About
A practical technology company built around hands-on delivery, steady learning and a clear interest in how technology helps people work better.
Background
I created Progon IT Limited in 1997 as an independently run company through which I provide contracting, freelance, consulting and IT services. Its work has ranged from early web hosting and bespoke development through to modern software, data, cloud and AI-enabled solutions.
My background has always been hands-on. I started in the early days of business programming with Visual Basic, VBA, Microsoft Access and SQL Server, then moved through C#/.NET, web applications, enterprise integration, messaging systems, trade capture, reporting and data-intensive platforms.
Over time, that work expanded into Azure, cloud data platforms, data engineering, migration support and secure analytics. More recently, I have focused on AI-enabled application architecture, Azure AI services, Azure AI Foundry, AI agents, Copilot Studio, Power Apps, LLM integration patterns, RAG, orchestration and practical AI governance.
The purpose of Progon IT is to help organisations make better technology decisions, modernise sensibly and build systems that are useful, maintainable and aligned with real business needs.
How the work has evolved
I have designed and built web applications for major companies to support workflow, reporting and business processes. I have also worked on messaging platforms, trade capture systems, reconciliation tools, management information, APIs, data migration and Azure-based data platforms.
That range matters because many modern technology decisions sit across several areas at once. A data platform may need to support analytics and AI. A legacy system may contain business knowledge that cannot simply be replaced. An AI idea may depend on data quality, access control, security, governance and a realistic operating model.
Progon IT sits in that practical middle ground: experience-led advice, practical delivery and judgement shaped by real implementation work.
Working principles
I enjoy technology, but I am most interested in how it fits with people, teams and business activity. Good systems should reduce friction, improve judgement and help people do useful work.
I deliberately give end-user concerns and working practices a strong voice during delivery because a system only succeeds if it works for the people who rely on it. That means balancing usability, workflow, adoption and operational reality with technical, commercial and security constraints.
I look at architecture and implementation choices through the lens of value, cost, delivery risk, security and maintainability.
I have branched into mentoring through a formal mentoring programme. I enjoy sharing knowledge and helping others build confidence and fulfil their potential.
Professional development
These certifications are personal professional credentials. I use them as a structured way to keep a broad and current view of cloud, data, software development and AI technologies. They support, rather than replace, practical delivery experience.
AI and business solutions
Supports practical discussion of AI agents, business workflows, governance and adoption considerations.
Azure AI
Supports work with Azure AI services, AI-enabled applications and applied AI integration patterns.
Azure AI
Provides a broad foundation for responsible and practical use of Microsoft AI services.
AWS AI
Broadens the cloud and AI view beyond Azure, including general AI concepts and AWS AI services.
Azure data
Supports Azure data platform work including ingestion, transformation, storage, governance and analytics.
Azure development
Supports cloud application delivery, Azure Functions, APIs, integration and secure application patterns.
Azure cloud
Provides a broad baseline across Azure services, cloud concepts, security, governance and cost awareness.
Data engineering
Supports Spark-based data engineering, scalable processing and modern lakehouse concepts.
Programming
Supports Python use across data engineering, automation, AI integration and technical prototyping.
Experience base
Current focus
Talk to Progon IT
Get in touch to discuss advisory, fractional leadership, senior delivery, cloud, data or AI-enabled application support.