This blog, like so many others on the internet, is a place for thoughts, notes and pictures. I have several passions in life, and you’ll find them all here, from work to home and family.
I’m a seasoned IT professional with a passion for technology and an unquenchable thirst for learning. My journey in the IT world began at The University of Manchester, where I took a BSc (Hons) in Computation. That laid the foundation for what is now 26 years in the tech industry, more than 18 of them in leadership roles.
My career kicked off in 2000 at Medinet Limited, where I started as a Junior Developer. Those early days were all about C programming, PHP and MySQL. It wasn’t just about coding; it was about understanding how each line of code could affect the business and its ability to scale. I grew rapidly, moving up to become the Lead Developer and Primary Database Administrator. This role was my first real foray into database management, a field that would become one of my favourites to work in.
In 2005, I joined Pharmalogical Corporation Limited, where my focus shifted to MySQL administration and management information systems. It was a challenging yet exciting time, as I managed major projects to migrate systems to new platforms while maintaining legacy C systems. My role evolved into that of IT Manager, where I worked on complex project and integration management, leading a talented team of developers and network engineers.
My next adventure was with Healthcare Data Systems. As a Manager, I was responsible for client relationships and for overseeing outsourced projects. The role let me further hone my skills in PHP and develop bespoke MS Access systems. I also played a key role in achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification for the company, a milestone that opened new avenues for us and allowed the company to tender for, and work on, contracts with the NHS, local councils and charities.
In 2007, I joined iknow-uk Ltd, starting as a Database Administrator and eventually becoming IT Director. Here I made the strategic IT decisions, co-ordinated new developments, and moved the server infrastructure from an externally hosted solution to an in-house dedicated server room, with the cost savings that came with it. I also built the company’s email delivery system, which handled more than 50,000 emails an hour. This period was a testament to my growth in managing complex IT infrastructure and making the decisions that shaped the company’s future, and it continued until the sale of the iknow-uk arm of the business in 2019.
From 2013 to 2024 I was IT Director of Wireless Social (initially part of iknow-uk). It grew into the UK’s leading guest WiFi and analytics platform, with around 50 million logins a year across 7,500 venues and more than 600 multi-site operators. It was exhilarating to see our technology fit seamlessly everywhere from cafes to bustling sports stadiums and shopping centres. Along the way I led the company’s ISO 27001:2022 certification, achieved in eight months with a core team of seven, about a fifth of the company.
In February 2024, Wireless Social was acquired by The Access Group, the UK’s largest independent software provider. I moved across with it, and since then I’ve worked in multiple roles at Access, on Wireless Social and other products in the hospitality (front of house) software division. Between the sale of the iknow-uk arm and this acquisition, I’ve now seen M&A from both sides.
Through all these years, my skills in PHP, MySQL, project management and Linux servers have not just grown, they’ve thrived. I’ve managed setups of up to 24 physical servers across different locations, and embraced virtualisation and the evolution of cloud services (AWS), alongside managing the costs that can build up so easily in the cloud. Critical systems I’ve been responsible for have run at 99.999% uptime over six years. My role has evolved, but my hands-on approach and involvement in low-level administration have remained constant. These days that includes Python, Flask and Docker on my own self-hosted servers, which you can see in my personal software projects portfolio.
I’m proud to have more than 22 years of MySQL administration, 25+ years of database programming and over 15 years of PHP under my belt, alongside project management, ISO certification and server administration.
Each role has been a building block, adding to my expertise and understanding of the IT world. My passion for databases, programming and technology management has been the driving force behind my career, and I’m excited about the challenges still to come.
If you’re building something interesting or could use a technical sounding board, let’s talk. You can find me on LinkedIn, and more about my career, with case studies, at michaelhelm.co.uk.