Hi, I'm Daniel - I build websites that work
Web developer and digital consultant based in Liverpool, UK. Here's my story, how I work, and what I'm looking for next.
From curious tinkerer to trusted developer
I got into this the way a lot of developers do - poking at things to see how they worked, then trying to build something better. I started writing code at school around 14, and by 16 I'd pretty much decided this was the job I wanted.
Since then I've spent my career at agencies, building new sites from scratch and looking after plenty of existing ones. A lot of my work has been in public health and the NHS, plus the usual mix of business sites, web apps and the occasional mobile app. I've worked across a fair few stacks along the way, from .NET and PHP to React and Next.js.
The thread through all of it is solving actual problems. I'd rather understand what a business needs and build the right thing than reach for whatever's trendy. Unglamorous, reliable and done properly beats clever every time.
Outside work I'm a husband and dad here in Liverpool. Family keeps me grounded, and a bit of an obsession with new tech keeps me sharp. I don't think those two things pull against each other - if anything the balance makes me better at the job.
The journey so far
A timeline of the roles, teams and experiences that shaped how I build today.
- 2009 - 2012
Where it all started
School
I wrote my first lines of code at school, around 14 years old. By 16 I knew - without a doubt - that building for the web was what I wanted to do for a living.
- 2013 - 2016
BSc Web Systems Development
University
I went to university to study Web Systems Development, getting a proper grounding in how the web works end to end - from front-end interfaces through to servers and databases.
- 2014 - 2018
Freelance & hands-on learning
Self-employed
Around my studies I took on as much freelance web work as I could - funding it with other jobs along the way - building real-world experience, a portfolio, and an understanding of what clients actually need.
- 2018
Junior Developer
Digital Agency
I landed my first professional developer role at an agency. A busy, real-world environment where I learned fast and shipped work for a wide range of clients.
- 2019
Front-End Developer
Digital Agency
I moved into a front-end focused role, honing my craft building polished, responsive, accessible interfaces that people genuinely enjoy using.
- 2020 - 2024
Full-Stack Developer
Digital Agency
As I learned more backend programming, I gradually grew into a full-stack role - owning features end to end, from the database right through to the interface.
- 2025 - Present
Digital Services Lead
Behaviour Change Organisation
I now run the digital offer for a behaviour change organisation, working with partners to make better happen for clients, people and communities - leading a team of developers and managing projects while staying hands-on with code myself.
- Leading and mentoring a team of developers
- Managing projects while remaining hands-on with the build
- Taking on freelance projects for small businesses as DCW Digital
The tools of the trade
A modern, full-stack toolkit - chosen for speed, reliability and long-term maintainability.
Frontend
- HTML5
- CSS3
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- React
- Next.js
- Tailwind CSS
- Sass / LESS
- Responsive Design
Backend & Languages
- C# / .NET
- ASP.NET MVC
- PHP
- Node.js
- REST APIs
- Authentication
CMS & Platforms
- WordPress
- Umbraco
- Concrete CMS
- Drupal
- Joomla
Databases & ORM
- SQL Server
- MySQL
- Entity Framework
- Fluent NHibernate
- ORM Design
Tooling, DevOps & AI
- Git
- CI/CD
- DevOps
- Hosting & Deployment
- AI Tooling
- APIs & Integrations
SEO & Performance
- Technical SEO
- Core Web Vitals
- Performance
- Structured Data
- Accessibility
How I approach the work
Outcomes over output
Code is a means to an end. I measure success by the business results a project delivers, not lines written.
Built to last
Clean, documented, accessible code that your team - or the next developer - can confidently build on.
Honest & clear
No jargon, no black boxes. You'll always understand what I'm doing, why, and what it costs.
Always learning
The web moves fast. I invest in staying current so my clients and teams benefit from the best tools available.
Personal interests
I believe a well-rounded life makes for a better developer. Here's a little of what I get up to when I'm away from the keyboard.
- Family time
- Football
- Exploring the northwest
- Tinkering with new tech
- Open source
- Good coffee
Where I'm headed
- Partner with ambitious businesses on long-term digital growth
- Contribute to a high-impact engineering team or product
- Keep deepening expertise in performance, accessibility and AI tooling
- Mentor the next generation of developers