About

Experienced judgement, direct involvement.

I set up Software Heads to give clients direct access to experienced technology leadership, practical advice and hands-on delivery support.

My background

I have spent 30 years building software and technology businesses.

My work has covered product strategy, software delivery, engineering leadership, enterprise SaaS, mobile applications and the practical adoption of generative AI.

I am co-founder and CTO of Notify Technology, a SaaS platform that helps global brands including McDonald's, Siemens and Travis Perkins improve safety and wellbeing at work. Since 2017 we have raised over £7 million and grown to support hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. That continuing operating role matters to my consultancy work because the advice stays connected to real product, team, security and delivery decisions.

Before Notify, I co-founded and led Control F1, a software development company recognised by TechMarketView as a Little British Battler in 2015 and listed in the Northern Tech Awards as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in 2017. We secured Innovate UK funding for work in connected and autonomous vehicles.

Software Heads provides the consultancy structure around that experience. Clients hire me directly and retain access to me throughout the engagement.

Selected experience

Experience connected to the decisions in front of you.

This is a selective account. The useful question is how the experience applies to your situation.

Technology leadership

Setting product and technology direction, leading teams and suppliers, making architecture and security decisions, and explaining trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders.

Building software products

Working across SaaS, web and mobile products from early definition through delivery, operation and further development.

Notify Technology

Co-founding and serving as CTO of an enterprise SaaS business, from early product through funding rounds to a platform supporting hundreds of thousands of users.

Generative AI in practice

Building machine learning capability since 2020 and shipping generative AI into production since 2023, with attention to value, evidence, security and responsible operation.

Long-term product stewardship

Building systems and products that businesses run on, then supporting and developing them over years as platforms, customers and regulations change.

How I work

Close to the decision and the delivery.

I work best when the important questions can be discussed plainly and the people doing the work are part of the conversation.

I lead and personally deliver the core advisory and technology work.
I explain the trade-offs, including uncertainty and the limits of available evidence.
I can bring in trusted specialists for a defined need while remaining accountable for my contribution.
I normally work remotely, with in-person workshops or important sessions by agreement where they are useful.

Current practice

Continuing the conversation.

I host The AI Breakdown and Safety Rewired podcasts. They keep me close to the practical questions organisations are asking about AI adoption, technology leadership and the way work is changing.

The podcasts support the client work. This site stays focused on how I help.

A useful first step

Start with the decision in front of you

If you are looking for an experienced technology counterpart who can advise and become directly involved, tell me about the company and the decisions ahead.

Start a conversation