My Story

Philip's back story

Born in Hitchin and grew up in Letchworth.  Early family trauma shaped my childhood. I didn’t enjoy school that much - lots of bullying and financial challenges which led to teasing and a sense of loneliness.

My escape from this was my trusty BBC computer which introduced me to the world of coding and gaming. I also had a love of sci fi, especially Star Wars, and some of my original Star Wars figures still have pride of place in my home office. This time of my life helped shape who I am, instilling in me the importance of belonging, fairness, and genuine emotions.

As a teenager, TV shows like “The Young Ones” and authors like Douglas Adams helped shaped my love of dry humour and word play. I also carried on my enjoyment of computers, especially computer games like Civilisation; a glimpse into my future passion for technology.

At school we were the first year to do Computing as an A level, which I studied alongside Double Maths and Physics.

I followed this with a Physics degree at Nottingham University and at a careers fair I got a job as a trainee programmer whilst I decided what I wanted to do for a job, and have been in IT ever since. I worked up from programmer to senior programmer to Development Lead and my strengths lay in project management and technical expertise.

In 2014, given a redundancy opportunity after 18 years in corporate life, I made a life-altering decision. Motivated by spending more time with my daughters Amelie and Eloise, and by ongoing health issues, I founded my own business. This gave me control of my work environment and work-life flexibility and I haven’t looked back!

I had previously taught myself website development and really enjoyed it so started doing IT Support which included websites. I quickly dropped the IT side focusing on websites as I loved the combination of technical with creative along with the need to understand businesses needs. Looking at competitors I quickly realised that it's more important to give customers what they need for a website rather than what I think looks nice or an off-the-shelf template.

My focus is on the technical side of websites and over time I've built up a team of people I trust and regularly call upon for different aspects (copy, design, etc.) using my project management experience to coordinate everything.

Today, I get a lot of job satisfaction from crafting tailored website solutions that drive my clients' businesses forward. I still have health challenges, but having found my niche I’m now able to thrive on my own terms.

My early fascination with tech continues to this day and since launching the business in 2014 the world of websites looks very different and moves on all the time, so I'm constantly learning and refining the solutions I provide. I enjoy working directly with business owners and managers, communicating with them to understand their needs and ensure their website build projects go smoothly.

Outside of work I’m still a Star Wars and science fiction fan. I also enjoy walking, reading and strategy board games. We now live in the lovely village of Kimbolton (in Cambridgeshire) and are blessed to have many great countryside walks on our doorstep. I enjoy a drop or two of Single Malt Whisky and try to treat myself to a new bottle after each new website project is signed off (but I don't Drink & Program!)

Shorter Versions of Origin Story

Shorter Summary

Born in Hitchin, my early life had its challenges, but, my refuge was my BBC computer, which ignited my passion for coding. This era instilled values of belonging and fairness in me.

My teenage years nurtured my tech interests, especially through early computer games. I was among the first to study Computing at A-level, followed by a Physics degree at Nottingham University. There, I secured my first job in IT and quickly progressed from programmer to Development Lead, honing my project management and technical expertise.

In 2014, I left the corporate world to launch my own business, primarily driven by a love for website development. Quickly realizing the importance of tailored solutions, I shifted my focus from generic IT to website-specific offerings. Rather than pushing my aesthetic or templated solutions, I prioritized the genuine needs of my clients.

I excel in the technical intricacies of web development, and over the years, I've built a trustworthy team, managing various website elements. Today, my satisfaction stems from creating unique website solutions that bolster my clients' businesses. The dynamic nature of the web demands constant learning and adaptation, ensuring that I stay updated and refine the services I provide.

I relish direct interactions with business stakeholders, ensuring seamless website projects. While tech remains my lifelong passion, outside work, I'm an avid Star Wars enthusiast and enjoy countryside walks in Kimbolton. After finalizing a website, I celebrate with a new bottle of Single Malt Whisky— but rest assured, I never Drink & Program!

Short Version

I’ve been fascinated by computers since an early age and transformed early tech passions into a thriving web development business. With an IT journey that began on a BBC computer, today I craft bespoke website solutions, always prioritising clients' genuine needs. Beyond the screen, I'm a Star Wars enthusiast and Single Malt Whisky aficionado.

My guiding principles

Being part of somethingI did struggle with fitting in as a child so belonging to something and being part of a team is very important to me.
Treating people fairlyI have a strong belief in fairness and treating each other well.
Doing the right thingBy comparing myself to other people doing websites, realised that it's more

important to give customers what they need for a website, rather than what 

I think looks nice or an off the shelf template.  Personal integrity.

ResilienceI’ve been through a lot and could have gone on long term sick before but didn’t.  Battling through regardless is key.
EmpathyMy health challenges have meant a conventional office job isn't possible for me

but I am able to flex my working conditions etc.  I try to understand that everyone has stuff going on and have empathy towards them.

More About Me snippets

Dry humour and punsAlways enjoyed drier humour (Blackadder etc.) and play on words.  I love

puns (Bill Bailey a favourite) and am a dab hand at Christmas Cracker jokes.

Was doing Dad jokes long before I became a Dad!

Sci fi and fantasyE.T. and Empire Strikes Back were the earliest films I saw and ever since

loved most things Sci Fi and fantasy.  Have a home cinema and favourite book

probably Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy.  My original Star Wars figures still

have pride of place in my home office.  One of earliest memories using my 

Grandads greenhouse as a Tardis playing Dr Who.

WhiskyI do enjoy a Single Malt Whisky.  I try to treat myself to a new bottle after

each new website project but make sure I drink it to stop the collection from

getting too large!

Thing I avoid talking about

PoliticsToo binary and all as bad as each other and too divisive
Football and SportAbsolutely no interest and tribalistic waste of time.