Upgrade your PHP version without the breakages
We test your code against a current PHP release, fix what fails and switch over safely.
In plain English.
PHP is the language most small business websites run on, including WordPress, WooCommerce, Joomla and Laravel. Each version only receives security fixes for a set period. PHP 7.4 lost support in 2022, PHP 8.1 at the end of 2025, and PHP 8.2 follows at the end of 2026.
Hosts eventually force upgrades, and older code can break when they do. Functions that were removed, stricter type handling and changed defaults all cause fatal errors. Typical symptoms are a blank page, a broken checkout or a plugin that suddenly stops saving.
We copy your site to a test server running PHP 8.3 or 8.4, scan the code with PHPCompatibility and run through key pages and forms. Faults are fixed in your theme or custom code, outdated plugins updated or replaced, and the live switch happens with a rollback ready.
It suits you if.
- Your host has warned that your PHP version is being retired
- Your site still runs PHP 7.x or 8.0
- You have custom code written years ago by someone else
- Site Health or your hosting panel shows a PHP warning
- You tried switching PHP version and the site broke
What we do.
Automated compatibility scan
PHPCompatibility for PHP_CodeSniffer flags removed functions and syntax changes across your theme, plugins and custom code.
Real testing on a copy
A scan misses things, so we also click through forms, checkout, search and the admin area on a staging copy running the new version.
Code fixes, not workarounds
We correct deprecated calls and type errors in the code itself, rather than hiding warnings, so the next upgrade is easier.
Plugin and library updates
Old plugins and Composer packages are updated where possible. Abandoned ones are replaced with maintained alternatives.
Rollback plan
Before switching live we confirm the previous PHP version can be restored quickly if something unexpected appears.
How it runs.
- 01
Free 15-minute call
Tell us your platform, current PHP version and any custom work. We explain the likely effort and agree a price.
- 02
Scan and stage
We copy the site to staging on the new PHP version and run the compatibility scan.
- 03
Fix and test
Errors are fixed one by one, then we test every important page and process.
- 04
Switch live
We change the live PHP version at a quiet time, check everything again and keep the rollback ready for a few days.
Questions people ask.
Why can I not stay on my current version?
An unsupported PHP version no longer receives security fixes, so known holes stay open. Plugin authors also drop support for old versions, which means you stop getting updates. Many hosts will move you anyway, which is riskier if nobody has tested first.
How much does a PHP upgrade cost?
A tidy WordPress site with well-maintained plugins can be quick. Older custom code takes longer. After the free call and a first look at the code, we give you a fixed price so you know the cost before work starts.
Will the site be offline during the upgrade?
Not normally. The fixing happens on a staging copy while your live site keeps running. The switch itself takes minutes, and we schedule it for a quiet time of day.
What if my host only offers old PHP versions?
Then the host is part of the problem. We can move you to our own hosting, which starts from £9.95 a month and runs current PHP, or help you move to another provider that supports it.
Your next chapter starts with a conversation.
Nottingham & Derby / UK-wideLet’s build
what’s next.
15 minutes with Garreth.
A real conversation about your business.