Building things people rely on

I've been building software since 1993 and working as an independent IT consultant since 1997. In that time the tools have changed completely — from AS/400 and Visual Basic through to SQL Server, .NET, Power BI and Azure — but the job hasn't. It's still about understanding what a business actually needs, building the right thing, and delivering something people can rely on after I've gone.

My background is genuinely technical. I started as a software developer, moved into database and data warehouse development, and have specialised for years in business intelligence and data solutions across the full Microsoft stack — SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS and Power BI — following Kimball methodology for dimensional modelling. More recently I've been modernising data platforms toward Azure.

I've also led teams. As Technical Team Leader I've run delivery on large-scale projects, including a team of ten on a nationwide data migration, and mentored junior developers along the way. Some of that work required UK government security clearance (SC) and NPPV Level 3 vetting.

Clients over the years have included IBM, the Home Office, Lloyds Banking Group, Shawbrook Bank, the Ministry of Defence, the NHS, Sheffield Hallam University and Castle Howard — alongside charities, visitor attractions and smaller businesses. I enjoy a tightly-scoped job for a small team just as much as a major enterprise programme.

I'm a Microsoft Certified Trainer and have delivered technical courses to delegates at every skill level, which means I'm as comfortable explaining a system as building one.

Today I take on consultancy work directly and personally: data warehouse and BI projects, Azure migrations, and custom software for organisations that need a system built properly. Whether you're a large organisation or a small team, you'll deal with me throughout — get in touch.

Microsoft Certified: MCDBA, MCSD, MCT, MCSA. CompTIA CTT+. BA (Hons) Business Studies.