Hi there, I'm Michael,

Taking a photograph in EdinburghI live in Manchester, UK, I'm a web developer with a passion for creating engaging user interfaces and I love building intuitive, efficient systems that are enjoyable to use. My practical nature drives me to see things working - I simply can't rest until they do. I primarily work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, although I draw upon my graphic design, photography and typography skills from my early days.

Currently my focus is on React, Three.js and 3D web experiences. I'm learning TypeScript, unit, integration and E2E testing to add these to my skillset.

What started as a hobby has evolved into an exciting career, taking me on a fantastic life journey. I've had the opportunity to travel and work in different countries, lecture at a university, and collaborate with some amazing people along the way.

Engaged in MeribelMeribel logo

I feel blessed

to be married to my beautiful wife and to have two wonderful children who bring me endless joy and motivation to be the best I can for them.

I love to teach, and learn!

I've been tinkering with computers since the late 1980s and in the fast-paced world of web development, I've gained invaluable knowledge over 25 years, constantly inspired by the incredible resources shared within the open-source web community.

I've equally enjoyed giving back

, whether through lecturing or advocating for key causes like accessibility and page speed performance. I've shared my expertise with various development teams, businesses, and organizations, helping to drive positive change in the industry.

Career info:

Senior 3D Developer at Victorian Plumbing Ltd, Manchester

Sept 2024 - Present

Promoted within the company to deliver a new 3D solution allowing customers to visualise products offering a personalised and immersive experience.

  • Laid the foundation and architecture for the project using React, Three JS and other supporting technologies
  • Researched the best technology for current and future needs, including VR and AR capabilities
  • Implemented TypeScript and a modular approach to ensure quality, safety and scalability of the codebase
  • Met with specialised companies offering industry leading scanning equipment to test and select the best solutions to solve Victorian Plumbings challenge of generating 3D assets for its catalogue of over 30 thousand products

React Front End Developer at Victorian Plumbing Ltd, Manchester

Sept 2021 - Sept 2024

Victorian Plumbing is the UK's number 1 bathroom retailer with revenues just under one million pounds per day. I joined a team of 4 to completely rebuild the customer-facing website.

  • Worked with a bespoke React single-page app built using Express and Umbraco CMS
  • Utilised backend APIs for products, stock, delivery, basket, and checkout information
  • Extensively used Redux for state management alongside local and session storage
  • Championed accessibility, delivering training and workshops for the IT team
  • Followed atomic design principles to structure codebase and components
  • Managed styling using CSS-in-JS styled components with Figma and an internal component library

Front End Developer at Beeta Tech Ltd, Manchester

July 2020 - Aug 2021

  • Built the front end of a food delivery service website receiving products via an API
  • Styled the back-end CMS managing orders, products, stock & customers using Bootstrap and custom CSS
  • Developed a front end for a product enabling AI-driven chatbot creation
  • Delivered a solution for facilitating the application of "green home grants" from the government

Front End Developer at Ripe Insurance Services Ltd, Manchester

Sept 2017 - March 2020

Worked on multiple brands offering niche insurance for Golf, Shooting, Boats, Sport, Cycling, and Photography

  • Researched and introduced Google AMP technology, quadrupling conversion rates and doubling revenue
  • Optimised PageSpeed scores, greatly improving ranking positions and reducing loading times
  • Delivered projects using React and Gatsby, expanding JavaScript knowledge
  • Delivered training on website performance, setting standards and best practices
  • Used new technologies: GIT, GIT Flow, TDD

Senior Front End Developer at ThinkMoney Group, Manchester

Sept 2013 - Aug 2017

  • Built websites from the ground up, developing fast, attractive, accessible websites
  • Optimised load times, improving PageSpeed scores and significantly reducing load times
  • Led a team of up to 5 junior-mid level developers, applying best practices and raising team abilities
  • Introduced Gulp to streamline workflows and optimise front-end strategies
  • Improved PPC campaigns with A/B testing, raising conversions from 10% to over 30%

Self Employed, Web Design Business: 'Creative Outlet'

Jan 2004 - Sept 2013

Managed multiple client contracts, delivering web design, branding, and development for various businesses:

  • JD Williams:

    Managed large retail brand accounts, increasing turnover from £80,000-120,000k to £300,000-400,000 per week

  • Wentworths:

    Created a strong brand identity and achieved high SEO rankings for targeted keywords

  • SONY.com & Dabs.com:

    Maintained brand identity while working on high-traffic e-commerce websites

  • Salford University, IT Lecturer:

    Planned and delivered courses for 40 graduate students, achieving excellent grading results

Web Designer at Influence Design Agency, Manchester

Sept 2002 - Dec 2003

Web Designer at ASP Global, Salford

Feb 1999 - Aug 2002