Using AI & Building Mission Critical Tech Products with Phil Parkinson & Josh Nicholson (Shape.tech)

In this episode, host Paul Lancaster sits down with Phil Parkinson and Josh Nicholson of North East of England-based software development agency Shape Technical Consulting.

Phil and Josh break down how bespoke software solves the 'SaaS fragmentation' problem for growing SMEs, explaining why off-the-shelf tools often bottleneck scaling businesses. They dive into the reality of AI in software development - distinguishing between fast AI prototyping and building secure, GDPR-compliant, production-grade applications. They also share the story behind AGENTSdotNE, an initiative designed to upskill junior developers in AI-assisted workflows and bridge the tech skills gap in the North East of England.

Key Takeaways and Topics Covered

• Outgrowing Off-the-Shelf SaaS: Why growing businesses (5–10+ staff) face rising seat-based costs, fragmented workflows and process bottlenecks and how custom software consolidates operations and increases enterprise value.
• Case Study - Book Your Block: How Shape partnered with a US-based youth sports hotel sourcing company to build a custom platform, doubling their business in year one without increasing headcount.
• The Reality of AI in Software Engineering: The difference between rapid AI prototyping / wireframing and creating production-ready, secure, scalable software with real accountability.
• Leveraging AI for Faster Discovery: How Shape uses AI tools to collapse 8-week discovery and prototyping phases down to days, speeding up feedback loops for clients.
• Bridging the Junior Developer Skills Gap: The inspiration behind AGENTSdotNE, a North East community initiative focused on training emerging tech talent in AI-assisted development and connecting them with employers.
• Tech Innovation in the North East: Building world-class software from Gateshead / Newcastle upon Tyne and exporting technical expertise to national and global markets.

Learn more about Shape Technical Consulting and their work at https://www.shape.tech

In addition to being Host of the SuperConnector Show podcast, Paul Lancaster is Founder, Event Producer and Host of the popular, monthly PLATFORM events and 5-day UK Startup and Scaleup Week festivals. He is also Coach and Mentor for busy entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders who want to focus and be more productive. Find out more at https://platformevents.ai & https://ukstartupweek.com