Bulgaria, and Sofia in particular, has become a well-known technology hub in Europe. For UK businesses, a nearshore team there offers a balance of technical depth, overlapping working hours and close collaboration.
Why nearshore rather than far offshore
- Time zone. Sofia is two hours ahead of London, so the working day largely overlaps.
- Travel. Direct flights make in-person workshops practical.
- Communication. Strong English and familiarity with European business practice.
- Talent. A deep pool of engineers across software, data and AI.
Combining local and nearshore
Many businesses prefer a partner with a presence in both places. Discovery, workshops and account contact can happen in the UK, while design and engineering are delivered by a closely connected team in Sofia. NKTech works this way, with offices in London and Sofia.
What to check
- A single accountable point of contact.
- Clear agreements on code ownership and data protection.
- Shared tools for planning, review and communication.
- Regular demos of working software.
Distance matters less than clarity. Shared goals and frequent demos keep any team aligned.
Is it right for you?
If you want an engaged engineering team that works in your hours and understands your business context, a London and Sofia model is worth considering. Start with a short discovery phase to test how well you work together.
