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About

The Curve is a business technology and software engineering company founded by brothers Paul and James Ridgway. We exist to help organisations get the return they deserve from technology.

Too often, we have seen projects overpromise and underdeliver - from fragmented systems and untapped data to legacy platforms that limit innovation. The Curve was founded in order to fix that: to deliver the kind of clarity, technical rigour and real-world thinking that turns investment into progress.

With backgrounds in scaling a UK tech business to 120 people across Europe, the US and China, Paul and James bring global experience and a grounded, pragmatic mindset. We’ve since built solutions across manufacturing, retail, IoT and the public sector - always focussing on creating meaningful business outcomes.

Why we exist

Because technology should create competitive advantage - not complexity.

The Curve removes the risk and complexity of managing your own development team, and guarantees access to top-tier technical expertise without the overheads.

Our Senior Leadership Team

Paul Ridgway profile picture

Paul Ridgway

Founder and CEO
With over a decade of experience leading technology businesses at both CEO and CTO level, Paul knows what it takes to scale teams, systems and services. He’s managed teams of 80+ developers and worked closely with leaders across operations, product and engineering, from the boardroom to the build room. Paul brings a rare combination of technical fluency and commercial clarity, with ability to truly align technology with business growth. He’s driven by a mission to replace overengineered, underperforming solutions with purposeful technology that works.
James Ridgway profile picture

James Ridgway

Founder and CTO
James brings more than 10 years of hands-on development and consulting experience, having led major software initiatives across a range of industries. His delivery strategy is grounded in technical excellence, consistency and best practice - the foundations that ensure projects don’t just ship, but succeed. Whether designing new architecture or unpicking legacy complexity, James thrives on solving real-world business challenges with elegant, reliable solutions. His focus is on building the right thing, the right way.
Mai Mai Steele profile picture

Mai Mai Steele

Chief Commercial Officer
Mai combines 9 years of senior project leadership in one of the UK’s largest content translation firms with 11 years at an International Software Company with hands-on experience in HR, operations and marketing. As Chief Commercial Officer at The Curve, Mai ensures our client engagements are grounded in clarity, quality, and meaningful impact, aligning delivery with commercial outcomes to create lasting value for our customers.

Our Advisory Board Members

Paul Howell profile picture

Paul Howell

Chief of the board
A serial founder and visionary CEO with more than 25 years’ experience disrupting industries, Paul brings invaluable perspective to The Curve’s strategic growth. His advice helps The Curve stay focused, ambitious and always grounded in commercial reality.
Melise Jones profile picture

Melise Jones

Advisor
As our former Client Services Director, Melise helped shape The Curve’s reputation for thoughtful, client-first service. Though retired in March 2024, she continues to provide input on strategic decisions and remains a vital part of our story.
Glyn Heath profile picture

Glyn Heath

Advisor
Having built and grown several technology companies from the ground up, Glyn brings hands-on knowledge of the challenges our clients face - from scaling teams to structuring operations. His insight sharpens our delivery and helps keep our services truly business-focused.
John Ryan profile picture

John Ryan

Advisor
John has deep expertise in Consultancy, Operations and Professional Services, and is passionate about driving growth through continual improvement. He works closely with our team to strengthen our service lines and ensure they keep pace with changing client needs.

How we work

Discovery: Defining the Right Path Forward

A successful project starts with a clear understanding of objectives, user needs, and operational realities. Our Discovery Phase is designed to align your vision with a practical, achievable route forward, ensuring that technology genuinely supports your business goals.


Rather than just taking requirements at face value, we dig deeper to understand why you need a solution, uncovering hidden challenges and opportunities. This process helps challenge assumptions, refine priorities, and define a solution that not only meets immediate needs but also delivers long-term value.

Reducing Risk, Increasing Clarity

Discovery isn’t just about documentation, it's about de-risking the project. By evaluating technical, operational, and organisational constraints early, we ensure your solution is feasible, scalable, and sustainable.


We assess existing systems, integration requirements, and compliance considerations, providing a clear picture of potential risks, dependencies, and limitations. This upfront clarity helps keep your project on schedule and within budget.

Stakeholder Alignment for Success

A successful project starts with a clear understanding of objectives, user needs, and operational realities. Our Discovery Phase is designed to align your vision with a practical, achievable route forward, ensuring that technology genuinely supports your business goals.


Rather than just taking requirements at face value, we dig deeper to understand why you need a solution, uncovering hidden challenges and opportunities. This process helps challenge assumptions, refine priorities, and define a solution that not only meets immediate needs but also delivers long-term value.

The Output: A Clear Roadmap

At the end of Discovery, you'll have:


  • A detailed report outlining findings, challenges, and opportunities
  • A summary presentation to align stakeholders and drive decision-making
  • A phased roadmap that lays out the next steps for development

With a strong foundation in place, your project is set up for success, minimising surprises and maximising impact.

What people say about us

I honestly can't recommend The Curve highly enough. I have worked with Paul & James on a variety of projects. Their experience, knowledge & expertise are at the highest level. The team are efficient, personable and professional. They consistently go above and beyond to hit deadlines, accommodate late minute changes and ensure I'm happy with all aspects of every project. The Curve give us regular updates and respond incredibly quickly - even after hours!


On a number of projects they have offered support on related topics/work issues outside their commissioned remit. I'm a self-confessed technophobe, yet Paul & James have made the entire, and somewhat alien experience of building & designing a multi-faceted website really enjoyable and rewarding. The Curve have had a hugely positive impact across all areas of the company and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them - in fact, I wouldn't use anyone else.

Letty Butler

Creative Coordinator, Kurious Arts

The team at The Curve is extremely responsive and flexible. Their collaborative and innovative approach to projects & managed services fits perfectly with our own development team and the platforms we use for our business.

Steven Shinn

Co-Founder / CEO, Disputed.io

The Curve understood our team’s high expectations, clearly and sensibly outlined how these would be met in ambitious timeframes. Their expertise and approach throughout the project reassured us that the system would fulfil our requirements and the ever-changing needs of our growing business.

Adam Ellis

Managing Partner, Prospera Wealth Management

The Curve’s approach and communication is regular and fluid which really helps get the best out of the team. They have put in place industry standard project management practices that greatly assist with this communication.

Chris Iveson

CEO, FourJaw Manufacturing

Our Commitment To Talent

We deliver projects for a wide range of industries – ranging from SMEs to large public sector organisations. These projects span a variety of modern technologies, providing opportunities to learn and adapt to unique challenges.

If you would thrive in a team that strives for excellence whilst experiencing new and exciting challenges then get in touch and reach out to us on our career page.

Careers Page

Accreditations, Networks and Associations

Crown Commercial Service Supplier
Amazon
Cyber Essentials
IONOS
Sheffield Digital
Tech Climbers