Experience

TL;DR

I currently work as Frontend engineer for Chetwood Financial, a startup bank in Wrexham, Wales. Previously I was a frontend developer for The Realbuzz Group for over 7 years. Throughout this time I have always pushed to learn more and develop myself and those around me.

Read on for a high level overview or visit LinkedIn for a more in depth overview of my career.

Experience

React.js & JavaScript developer - Chetwood Financial
Building lightweight & robust consumer-facing Web Apps using React Redux, Gatsby, REST APIs and OAuthBuilding React component libraries, Redux store handlers and NodeBuilding marketing websites using Python/Django/WagtailCreating tooling and ops utils using Webpack, Gulp and NodeBuilding email comms using Gulp! and MJMLManaging DNS, hosting and deployment pipelines on Netlify, Heroku and AWSWriting unit tests with Jest and end 2 end tests with PlaywrightConfiguration of services including Sentry, PagerDuty and PingdomImproving the platform with accessibility enhancementsCreating multi-branded applications using internationalisationWorking with designers and backend developers to advance the platform

Freelance
Responsive, mobile-first websites using HTML5 and CSS3Backend development with PHP, WordPress, Python and DjangoIcon, logo, illustration and character design for print and web using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.Web advertising work has used both Flash and gifs for animationInteractive games, portfolios and animated logos using FlashSEO, optimisation and accessibility

Senior frontend developer - The Realbuzz Group
Front end development of multiple client websites, internal projects, and flagship brandsBuilding rich features including comments and user chat using React and REST APIsEnhancing the UX using JavaScript and jQuery to create dynamic and interactive elementsLead frontend developer of the flagship Realbuzz.com website including building a bespoke SCSS framework & React comment systemSole developer of the Realbuzz Group corporate website, written in Django with an SCSS framework and jQuery frontendIllustration and graphic work including vector icons and anatomical diagramsManaged a team of frontend developers (internal/contractors) building Realbuzz.comLeading a multi-disciplined team including frontend developers, web designers and designers including managing time, workload and personal commitmentsGuiding team members on best practices and feedback (via design critique and code reviews)

Web developer & designer - The Realbuzz Group
Major contributor to the Virgin Money London Marathon, adidas Half Marathon, World Marathon Majors, World Running, Paris Half and Tough Mudder charity websites - Django, JavaScript/jQuery & SCSSBuilt numerous charity fundraising and partner websites - HTML5, PHP, JavaScript/jQuery & CSS/SCSSRebuilt My50.com frontend, with backend PHP changes to templatesUse of Sass, Gulp, Grunt and other pre-compilers to enhance the range of browsers supported.Advertising banners, HTML5, Flash and Gif.Print & multimedia work including interactive CD-RomsSupporting and mentoring junior team members

AI Prompt generatpr

Generate customised templates for popular/useful AI prompts


Migrate carl-topham.com from Gatsby to Next.js

Rebuilt my portfolio site (carl-topham.com) in Next.js, migrating from Gatsby


Running kit bag

Interactive kit bag checklist app to ensure that I always have the right running kit for training, races and all weather!


SmartSave & LiveLend WebApps

React.js Redux WebApps using REST APIs with Auth.


Chord generator script

Generates note combinations for different keys & chords


Advanced Strava Stats

Sync your Strava data and analyse it in extra ways than the official app. React, Redux, Saga, Axios & D3