Solving Business Problems Through Software

Building robust,
scalable web
applications

25+ years of expertise in full-stack development, specialising in PHP, Laravel and product applications. Delivering high-quality solutions for ambitious businesses.

Product Software Engineer

People often describe me as a "Product Guy" - someone who doesn't just write code but thinks about the business, the users, and the outcomes. I enjoy collaborating with teams, blending strategy with hands-on development, and seeing ideas come to life.

Who I Work With

Is This You?

🚀

SaaS Founders

You're building a product and need a technical partner who understands both code and business. You want someone who can ship features fast without cutting corners.

🏢

Growing Businesses

Your current system is holding you back. You need someone to modernise legacy code, improve performance, or build new features on top of existing systems.

🎨

Agencies

You need reliable overflow development support. A senior developer who can slot into projects, work independently, and deliver quality code your clients will love.

Typical Project Size
£5k - £50k
Retainer
Flexible Monthly
Discovery Call
Free

Every project is different. These ranges give you a sense of typical engagements, but I'm happy to discuss your specific needs and budget.

Selected Work

Recent Projects

Online Auction Platform

Real-time bidding platform built with Laravel, featuring live auction tracking, automated bid management, and secure payment processing for high-volume transactions.

Laravel Livewire Reverb Alpine.js MySQL

Email Server Manager

Helping teams stay organised with smart out-of-office scheduling and email management that simplifies coordination, automates routine tasks, and provides clear reporting to keep everyone on the same page.

Laravel PHP MySQL

Bullion Pricing Comparison

Real-time precious metals pricing comparison platform built with Ruby on Rails, aggregating data from multiple dealers to help investors find the best prices for gold, silver, and platinum products.

Ruby on Rails PostgreSQL Web Scraping API Integration Tailwind

Want to Know More?

Let's discuss your project and see how I can help

Book a Call
Why Choose Me

What Sets Me Apart

Business-First Thinking

I don't just write code - I solve business problems. Every technical decision is made with your goals, users, and ROI in mind.

25+ Years of Real Experience

From .NET in 2001 to modern Laravel - I've seen technology evolve and know what actually works in production, not just in tutorials.

Full-Stack Ownership

From database architecture to frontend polish, I handle the complete stack. No need to coordinate multiple specialists.

Clear Communication

No jargon, no surprises. I explain technical decisions in plain English and keep you informed every step of the way.

Built to Scale

I architect systems that grow with your business. Clean, maintainable code that your future team will thank you for.

True Partnership

I'm invested in your success, not just completing tasks. I'll challenge ideas, suggest improvements, and act like part of your team.

Services

How I Can Help

Custom Laravel Applications

Full-stack development of bespoke web applications tailored to your specific business needs. From concept to deployment.

Includes:
  • Requirements analysis
  • Database design
  • Full development & testing
  • Deployment & support
Get a Quote

Legacy System Modernisation

Transform outdated systems into modern, maintainable applications without disrupting your business operations.

Includes:
  • System audit & analysis
  • Migration strategy
  • Phased implementation
  • Data migration
Get a Quote

Technical Consulting & Advisory

Expert guidance on architecture, best practices, code reviews, and technical decision-making for your team. Direction to elevate your development.

Includes:
  • Architecture review
  • Code audits
  • Performance optimisation
  • Team training
Get a Quote

Flexible Engagement Models

Project-Based

Fixed scope and timeline for defined deliverables

Hourly

Flexible support for ongoing development needs

Retainer

Dedicated monthly hours for continuous collaboration

Client Feedback

What Clients Say

"Alan has a talent for transforming complex business challenges into straightforward, technical solutions that deliver tangible impact. He's a product obsessive with a product-driven mindset - he writes code with purpose and focus, understanding the business requirements, users, and desired outcomes. His ability to balance technical excellence with strategic direction makes him a valuable collaborator."

Robin Richmond
Owner, RR&A

"Working with Alan has been a real pleasure. He's curious, dependable, and always ready to help. What stands out is how he doesn't just solve problems, he sees through them. Cutting through the complexity to find clear, practical answers. He understands how technology fits into the bigger picture."

Justin Smith
Director, Orbital Design

"Alan worked at Make Studio as our lead developer, helping us build some great sites, he's highly knowledgeable and understands the detail of design that needs to be respected. Always working with a cheeky smile on his face, he loves a challenge and is always proactive and self-initiated to explore new ideas."

Chris Bainbridge
Creative Director/Founder, Make Studio

"Alan has worked as a contractor for our company. Regardless of our location and time zone, he has consistently been available when needed. His cheerful, professional manner, along with his willingness to listen to our needs and then build according to specifications, has made him a valuable partner in our business."

Greg Sharp
CEO, President, Publisher, Sea Hill Press inc

"Alan is a highly skilled web developer experienced in both content management and e-commerce environments. His extensive knowledge is a significant advantage. Highly recommended."

Richard Gosler
Founder, Pixelhaus

"Alan helped me with the redevelopment of my website. He did a fantastic job building a site that was optimised for SEO. I recommend Alan for any web design & coding work."

Mark Matysiak
Owner, Vision Photographic
About

Experienced developer
focused on quality

I'm a software engineer with over 25 years of experience building scalable web applications, primarily using PHP and Laravel. I love tackling complex business problems and turning them into simple, elegant technical solutions that actually make a difference.

Over the years, I've learned that good code is only part of the equation - understanding the why behind what we build is just as important. That's why my approach always starts with the problem, not the tech stack. Once the goal is clear, I focus on crafting solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with the bigger picture.

I am someone who doesn't just write code but thinks about the business, the users, and the outcomes.

Core Competencies

Database Design

Expert in designing scalable database architectures and optimising SQL queries for performance.

Content Architecture

Structuring content systems for optimal user experience and content management efficiency.

Project Planning

Comprehensive project scoping, specification writing, and stakeholder collaboration.

Technical Problem Solving

Analytical approach to complex technical challenges with innovative solutions.

Full-Stack Development

End-to-end development from database design through frontend implementation.

Quality Assurance

Test-driven development with Pest and PHPUnit ensuring code reliability and maintainability.

Technical Skills

Technology Stack

Backend

PHP & Laravel
Core expertise
MySQL
Database management
REST APIs
Integration & development
Python
High-level, general-purpose

Frontend

Livewire & FluxUI
Dynamic interfaces
Alpine.js
Reactive framework
Tailwind CSS
Modern styling
Responsive Design
Mobile-first approach

Tools & Platforms

PhpStorm, RubyMine, PyCharm
JetBrains IDE's
Git / GitHub
Version control
Pest / PHPUnit
Testing frameworks
Laravel Forge & Digital Ocean
Deployment & cloud platform

I also have experience with Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, and other technologies depending on project requirements.

How We'll Work Together

Simple, Transparent Process

1

Discovery Call

We'll discuss your project goals, challenges, and requirements. This initial conversation helps me understand your vision and determine if we're a good fit.

2

Planning & Proposal

I'll analyse your needs, create a detailed project plan, and provide a transparent proposal with timeline and costs. No surprises.

3

Development

Iterative development with regular check-ins and demos. You'll see progress throughout and have opportunities to provide feedback.

4

Launch & Support

Smooth deployment to production, thorough testing, and post-launch support to ensure everything runs perfectly.

What to Expect

Communication

Regular updates via your preferred channel (Slack, email, or video calls)

Timeline

Realistic estimates with milestone-based delivery and transparent progress tracking

Quality

Clean, tested code following best practices with comprehensive documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

How quickly can you start on a new project?

I typically can start within 1-2 weeks, depending on my current workload. For urgent projects, I may be able to accommodate shorter notice. Let's discuss your timeline during our discovery call.

Do you work with startups or just established businesses?

I work with both! I've helped startups build their MVPs and assisted established businesses in modernizing their systems. Each brings unique challenges and opportunities that I enjoy tackling.

Do you work remotely or on-site?

I work exclusively remotely, which allows for flexible collaboration and efficient project delivery. All meetings are held via Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet, ensuring clear communication regardless of your location.

What if I need changes after the project is complete?

All projects include a post-launch support period to address any issues. For ongoing changes and feature additions, we can arrange a maintenance retainer or hourly support agreement that fits your needs.

How do you handle project pricing?

Pricing depends on project scope and complexity. I offer fixed-price project quotes for well-defined work, hourly rates for ongoing support, and monthly retainers for continuous collaboration. You'll always receive a detailed breakdown before we start.

Currently Accepting New Projects

Ready to Start Your Project

New build, modernisation, or technical consulting - book a free discovery call. No obligation, just an honest conversation about your goals.

Book a Discovery Call
Contact

Let's work
together

Available for freelance projects, contract work, and full-time opportunities. Let's discuss how I can help with your next project.

I typically respond within 24 hours. After you reach out, we'll schedule a brief discovery call to discuss your project goals, timeline, and how I can help bring your vision to life.