How I work.
My rate is £150 per hour plus VAT where applicable, no retainer or lock-in. The initial consultation can take up to 60 minutes and is not billed.
You own what I build for you.
Your project code and deliverables are yours. You retain full control of your hosting, software and third-party accounts. I get only the access I need, so your assets and accounts remain in your hands.
Service accounts stay in your name. I can help you choose, configure and manage them. At handover, you get relevant documentation, rollback steps and tested backups. My test is simple: if I were unreachable for a fortnight, could someone else keep it running, or move it? If not, I haven't finished properly.
Money, plainly.
- The initial consultation.
- We can take up to 60 minutes; that time isn't billed.
- My rate.
- £150 per hour plus VAT where applicable, billed in 30-minute increments. I bill only for my working time; autonomous machine runtime is not billable, and infrastructure is paid directly to providers.
- Estimates.
- Estimates are non-binding but as accurate as I can make them; totals may vary. That is fair for us both. We can agree a budget in hours; I keep you informed and ask before going over.
- Billing.
- I invoice monthly in arrears, due within 7 days (unless agreed in advance). Timesheets are available. I don't bill for admin, machine runtime or correcting my mistakes. Urgent work costs the same.
- Putting things right.
- If something I've handed over doesn't do what we agreed in writing at the start, I'll fix it free for thirty days after handover. New requirements, and changes made by others, are separate work.
A good fit.
I build bespoke operational software: usually browser-based internal tools, workflow systems, automations and integrations. I handle the research, architecture and system design; we make the key decisions together, with ownership clear throughout. I'm not the right person for brochure sites, marketing-site delivery, routine store management, day-to-day IT support, working through someone else's backlog or fixed-price work.
I run no more than two substantial builds at once; smaller jobs usually fit around them. Critical systems are welcome; round-the-clock cover comes from a dedicated support provider I'll help you find.
About me.
I started programming long before I did it professionally. In fifteen years of software and agency work, I have written code, run a small agency, hired and managed developers, led projects and handled contracts, tenders, budgets and deadlines.
Since late 2025, AI-assisted development has become a core part of how I work. I listen to sceptics and enthusiasts alike, explore ideas in my own safe environments, and use only what proves safe, reliable and useful in client work. The tools have expanded what I can deliver; the experience and judgement behind the work matter more, not less.
AI, responsibly.
I use AI where it helps, and is now fundamentally part of how I build software despite my programming background. It is a bit like picking up the keys to a JCB instead of a shovel on a building site; powerful, but only one part of the bigger picture, a slice of the metaphorical pie.
I design the system architecture and infrastructure, direct the work and review what AI produces; decisions and responsibility remain mine. AI works within agreed tools, data boundaries and safeguards, guided at every step. Machine runtime is not billable, confidential or personal data never enters consumer AI accounts or unapproved tools.
Let's solve difficult problems.
We'll talk through your current infrastructure and systems, any problems or opportunities, and the goals you want to achieve. I'll be honest about where I can and can't help.