Random Musings

Restoring Nostalgia

24 January 2026

Years and years ago, my first computer was an ancient computer – a proper Macintosh. It was dated at the time, and it came with this game (or maybe a demo of it). The game was never ported to Windows and only lived on in my memories. More recently, I found an abandonware website with […]

I've joined Migrating Dragons

23 January 2026

I'm now a co-founder at Xebit Ltd, trading as Migrating Dragons. We make software for companies that install solar panels on new build houses. That's the boring version. Here's the more interesting one. The problem nobody talks about New build solar is a mess. Not the technology – the technology is fine. The operations behind […]

Sharing 2012 adventure memories

23 November 2024

Over the last few days I've been sharing some details of a 2012 solo trek to Northern Sweden. Starting from Abisko in the arctic circle, (68°21'N), I followed the Kungsleden south over 11 days, covering approximately 100km through:• Abisko '†’ Nissunjåkka (4km)” Abiskojaure '†’ Unna Allakas'›° Alesjaure (via snow pass)—» Tjäktja '†’ NallostuganŒ² Return via […]

#TimOnLoan: borrow me for a week for FREE (worth £3000)

15 March 2017

Are you drowning in emails? Trying to get some things done whilst juggling a bunch of other things? Perhaps I can help? I want to lend out my skills to organisations in Manchester for free: Is this you? You know decision makers need your product or service but it sometimes feels like they speak ‘different language’ […]

What happened after my van was broken into (or how you can harness a customer's negative experiences for good!)

9 March 2017

My van was broken into the other night. Someone removed the front front side window, from the outside, without breaking the pane. They took a dashcam and walkie-talkie but kindly left the window pane in the gutter unbroken! I'm ok, all is well but I had a problem: I had a van with no front, […]

Why I failed at a Sales Conversation that looked like it went well

7 March 2017

Back when I was a technical sales person trying to help customers find the right hosting solutions for their products, I had a sales memorable interaction. A customer "Alice" get in touch, looking for an onsite meeting to discuss what they needed. Me and a less technical colleague, "Brendan", went to visit. At the meeting, […]

A relic from the 1978 Manchester University Hiking Club songbook

4 March 2017

Found in the 1978 Manchester University Hiking Club songbook. Errr. Because that was a thing?! It doesn't sound like that much has changed! Originally posted on this post on Instagram

What no-one will tell you about rocking employment fairs! (specifically the Manchester Digital talent fest)

3 February 2017

All you need to know: Get a ticket Turn up. Talk to as many tech companies as possible to try understand what they do and how they operate All you need to know to rock it: Do: Ask people lots of questions – especially about the area you're most interested in. People LOVE anyone who's interested […]

Like climbing? In digital? Join us for #DigiClimbMCR

2 January 2017

Are you a climber? Set a new years resolutions to be more active? Spend most of your day behind a computer because you work in technology or creative industries? #DigiClimbMCR is an informal, weekly Wednesday evening climbing meetup in central Manchester for any friendly person linked to or interested in technology or digital & creative industries. […]

How I came to work at Bytemark

14 October 2016

At the end of September, I left my job at Bytemark where I'd worked for the previous 6 years. I'll be sharing more, about the future in due course, but I was reflecting on my path to Bytemark. I first was introduced to technology by the #manlug IRC channel, where I quickly became affiliated with the local […]

What I learned from a landing page

13 October 2016

Recently I've been working on canvas and landing page for a Muse business. Let me explain where I started: What I was aiming for Dave suggested to me that I might want to look at Tim Ferris-style Muse-businesses – lifestyle businesses that might at some point generate passive income. Not startups. By listening through some […]

Can motorists and cyclists ever be friends?

7 October 2016

My friend Josh recently posted on twitter: “The weird thing is there is literally nothing bad about more people cycling yet there is a cultural war against it.” Cyclists often feel marginalised— like everything has been setup to favour those with four wheels and an engine. And if you get into the vehicles, and talk […]