Freelance Full-Stack Developer for Projects That Need to Ship
Over 20 years building websites, web applications and back-office systems - and rescuing the ones that stalled.
Whether it is a new website, a legacy codebase nobody wants to touch, or an application that needs building from scratch, I help you get the project across the line when an extra pair of experienced hands is what is actually missing.
I work directly with businesses and with private clients, on my own or embedded in an existing team, on fixed-scope pieces or ongoing retainers.
What I can help with
Seven things I am asked for most often. Each one has its own page with detail on scope, process and typical timelines.
Web Development
Marketing sites, web applications and everything in between - designed, built, hosted and handed over working.
App Development
Web, mobile and desktop applications for Windows, macOS and Linux, built with a real focus on the end user.
Legacy Code Modernisation
Old codebases made safe to change again: upgrades, refactoring, tests and documentation, without a risky rewrite.
API Development
REST and GraphQL APIs, integrations and microservices that are documented, versioned and pleasant to consume.
Data Migration & ETL
Moving data between systems without losing rows, breaking references or taking the business offline.
AI Integration
Practical AI added to software you already run - document handling, search, classification and assisted workflows.
Cloud & Server Admin
AWS and Linux setup, hardening, monitoring and deployment pipelines for teams without a dedicated ops person.
Why clients bring me in
Most engagements start from one of a small number of situations. If any of these sound familiar, we should talk.
- A deadline is close and the team is one developer short
- A codebase has become risky or slow to change
- An integration or migration keeps failing and nobody owns it
- A website needs building properly, once, by someone who will still answer the phone
- The original developer has moved on and left no documentation
- A system needs to survive a large increase in traffic or transactions
- AI needs adding to an existing product without a rewrite
- Infrastructure needs setting up correctly before it becomes a problem
How I work
I keep it simple. We talk about the problem, I give you an honest read on scope and cost, and then I deliver in increments you can see and use. I work in Agile environments most of the time, but I am not religious about it - what matters is that you can tell where the project is at any point.
Everything I write is handed over documented and running. No black boxes, no dependency on me being available six months later. I am particularly strong on object-oriented design, code optimisation and getting good end-user experience out of UI/UX fundamentals rather than expensive redesigns.
I have worked on high-transaction websites and on AWS for years, which mostly means I know where systems break before they break. That experience is usually the difference between a project that ships and one that quietly slips two quarters.
Frequently asked questions
Do you work with businesses or individuals?
Both. I take on work from established companies that need extra capacity or a specialist, and from individuals and small businesses who need a website or application built properly from scratch.
Can you join an existing development team?
Yes. A large share of my work is embedding with an in-house team for a defined period - taking a workstream, clearing a backlog, or covering a gap. I fit into whatever process and tooling you already use.
Where are you based and do you work remotely?
Sharkter Ltd is a UK company and I work remotely with clients across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Remote is the default; on-site visits can be arranged where the work genuinely needs it.
How do you price work?
Fixed price where the scope is genuinely fixed, and a day rate where it is not. I will tell you which one your project is after the first conversation, rather than quoting a fixed price for something neither of us can specify yet.
Need to get a project across the line?
Tell me what you are building and where it is stuck. I will come back with an honest view of scope, timeline and cost - usually within one working day.
Tell me about your project