About

I build Python and Django backends, and I bring seven years of keeping real systems running across more than 80 client sites.

My IT infrastructure work taught me to think in systems, debug methodically and keep things reliable. I now apply that to backend engineering: relational databases, REST APIs, Git workflows, Docker and the command line. I also use AI tools (Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude) to speed up development, debugging and documentation.

Career path

Commercial leadership, 1989–2018Business development, sales and ownership
IT, 2019–2025Infrastructure
NowSoftware

Experience

IT Consultant, Oakford Technology Ltd

February 2019 to November 2025

  • Supported IT systems across 80+ client sites (50+ schools, 30+ businesses), covering servers, networking and endpoint security.
  • Project-managed a cloud migration and hardware refresh of 500+ devices, planning the rollout and testing to minimise downtime.
  • Resolved complex, multi-layered faults through root-cause troubleshooting.
  • Automated recurring admin and deployment tasks with scripting and Group Policy.
  • Turned technical issues and plans into clear guidance for non-technical stakeholders.

Earlier career, 1989 to 2018

Senior commercial and business development roles

National Business Development Manager (APD Ltd), Sales Manager (CAE Oxford Aviation Academy), Fleet Business Development Manager (Inchcape Toyota), Export Commercial Manager (Essentra PLC), and Director/Owner (RM Roper & Co / Retro Cycle Factors). This is where I built my stakeholder management, project delivery and communication skills, including launching a revenue-generating e-commerce website.

Software engineering

Software Engineering Bootcamp

HyperionDev / University of Manchester

  • Built Python applications with file handling, user authentication and data validation.
  • Designed and queried MySQL and MariaDB databases, and charted results with Matplotlib.
  • Developed web applications with HTML/CSS front ends and Python backend logic.
  • Wrote automation and data-processing scripts with structured error handling.
  • Applied OOP (classes, inheritance, encapsulation) across capstone projects, using Git and testing throughout.

Skills

Backend
PythonDjangoREST APIsOOPUnit testingHTML/CSS
Databases
SQLiteMariaDB/MySQLCRUDSchema design
Tooling and systems
DockerGit/GitHubLinux CLIWindows ServerActive DirectoryVLANs and routingGroup Policy
Data and AI
MatplotlibPower BI (studying)CopilotChatGPTClaude
Strengths
Debugging, automation, problem decomposition, clean maintainable code, clear technical communication.

Education and certifications

  • Software Engineering Bootcamp, HyperionDev / University of Manchester
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate, including Power BI
  • PRINCE2 Foundation (Project Management)
  • Cyber Essentials Auditor (not certified)
  • Langdon (London)