A fascination with the then relatively new phenomenon of "video games" in the late 1970's led me to become interested in computers from a very young age. My father's job as a programmer/middle manager (and ex-lecturer in MSc Computing and Mathematics) meant that I had an enthusiastic mentor in my early efforts to build and program microcomputers and easy access to some interesting toys.

I grew quickly in these disciplines, passing "Hello World" before I was 10 and moving onto Z80 assembly by 13.

My subsequent working life encompassed roles as both a permanent employee and a contractor. I've worked for huge multinationals with tens of thousands of staff, to startups with fewer than half a dozen employees (Almost all of which failed in one way or another; I learnt a lot).

I'm now an independent IT contractor and can advise on many things related to Software Development (although, strictly speaking, these should not be in workplace stack). I know lots about working practices and laws in the UK, lots about contracting and small company tax rules and have 35 years of professional life behind me to draw upon when it comes to general advice.