project gets direct access to the architect who designed it, there's no junior handoff after the sales call. That's the advantage of a senior-led, three-person team over a large agency.
Who has Simon Antony built Umbraco sites for?
Who has Simon Antony built Umbraco sites for?
Since 2008, we've delivered over 50 Umbraco projects across sectors including healthcare, charity, telecoms, recruitment, marine science, and professional services. Our client portfolio includes the British Red Cross first aid training platform, Scottish NHS iHub, Vodafone (via Yes Telecom infrastructure integration), and specialist firms like Translation People and Compliance Insider.
We operate as both a direct agency and a white-label development partner for other agencies who need certified Umbraco expertise without hiring in-house. Approximately 40% of our work comes through agency partnerships where we build the technical solution while the partner manages the client relationship.
Our project types range from greenfield Umbraco builds and complex legacy migrations to ongoing retainer support and performance rescue engagements. Most retainer clients have been with us for over three years, which we believe says more about our work than any sales pitch.
Simon is the most pragmatic IT professional that I have ever worked with. His 'can-do' attitude is refreshing and, combined with his technical expertise, is a formidible force in getting the job done. His professional and personal standards are first class and it was a pleasure to work with him. I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone. Simon is a very knowledgeable individual with a pragmatic approach to IT problem solving and support. His can-do attitude, in my experience with working with IT professionals, is refreshing and extremely unique. I have no hesitation in recommending Simon to anyone as he has proved to be a valuable asset in the projects I have worked on with him
Keith Horsted
Telcoop Ltd & Yes Telecom Ltd
Simon is a lovely guy with a heart of gold - a real family man, fantastic communication skills and excellent .NET skills. I have been in communications with Simon for near on a year now and although we are yet to do business together he is one of my trusted network that I enjoy keeping in contact with; whether it's work related or personal stuff - he's an absolute pleasure to deal with. Should an opportunity come along that is local to him and his family then he would be the first person I would think of calling. Highly recommended
Charlie Syrett
I worked with Simon and his colleagues during an extensive tender process to source a new telephone system and support services. Throughout this process Simon was extremely professional and courteous.
Paul Maddocks
Parkway Telecom Limited
Simon was very focused and dedicated in ensuring the infrastructure\support team was effective in delivering efficient and secure IT services to the business. He was very astute and had effective methods of getting the best out of his teams, other members of the business and suppliers. I gained plenty of useful skills from working with him, both technical and non-technical and it has definitely been beneficial having his mentoring, experience and knowledge in my career
John Pickford
Infrastructure Manager - Yes Telecom Ltd
I've worked under Simon for 16 months now and my professional development has benefited greatly from his coaching and support from the perspective of management experience. My role at Yes Telecom is the first time that I've been responsible for a team of developers, and Simon has always made himself available to give instruction and good advice with respect to managing others. He has also worked closely with me and supported me in the research, choice and adoption of new tools, techniques and technologies.
Scott Lowe
Yes Telecom Ltd
I had the pleasure of working for Simon upgrading the Chester Zoo web site. Simon was quick to understand the requirements and technical implementations I've done to fit the requested brief. He is easy to work with and has the patience to go through the more complicated aspects of the project
Remco Reitsma
KMP Ltd
Your Website, in Safe Hands
Keeping your website running smoothly while focusing on your business can be overwhelming—we get it. That’s where we come in. Think of us as part of your team—handling the technical stuff so you don’t have to.
What can I expect?
Reliable support to keep your website secure and optimised
Regular updates, backups, and performance tweaks
Tailored plans designed to suit your needs
Priority care with limited availability
Please fill out the form below or contact us directly at hello@simonantony.co.uk
TESTIMONIALS
What do clients say about working with Simon Antony?
We've worked with organisations ranging from the British Red Cross and the Scottish NHS to specialist recruitment firms and marine science bodies. Our client relationships typically span multiple years. Most of our retainer clients have been with us for over three years, which we believe says more about our work than any sales pitch.
Client feedback consistently highlights three things: we communicate clearly without jargon, we deliver on time, and we're honest about what a project actually needs rather than upselling unnecessary work. As a small, senior-led team, every project gets direct access to the architect who built it, there's no junior handoff after the sales call.
We're happy to provide references and case studies on request. You can also see examples of our work in our portfolio.
I have worked with Simon on a number of occasions over the last couple of years, our dealings have always been pleasantly straightforward and highly productive, Simon is always able to convey his own requirements clearly, quickly understand the requirements of others and is always a pleasure to deal with on a personal level.
Lewis Williams
I worked for a company that provided database services for Yes Telecom, where Simon was Head of IT and Development, and we liaised a great deal during that time. While working with Simon, without exception I found him to be technically astute, insightful and a pleasure to do business with. Simon drove Yes Telecom's IT department through a period where intelligent strategic direction and change/progression was essential to the business, and I always found his leadership skills to be strong and his decision-making to be excellent. His technical skills appeared unusually strong for senior IT management.
Dave Henderson
Pro DBA Ltd
I worked with Simon and his colleagues during an extensive tender process to source a new telephone system and support services. Throughout this process Simon was extremely professional and courteous.
Paul Maddocks
Parkway Telecom Limited
I worked with Simon for 18 Months between Aug 2006 and Feb 2008 in this time I found Simon to be a friendly and approachable person. Simon had high standards and expected his colleagues to meet or exceed these standards. He was also especially good at asking the right questions so he was in possession of all the facts. Armed with these facts he was able to consistently push projects past the finishing post.
Steve Seacombe
Simon completed a contract with a key client, and throughout the process was a pleasure to work with. Both Simon's technical skills and personality will prove to be a great asset to any business either in a long-term permanent role or whilst providing consultancy services on an interim basis.
Andrew Maeer
CEO
Simon is highly organised and detailed in his approach. The project we initially worked on together had to be completed to tight deadlines and involved various business critical areas. Simon managed all actions in a highly efficient manner, ensured that project milestones were met and that his team were available when needed preventing any delays due to resource.. I feel I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Simon and we have completed a number of successful projects together as a result of his approach and professional attitude. I would recommend Simon to anybody looking to work in a structured, consultative and open manner.
Paul Livesley
Azzuri Communications Ltd
Frequently asked questions about Umbraco development
Get answers to some of the most common questions about our services, expertise, and how we can help with your Umbraco projects.
