About PHP Ninja
Web developer, designer and lifelong problem solver
I’m Andy, a UK freelance web developer who builds websites and online systems around real business needs—not a preferred piece of technology.
I build custom systems, automate repetitive work and rescue projects that have gone slightly—or spectacularly—off the rails.
The journey
A useful collection of unexpected career turns
The route into PHP Ninja was not exactly a straight line. Every stop added a different way of looking at technology, business and the people who use both.
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01
Banking and support
Where problem solving became the job
My journey into technology began in the print room of a bank, before moving into computer support. I quickly discovered a knack for spotting inefficient processes and asking a useful question: why keep doing this by hand?
Spreadsheets became VBA-powered tools that saved hours of data entry, reduced mistakes and started a lasting fascination with automation.
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02
Media and broadband
Learning how quickly technology changes
As New Media Manager for a television company, I worked with online video before YouTube existed. The role combined digital production, video editing and programming at a time when the rules were still being written.
Later, as a Broadband Advisor in Cornwall, I helped businesses adopt broadband technology. Networking and infrastructure joined the toolkit—and once businesses were connected, naturally they all wanted websites.
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03
Web design company
Fifteen years turning business needs into working systems
I started my own web design company. Building websites soon expanded into graphic design, branding, application development, databases, e-commerce and whatever else clients needed to move their businesses forward.
Combining a love of technology with a passion for art proved to be a good recipe, and the company successfully ran for more than 15 years.
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04
Hospitality and back again
A hotel, four years of fresh challenges, then a return to tech
Because apparently I enjoy making life difficult for myself, I bought a hotel. For four years I swapped debugging code for serving breakfasts, managing staff, fixing boilers and dealing with the brand-new challenge each day delivered.
It was an incredible experience. It was also enough. The hotel was sold and I returned to what I enjoy most: solving real business problems with technology.
The toolkit today
Broad experience, focused on practical outcomes
Programming sits at the centre, supported by years spent in design, media, infrastructure, hospitality and running businesses. That range makes it easier to see the whole problem—not just the code-shaped part of it.
- PHP and Laravel development
- WordPress development
- Database systems
- Business automation
- Graphic and interface design
- Networking and infrastructure
- Video and digital media
- Real-world business operations
How I help now
Complicated problems, simple solutions
Today I work as a freelance web developer and designer, building custom websites and online applications, fixing stubborn bugs, improving performance and turning spreadsheet nightmares into proper systems.
Clients often say I can see the solution before everyone else has finished explaining the problem. After decades in technology, hospitality, media, networking, design and business, I’ve learned that most problems are puzzles waiting to be solved.
And solving puzzles is what ninjas do.
Values
The principles behind every engagement
Strong delivery comes from clear expectations, honest communication and a reliable process.
Transparent delivery
You get clear milestones, progress updates, and honest advice.
Calm problem solving
Complex issues are broken down into practical steps that unlock momentum.
Security minded by default
Secure coding practices are baked in, not bolted on later.
Need an experienced web developer?
Tell me what is not working, what you want to build, or which digital problem is holding your business back.