What is low-code? Complete guide for UK businesses
· Forough Vaghef
Low-code development is a method of building software applications using visual interfaces, drag-and-drop components, and pre-built templates rather than writing traditional code from scratch. It enables faster application delivery while still allowing custom code for complex requirements. Think of it as the middle ground between buying off-the-shelf software and commissioning fully bespoke development.
If you're exploring software options for your business, you've probably encountered the term "low-code" alongside promises of faster development and lower costs. But what does it actually mean, and is it right for your business?
This guide cuts through the marketing speak to explain what low-code development really is, when it makes sense for UK businesses, and how it compares to the alternatives. Whether you're a CTO evaluating platforms, an IT director managing backlogs, or a business owner tired of waiting months for simple applications, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What is low-code development?
Low-code development represents a fundamental shift in how software is built. Rather than writing thousands of lines of code from scratch, developers use visual interfaces to assemble applications from pre-built components, configure business logic through diagrams, and connect to data sources through point-and-click interfaces.
The approach isn't about eliminating coding entirely. Instead, it's about handling the repetitive, standardised parts of application development automatically, freeing developers to focus on the unique aspects that add real business value.
How low-code platforms work
Low-code platforms operate on three core principles:
You specify what the application should do through visual models rather than writing code.
The platform translates your visual designs into working, executable code.
Libraries of ready-made UI elements, integrations, and business logic accelerate development.
Image source: Microsoft Power Platform Blog
Who uses low-code?
Low-code platforms serve two distinct audiences:
- Professional developers who use low-code to accelerate delivery, reduce repetitive work, and focus on complex business logic
- Citizen developers - business users with some technical aptitude who build departmental applications without formal programming training
According to Gartner research, citizen developers are expected to outnumber professional developers 4 to 1 by 2025. This shift represents a democratisation of software development, enabling business teams to solve their own problems rather than waiting in IT backlogs.
Low-code vs no-code: what's the difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes and audiences. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right approach for your needs.
| Factor | Low-code | No-code |
|---|---|---|
| Target user | Developers + business users with technical knowledge | Non-technical business users |
| Customisation | Moderate to high (can add custom code) | Limited to pre-built templates |
| Best for | Enterprise apps, complex integrations | Simple apps, forms, basic workflows |
| Scalability | Suitable for enterprise-grade applications | Best for small-scale applications |
| Learning curve | Requires some technical knowledge | Very low; almost no coding needed |
| Integration depth | Deep integration capabilities | Basic API connections |
| Examples | OutSystems, Mendix, Power Apps | Airtable, Notion, Zapier |
Key insight: Low-code offers an "escape hatch" - when you hit the limits of visual development, you can drop into custom code. No-code platforms don't offer this flexibility, which can become limiting as requirements grow.
The UK low-code market
The UK has emerged as one of Europe's most active markets for low-code adoption, driven by digital transformation initiatives, skills shortages, and the need for business agility.
Sources: Grand View Research UK Low-Code Market Report 2024; Gartner Enterprise Developer Survey 2023
UK adoption by sector
- Financial services: Leading adopter at approximately 27% of market spend, driven by regulatory compliance needs and legacy modernisation
- Healthcare: Fastest-growing sector with 32% CAGR, accelerated by NHS digital transformation programmes
- Government: The UK Government's 2022-2025 Roadmap for Digital and Data positioned low-code as a strategic capability, with over 35% of legacy applications expected to be replaced by low-code solutions
- SMEs: Fastest-growing segment overall (22%+ CAGR) as platforms become more accessible
What's driving UK adoption?
Developer shortage
The UK faces a significant tech skills gap. Low-code enables organisations to build more with fewer specialised developers, with citizen developers extending IT capacity.
IT backlog pressure
Business teams often wait months for IT to deliver simple applications. Low-code reduces this bottleneck, enabling faster response to business needs.
Legacy modernisation
Many UK organisations run critical processes on ageing systems. Low-code offers a faster path to modernisation than traditional rewrites. See our guide on problems with legacy systems.
AI integration
Modern low-code platforms increasingly incorporate AI capabilities, making advanced features accessible without specialist AI expertise.
Low-code vs off-the-shelf vs bespoke
Understanding where low-code fits in the software options landscape helps you make the right choice. Each approach has legitimate use cases.
| Factor | Low-code | Off-the-shelf | Bespoke |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development speed | Very fast (days to weeks) | Immediate (configuration) | Slower (weeks to months) |
| Upfront cost | Medium (licensing + build) | Low to medium | High |
| Ongoing cost | Platform licensing | Subscription fees | Maintenance only |
| Customisation | Moderate to high | Limited | Unlimited |
| Fit to business | Good (with configuration) | Requires workarounds | Exact fit |
| Technical skills needed | Some technical knowledge | Minimal | Professional developers |
| Vendor dependency | Platform lock-in risk | High (SaaS model) | Low (you own the code) |
| Best for | Rapid delivery, standard processes | Commodity functions | Unique competitive advantages |
For deeper exploration of the alternatives, see our guides on what is bespoke software and what is off-the-shelf software.
Key insight: Low-code occupies the middle ground. It offers more customisation than off-the-shelf software but faster delivery than bespoke development. For many UK businesses, it's the pragmatic choice when you need something tailored but can't wait months for traditional development.
When low-code is the right choice
Low-code excels in specific scenarios. Here's when it makes sense for your business:
Speed is critical
When you need an application in weeks rather than months, low-code delivers. Development can be up to 20 times faster than traditional coding (Forrester).
Processes are fairly standard
Workflow automation, approval processes, data collection forms, and departmental applications often follow common patterns that low-code handles well.
IT capacity is limited
When your IT team has a backlog and business teams need solutions now, low-code enables citizen developers to build applications with appropriate governance.
Integration is the main need
Connecting existing systems, building portals that aggregate data, or creating dashboards from multiple sources are low-code sweet spots. See our guide on fixing disconnected business systems.
You need to prototype quickly
Testing ideas before committing to full development? Low-code enables rapid prototyping to validate concepts with real users.
You're modernising legacy systems
Replacing aging Access databases, Excel-based processes, or outdated systems with modern applications, without the cost of full rewrites.
Common low-code use cases
- Internal operational dashboards and reporting
- Customer portals and self-service applications
- Workflow automation and approval processes
- Data collection and form management
- Integration middleware connecting business systems
- Mobile apps for field workers
- HR, finance, and operations departmental tools
When low-code is NOT the right choice
Low-code isn't universally appropriate. Here's when you should consider alternatives:
Consider bespoke development instead if...
- Your requirements are highly unique. If your competitive advantage depends on capabilities no platform template can provide, bespoke development offers unlimited flexibility.
- Performance is mission-critical. For high-frequency trading, real-time systems, or applications requiring extreme performance optimisation, traditional development offers more control.
- You need complete code ownership. Some organisations require full intellectual property rights and source code control. Low-code platforms typically retain code generation rights.
- Long-term cost is the priority. For applications you'll use for many years, the cumulative licensing costs of low-code platforms may exceed the one-time cost of bespoke development.
- Vendor lock-in is unacceptable. Switching low-code platforms can be difficult. If vendor independence is critical, owning your code provides more flexibility.
Consider off-the-shelf software if...
- Your need is a commodity function. For standard accounting, CRM, or HR functions, established SaaS products offer proven solutions without development effort.
- You have no development capacity. Even low-code requires some technical involvement. If that's not available, pre-built solutions may be more appropriate.
- Budget is very limited. Building even with low-code requires investment. Sometimes a monthly SaaS subscription is more realistic.
For more guidance on making this decision, see our comprehensive guide on when to choose bespoke software.
Leading low-code platforms
The low-code market includes enterprise platforms for complex applications and citizen developer tools for simpler needs. Here are the leading options available to UK businesses, with current UK pricing where available.
What the analysts say
Gartner Magic Quadrant 2025
Leaders:
- Mendix (furthest on Completeness of Vision)
- OutSystems (full-stack enterprise)
- Microsoft Power Platform (ecosystem integration)
- ServiceNow (IT service management)
- Appian (process automation)
- Salesforce (ascended from Challenger)
Forrester Wave 2025
Leaders: Microsoft and ServiceNow
Microsoft ranked top for "strength of strategy and current offering" and "use case governance and guardrails." Power Platform has over 56 million monthly active users, growing 27% year-over-year.
Gartner predicts that by 2029, enterprise low-code platforms will be used for mission-critical applications in 80% of businesses, up from just 15% in 2024.
UK pricing comparison
| Platform | Entry price (UK) | Enterprise tier | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Power Apps | £5/user/app/month | £15.40/user/month (Premium) | Per user or per app; volume discounts available |
| Mendix | Free (single app) | £2,495/month+ (Standard) | Per environment; custom enterprise pricing |
| OutSystems | ~£26,000/year | £70,000-£350,000+/year | Application objects + users; no per-developer fee |
| Appian | Custom quote | £30,000-£100,000+/year | Per user/app/month; includes RPA bots |
| Salesforce Lightning | Bundled with CRM | Included in subscription | No standalone pricing; best for existing customers |
Note: Prices current as of December 2025 and subject to change. Enterprise pricing varies based on users, applications, and deployment requirements. Always request a formal quote.
Platform selection guide
Each platform has distinct strengths. Here's when to choose each:
Choose Power Platform when:
- You're standardised on Microsoft 365/Azure
- Citizen development is a priority
- Building departmental apps and workflows
- Budget-conscious with moderate complexity
- Need rapid prototyping capability
Choose OutSystems when:
- Building mission-critical enterprise applications
- Need native mobile apps from single codebase
- Require full-stack control and performance
- Professional developer team available
- Complex legacy system integration required
Choose Mendix when:
- Using collaborative "fusion team" development
- Need deployment flexibility (cloud, on-prem, private)
- Mix of business analysts and developers
- Agile methodology with stakeholder involvement
- Planning multiple applications in a portfolio
Choose Appian when:
- Primary need is process automation/BPM
- Case management is core requirement
- Regulated industry (banking, healthcare, government)
- Need RPA capabilities integrated with low-code
- Comprehensive audit trails required
Choose Salesforce Lightning when:
- Extending existing Salesforce CRM
- Customer-facing apps using CRM data
- Sales/service automation scenarios
- Already have Salesforce investment
- AppExchange ecosystem valuable
Choose ServiceNow when:
- IT service management is core need
- Building internal IT workflows
- Employee service portals
- Already using ServiceNow ITSM
- Enterprise IT automation
Learning curve comparison
| Platform | Citizen developers | Professional developers | Architects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Power Platform | Days | 4-6 weeks | 2-3 months |
| Mendix | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 2-3 months |
| OutSystems | Not recommended | 2-4 weeks (intensive) | 3-6 months |
| Appian | Not recommended | 4-6 weeks | Several months |
| Salesforce Lightning | 3-4 weeks (basics) | 4-6 weeks | 2-3 months |
Key insight: Microsoft Power Platform and Mendix are strongest for citizen developer enablement, with Excel-like formulas (Power Fx) and collaborative "fusion team" models. OutSystems and Appian are better suited to professional developers building enterprise-grade applications.
Key benefits with statistics
The business case for low-code is backed by substantial research. Here are the key benefits with supporting data:
Development speed
Source: Forrester Research
Cost savings
- Average annual savings: USD 1.7 million (Forrester)
- Cost reduction: Up to 70% compared to traditional development
- ROI: 362% for no-code implementations; 506% over three years for OutSystems users
- Maintenance costs: Traditional development consumes 15-20% of budgets annually; low-code cuts this by 80%
UK organisation results
UK Power Networks
480% ROI with 96% adoption across 1,000 employees. Saved £500,000 from faster development and improved efficiency.
NatWest
Product governance cycle reduced from 4.5 days to 20 minutes (99%+ improvement). Named Celent Model Risk Manager of the Year.
Lloyds Banking Group
Processed 300,000+ Bounce Back Loans (£9 billion+) with next-day approval. Created COVID mortgage holiday process in under 1 week.
NHS (Copilot Trial)
World's largest healthcare AI trial: 43 minutes saved daily per staff. Projected 400,000 hours monthly savings NHS-wide.
UK case studies
These UK organisations demonstrate measurable outcomes from low-code adoption across different sectors and scales.
UK Power Networks: Critical infrastructure transformation
Organisation: Distribution Network Operator supplying electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East, and East of England. 6,500 employees managing 120,000 miles of electrical infrastructure.
Platform: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Platform
Approach: Dedicated Copilot Task Force conducted 40 departmental interviews identifying nearly 50 use cases. Phased rollout from 300 to 1,000 licenses over 9 months. Training sessions limited to 20-30 participants with 12 Copilot Champions providing ongoing support.
Use cases: Procurement contract reviews, customer service complaint prioritisation, AI agents surfacing buried documents from legacy SharePoint systems, network operations using smart metering data.
NatWest: Financial services compliance acceleration
Organisation: UK's largest business bank
Platform: Appian
Challenge: 14 disjointed governance processes requiring duplicate data entry. Product governance cycles taking 4.5 days.
Solution: Unified data model enabling "enter once, reuse everywhere" approach. 46% of governance data automated. 90-day incremental launches with new code delivered every 2 weeks.
Recognition: Named Celent Model Risk Manager of the Year for initiative to simplify and automate change and risk governance.
Crown Prosecution Service: Government digital innovation
Organisation: The principal public prosecuting agency for England and Wales
Platform: Mendix
Approach: Established Centre of Excellence for low-code development. 13-person development team with "Mendix-first" policy where solution architects route appropriate projects to low-code.
Results: 30+ services delivered using low-code. 20+ legacy applications redeveloped. Reduced vendor dependency and improved control over digital assets. Standardised practices ensure consistency across teams.
UK Home Office: Rapid national-scale deployment
Project: EU Settlement Scheme
Platform: Pega
Challenge: Build national-scale system to process millions of settlement applications under tight deadline.
Implementation: Entire platform built from scratch in approximately 8 weeks, demonstrating delivery speed unprecedented in traditional government IT contracting.
Limitations to consider
No technology is without trade-offs. Understanding these limitations helps you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Complexity thresholds
Research indicates that low-code platforms deliver maximum value for applications below approximately 30-40% of what would be considered moderate traditional application complexity. Beyond 60-70% complexity, low-code often becomes counterproductive, with workaround time exceeding the initial speed gains.
Low-code typically struggles with:
- Complex decision trees with numerous conditional branches
- Applications requiring sub-100 millisecond response times
- Transaction volumes exceeding 1,000 per second
- Datasets larger than several gigabytes
- Synchronous real-time integration with legacy systems
- Highly customised user interfaces beyond platform templates
Technical limitations
Vendor lock-in
Applications built on low-code platforms are difficult to migrate. Lock-in stems from proprietary APIs, data formats, and platform-specific customisations. Migration to another platform or bespoke development typically takes 3-12 months.
Customisation limits
The abstraction that enables rapid development simultaneously restricts control. Modifying auto-generated code or implementing unique UI elements outside platform libraries is often impossible.
Security and compliance
GDPR, FCA, and healthcare compliance capabilities vary significantly between platforms. Multi-tenant architectures create inherent risks of data leakage. 73% of organisations have not yet defined low-code governance rules.
Scalability constraints
While Mendix has tested 100,000 concurrent users, this required significant architectural adjustments including horizontal scaling and database separation. Many platforms lack robust scaling capabilities.
Total cost of ownership
TCO can rise 30-50% over five years due to scaling requirements, price increases, and hidden fees including connector licensing, data transfer charges, and consulting costs. See our bespoke software cost guide for comparison.
Code quality
Generated code is often difficult to debug, optimise, or maintain. The opaque relationship between visual configuration and generated implementation complicates troubleshooting.
Integration challenges
Low-code platforms integrate effectively with modern cloud applications using standard REST APIs. However, they struggle with:
- Legacy systems without modern API protocols or using proprietary data formats
- Synchronous integration requiring real-time data display from external systems
- Complex data transformations that exceed visual tool capabilities
- Sophisticated error handling with retry mechanisms and circuit breakers
For complex integration requirements, consider middleware solutions or API gateways as bridges between low-code platforms and legacy systems. See our guide on integrating existing systems with APIs.
Is your organisation ready for low-code?
Before investing in a low-code platform, it's worth assessing whether your organisation and project are well-suited to this approach. Use our interactive assessment to evaluate your readiness across four key dimensions.
Low-code readiness assessment
Answer 12 questions to receive a personalised readiness score and recommendations. This takes approximately 3 minutes.
Question 1 of 12
What the assessment evaluates
Strategic alignment
Do you have a clear business problem, executive sponsorship, and defined success metrics? Organisations without strategic clarity often struggle with low-code adoption.
Organisational readiness
Do you have governance frameworks, training capacity, and IT-business collaboration models? Research shows 73% of organisations have not defined low-code governance rules.
Technical suitability
Is your application complexity appropriate? Are performance requirements realistic? Can integration needs be met? Low-code works best below 30-40% traditional complexity.
Resource availability
Do you have citizen developers identified, professional developer support available, and platform expertise accessible? Hybrid teams report highest success rates.
Getting started with low-code
If low-code seems right for your organisation, here's how to approach adoption:
-
Start with a specific problem
Don't adopt low-code as a general strategy. Identify a specific pain point, ideally a departmental application or workflow that's currently manual or broken.
-
Evaluate platforms against your needs
Consider your existing technology stack (Microsoft shops may benefit from Power Apps), complexity requirements, and budget. Most vendors offer free trials.
-
Run a pilot project
Before committing, build a real (but non-critical) application. This reveals practical challenges and helps you assess whether the platform fits your needs.
-
Establish governance early
Define who can build what, security review requirements, and how applications will be maintained. Ungoverned citizen development creates technical debt.
-
Plan for training
Budget for training both IT staff and citizen developers. Platform vendors typically offer certification programmes.
Need guidance? If you're unsure whether low-code is right for your situation, or need help evaluating platforms and planning adoption, we can help. Get in touch for an honest assessment of your options.
