The cost varies significantly by experience level. Junior developers cost £25,000-£40,000 annually, mid-level developers £40,000-£65,000, and senior developers £65,000-£100,000+. Freelancers charge £200-£600 daily. Remember to add 25-40% for employment costs like National Insurance and equipment.

It depends on your needs. Hire in-house when you have consistent long-term work and can afford full employment costs. Use freelancers for specific short-term projects or specialised skills. Many startups successfully use both, maintaining a core team while bringing in contractors for specific needs.

Typically 4-8 weeks from posting a job to someone starting work. This includes advertising (1-2 weeks), interviewing (1-2 weeks), decision-making (1 week), and notice periods (2-4 weeks). Working with development companies or freelancers can be much faster, often 1-2 weeks.

Look for both technical and soft skills. Technical skills depend on your project (React, Python, Node.js, etc.), but also assess problem-solving ability, learning capacity, and communication skills. For startups, adaptability and the ability to work with ambiguity matter as much as specific technologies.

Yes, if they're working as your employees or contractors in the UK, you must verify their right to work. This applies even for remote positions. For contractors from other countries, different rules apply, and you should get proper legal advice on classification and compliance.

Hiring individual developers means you manage recruitment, onboarding, day-to-day work, and quality control yourself. Development companies provide complete teams, project management, and established processes. They're typically more expensive per hour but reduce your management burden and hiring risk.

Use practical assessments like reviewing their portfolio, checking references, giving paid test projects, or having a technical advisor conduct interviews. Look for clear communication about technical concepts, demonstrated problem-solving ability, and a track record of completed projects.

Essential elements include job responsibilities, salary and benefits, working hours and location, intellectual property assignment, confidentiality clauses, notice periods, and termination conditions. Always have contracts reviewed by a solicitor familiar with employment law and tech industry practices.