Our Story
Meet the two Manchester-based founders who started CloudBrew with a simple mission: to make quality software accessible to every small business.
How It All Started
CloudBrew began in 2022 when two friends, both engineers working in Manchester's thriving tech scene, noticed a recurring problem. Small businesses around them were struggling to find affordable, quality software solutions that could grow with their needs.
They understood the power of well-designed software. But they also saw how the high costs and complex processes often put these solutions out of reach for smaller enterprises. That's when they decided to do something about it.
Starting from cafés and late nights, they set out to bridge this gap, combining their technical expertise with a deep understanding of what small businesses really need.
Manchester Roots
Proudly based in Manchester, we understand the entrepreneurial spirit and community values that drive small businesses in the North West and beyond.
Meet the Team
The two people behind CloudBrew's success
Ashley Williams
Co-Founder
With over a decade of experience spanning both the software industry and academia, Ashley brings a unique passion for grounding practical development in rigorous engineering principles. A University of Canterbury PhD, he applied his research into software quality and evidence-based practice in several technical and academic roles before co-founding CloudBrew.
Ash's focus is on ensuring our solutions are built on validated, cutting-edge techniques, making them not just functional, but robust and genuinely future-proof. When he's not architecting software, you might find him climbing, skiing, or exploring the outdoors with his two dogs.
Jacob Alcock
Co-Founder
Guided by a security-first mindset, Jake brings years of programming experience to building resilient, user-focused solutions. A graduate in Computer Science from Manchester Metropolitan University, he honed his skills as a full-stack developer, engineer and cybersecurity consultant before co-founding CloudBrew.
Jake's focus is on fleshing out the details and embedding security into every stage of the development lifecycle, ensuring our solutions are not just innovative, but fundamentally secure. When he's not architecting cloud infrastructure, you'll find him with his 4 cats, in the rock climbing gym as an avid boulder or competing in Capture the Flag events.
Building lasting relationships with businesses across the UK
Building for the Future
Our vision extends beyond just creating software. We want to be the technology partner that small businesses can rely on as they grow and evolve. Every solution we build is designed with scalability in mind, ensuring that what works for you today will continue to serve you tomorrow.
We believe that the best technology solutions come from understanding not just what a business does, but how it thinks and operates. That's why we take the time to really get to know our clients, building relationships that last well beyond the initial project delivery.
As Manchester continues to establish itself as a major tech hub, we're proud to be part of that journey, helping local businesses leverage technology to compete on a national and international stage.
What Drives Us
The values that guide every decision we make
PERSONAL TOUCH
You'll always work directly with us, the founders. No account managers, no middlemen – just genuine, personal service from people who care about your success.
TRANSPARENCY
No hidden costs, no surprise charges. We believe in clear communication and honest pricing from day one.
QUALITY FIRST
We'd rather build fewer projects excellently than many projects adequately. Quality is never compromised for speed or cost.
ACCESSIBILITY
Great software shouldn't be a luxury. We work hard to make our solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes and budgets.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Technology evolves rapidly, and so do we. We're committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancement to serve you better.
LOCAL ROOTS
Proudly Manchester-based, we understand the local business landscape and are committed to supporting the growth of businesses in our community and beyond.
Ready to Work With Us?
We'd love to hear about your project and explore how we can help your business grow with the right technology solutions.