App experts are happy with move to new HQ in York

Stefan Perauer and Mark Bryan head a ten-strong team of designers and software programmers at app development business Thumbmunkeys.

They have relocated their team from home offices into new 345-sq ft premises at the The Catalyst at York Science Park where they hope to connect with other computer science talent.

Thumbmunkeys was established in 2011 in Austria and moved to York in 2014. The firm is one of 37 consulting partners to Xamarin - the creator of a pioneering mobile app development framework which operates across mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. As an authorised consulting partner, Thumbmunkeys develops software that is transferable across all mobile platforms and is easy to operate – a crucial requirement for avid app users.

“We have carved out a niche position in the market and we know it extremely well,” said co-founder Mr Perauer. “We recognise that mobile app users are becoming more discerning. They want apps and data to load quickly and be simple and intuitive to use, otherwise they will quickly move on to something else.

“Making the move to a new office was really important for the business to progress and grow. The office is modern and in a great location, plus it’s a lovely green environment.

“We are both cyclists, and it was important for us to be based somewhere with good cycle connections. We have been working from home for two years, and moving to The Catalyst has helped bring us all together under one roof.

“This alone has already greatly benefitted the business and, now that we’re located close by, we’re also looking forward to developing closer ties with the University of York as we will have a number of internship and project opportunities in the near future.”

Tracey Smith, science park chief executive, said: “Thumbmunkeys are a great fit with the mix of residents we have currently, and it’s good to know that their new headquarters really suit the business, in terms of space, style and location.”