About
Kevin is an experienced IT Freelancer & Consultant
Working for the past twenty years as a web designer and developer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my collaborations with clients: individuals to businesses.
Work Experience
I started my career in 1994 at Barclaycard working as a mainframe analyst/programmer assigned to a large-scale project employing over 200 IT professionals and contractors.
Three years later I went freelance, working as a contractor for six years with Norwich Union (now Aviva) in a mainframe analyst/programmer role, supporting and developing the technical testing environment used by a large business user community.
Since 2003 (excluding a three-month hiatus contracting back at Aviva in 2005) I’ve been working freelance as a full-stack web designer and developer managing every aspect of my clients’ web projects from the back end (database design, server programming) through to the front end (the website’s design and user interface).
Qualifications
After passing two A-levels taken at evening classes in 1991, I secured a place at Leeds University as a mature student reading Computer Science (BSc). Three years later I graduated with a first-class honours degree. This opportunity landed me my first employment at Barclaycard.
I’ve been a professional member (MBCS) of the British Computer Society – the Chartered Institute for IT in the UK – for over twenty years and I am a strong advocate for its professional code of conduct, values and agenda to help, promote and advise the IT industry, its workers and the Government through the many ethical challenges facing the industry today.
Services Offered
There are many other aspects of IT relating to web design and computing in general that are not covered by the list above, but which I may be able to help.
As a strong advocate for open-source software I’m especially keen to advise on the benefits of this paradigm for both personal users and business, especially in light of the release of Windows 11 and the sad fact that perfectly good hardware may be disposed of because Microsoft deems it not capable to run Windows 11; there are alternatives!
Your Web Project: Six Stages
01.
Requirements
Requirements define the site’s aesthetics, functionality, usability and features desired by the client. They guide design and development, ensuring the site meets user needs and goals in an engaging and accessibility manner.
02.
Design
Website design focuses on aesthetics and user experience. The front end handles the visible part of the site using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, while the back end manages server-side operations and databases.
03.
Development
Website development involves building and coding the website, split into front end (user interface and experience) and back end (server, database and application logic) to ensure functionality and performance.
04.
Content Creation
Website content creation involves writing text, choosing images or taking photographs and multimedia. It aims to engage users, convey information effectively, optimize for search engines, and align with the client’s brand and objectives.
05.
Testing & Deployment
Website testing ensures functionality, usability and performance are verified before deployment. Deployment involves releasing the site to a live environment, ensuring both front-end (UI) and back-end (server-side) components function correctly.
06.
Maintenance
Website maintenance ensures ongoing site functionality and performance. It involves regular updates, bug fixes, backups and content updates. Continuous monitoring and optimization keep the website running smoothly and efficiently for users.
Why Choose Me?
So why choose me instead of an agency, another freelancer or a web building service like Wix, SquareSpace or Shopify? Here are a few reasons I can think of to help you decide if a freelancer is right for you.
With thirty years commercial IT experience I have the wide range of skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage and deliver your project. I have experience in analysis, design, programming, IT support and customer services: a full and extensive range of web skills.
Ever since I came across my first personal computer (a ZX80 at high school) I knew where my future lay! From programming Space Invaders™ in machine code on my ZX Spectrum, via graduating from Leeds University in 1994 with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, to thirty years of solid commercial IT experience working at two of the UKs largest financial institutions: Barclaycard and Norwich Union).
I’ve always gone the extra mile to help and support my clients, many of whom are not technical and sometimes struggle with the maintenance of their site; I’m always here to assist and advise on anything related to your website. As a freelancer I will be with you throughout the entire life cycle of your project and beyond – just one person to liaise with and get to know.
From domain name registration to PC Help & Support. My full list of services covers everything you need whether it’s a new project, help with an existing website, or just a niggling problem you’re having with your PC, call me today for help and I’ll get you up and running.
As a freelancer I don’t have the overheads of an agency, nor am I VAT registered. My rates are considerably cheaper than agencies and also much cheaper than most other freelancers. I believe in charging a fair rate, so I don’t have expensive monthly contracts or any tie-ins. All my pricing is transparent and clients are always free to move their website or domain name elsewhere, or have someone else maintain their website should they choose.
I’ve been a professional member of the British Computer Society (BCS) – the Chartered Institute for IT in the United Kingdom – since 2001 and remain committed to its standards for IT including its Code of Conduct for members.
Statistics
A few numbers that track my career in web design & development:
Years Web Designing
Projects Completed
Web Pages Coded
Lines of Program Code
Would you like to start a project with me?
Whatever your requirements I’d be delighted to help, advise and work with you to bring your project to a successful conclusion. So whether you’re looking for a new website, some help with an existing site (analysis, hosting, maintenance etc.) or if you just have a problem with your PC, call me today for a free no-obligation quotation.