Simon Richards

Senior Web Developer with 10+ years' experience building high-performance marketing and content-driven websites. Currently leading development at Dewynters, managing 50+ production websites and mentoring a team of 3 developers. Specialist in modern frontend architecture using Astro, React and Next.js, with deep experience integrating CMS platforms and deploying scalable serverless infrastructure.

Increasingly using AI-assisted development tools such as Cursor and Claude to accelerate builds and improve code quality. Passionate about performance optimisation, clean architecture, automation, and improving team workflows.

Senior Web Developer at Dewynters (2016 – Present)

Lead developer responsible for the architecture, development, and maintenance of over 50 live marketing and campaign websites for high-profile global clients in the entertainment and events sector. Selected project work includes large-scale event, theatre, and international marketing websites with high traffic and seasonal demand.

• Led development and ongoing maintenance of 50+ production websites across multiple international markets
• Introduced modern frontend stack (React, Astro, Git workflows, CI/CD), significantly improving team efficiency and code quality
• Adopted AI-assisted development tooling (Cursor, Claude) into team workflow, reducing build and iteration time on component-driven projects
• Mentored 3 junior developers through code reviews, technical guidance, and best practice implementation
• Built high-performance, multilingual websites using WordPress and headless CMS solutions
• Defined reusable component systems to accelerate build times and ensure consistency across projects
• Collaborated closely with designers, marketers, and stakeholders to deliver pixel-perfect, conversion-focused websites
• Conducted technical R&D to evaluate and adopt modern frameworks and tooling
• Improved deployment workflows and reduced manual release overhead through automation and structured pipelines

Web Developer at Design Wild West (2014 – 2016)

Developed responsive, CMS-driven websites primarily using MODX and modern frontend tooling.

• Built fully responsive websites from design concepts and PSDs
• Implemented Git-based workflows and modern CSS tooling (Sass, Gulp)
• Developed and deployed marketing email campaigns via Campaign Monitor and Mailchimp
• Worked in a fast-paced agency environment delivering multiple client projects simultaneously

Junior Web Developer at Mutual Ideas (2012 – 2014)

Worked on a variety of bespoke and WordPress-based websites, expanding full-stack development knowledge in a commercial agency environment.

• Developed responsive websites from design files
• Built both custom and CMS-driven web solutions
• Maintained and updated existing client websites
• Collaborated with designers and senior developers on client builds

Trainee Web Developer at Fuel Communications (2011 – 2012)

Entry-level role focused on building CMS templates, maintaining websites, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility.

• Converted designs into functional CMS websites (WordPress & ExpressionEngine)
• Built and maintained email templates
• Fixed bugs and ensured browser compatibility
• Assisted with server setup and website deployments

BSc (Hons) in Multimedia Computing – University of Plymouth

FdSc in Web Technology – Truro College A Levels in IT, Photography and Geography – Truro College

11 GCSEs in including Maths, English and Science – Fowey Community College