Skip the agency runaround. Work directly with an experienced developer to launch custom digital products built for conversion, search visibility, and long-term maintainability.
Whether you arrive with a clear brief, an ageing platform, or a knotty internal problem that needs untangling, I build solutions mapped exactly to how your organisation works. No recycled packages. No forced templates. Just bespoke architecture, clean code, and digital products that stay maintainable long after launch.
5.0 Google rating
Independent reviews from clients who trusted Velvet Dinosaur with redesigns, migrations, and full builds.
Founder-led delivery
You work directly with me from discovery to launch. No account managers, no hand-offs, and no agency runaround.
Rigorous problem-solving
Drawing on my background in NHS clinical governance and medical devices, I treat complex digital builds with absolute care, security, and precision.
Predictable timelines
Rapid 4 to 6-week turnarounds for brochure websites, and clear, structured milestones for complex mobile and web apps.
Websites
High-performance marketing sites, portfolios, editorial platforms, and landing pages designed to convert cleanly.
Mobile apps
Bespoke React Native builds for teams who need seamless iOS and Android applications without the headache of managing two codebases.
Web apps
Custom products, member areas, secure admin tools, dashboards, and scalable product MVPs tailored to your workflow.
Hover or tap each tool to see what it helps with.
Based in Oxfordshire, I build bespoke websites and apps for organisations seeking something different.
For most of my professional career, I have worked in the NHS across specialist medical devices, clinical research, and corporate governance. This unique medical background enables me to bring precision, clear communication, and a problem-solving mindset to complex digital projects; these values are consistently embedded in my work.
In addition, I have spent most of my adult life building sites independently: rebuilding charity platforms, coding conference websites, and understanding web technologies at a fundamental level. This hands-on experience fuels my passion and means my clients benefit from both technical depth and genuine curiosity.
Velvet Dinosaur was inspired by my 3-year-old daughter, who is obsessed with blue and dinosaurs.
Content control
Its important to me that I leave you with a product that can grow with your needs. I built Sauro CMS to be an easy and simple content management system (CMS) so that you can update content without forcing you to learn how to code. Each instance of the CMS is tailor made to your needs and to your requirements.
Explore the editor before you even book a call.
The interactive sandbox uses dummy content and disposable state, so you can safely test drive the Page Editor, Article Editor, and other tools.
This sandbox is purely illustrative. Your final interface will be custom-engineered entirely around your specific workflows and content.
Public sandbox preview at 50%
Verification layer
Every build targets 100/100 across all Google PageSpeed Insights categories on desktop and mobile.
Performance
Google Lighthouse benchmark
Accessibility
Bespoke website package
from£2,500
A fixed-price launch package for most professional websites. If your scope includes advanced functionality (for example bookings, portals, or custom integrations), it is scoped and quoted separately before build starts.
An equivalent React / Next.js build at a London agency typically starts at £10k-£15k. Working directly with the founder means you get the same enterprise-grade stack without the agency markup.
Projects usually start with a 20% deposit, then milestone payments tied to agreed deliverables. Before development starts, scope, timeline, and deliverables are documented clearly so there are no surprises.
Ownership model
No lock-in contracts and no platform traps. You own your domain, content, and website code from day one, with access set up in your name so you stay in control.
If you ever decide to move providers, we support the migration with handover notes and practical help so your website and email continue running smoothly.
Ongoing care
Performance & security plan
Ownership
100% yours
“Phenomenal service and end result from a phenomenal chap. Ian went far beyond expectations and built a site that is user-friendly, strategic, and genuinely tailored to our audience.”
Faye Taylor
Founder, The Brave
View original reviewLet's build something valuable
Share your goals, current pain points, and timeline. You will hear back directly from Ian within one business day.
You'll hear directly from Ian with clear next steps.
Google rating
5.0 average from clients
Typical response
Within 1 business day
Founder-led from first call to launch, backed by independent Google reviews from recent client work.
Live route, dummy content, and disposable state. Open the full-size version when you want to interact.
Open full demoGoogle Lighthouse benchmark
Best Practices
Google Lighthouse benchmark
SEO
Google Lighthouse benchmark
Performance & security maintenance is £120/year after Year 1 and includes managed hosting, monitoring, SSL, and daily backups. Domain registration is not included and can be procured at cost price.
A founder-led build process with clear checkpoints, practical feedback loops, and a proper handover at the end.
We align on goals, users, and scope before build starts so priorities are clear and delivery stays focused.
You get iterative progress updates, practical feedback loops, and visible momentum as core pages and flows come together.
We polish UX details, tighten copy, and complete technical quality checks to ensure the site is fast, stable, and conversion-ready.
The project goes live with post-launch support and clear handover guidance so you can manage content confidently after release.
Migration path
Supported and smooth
Real projects across charities, professional services, and product platforms.
International academic network fighting poverty
Academic journal and WordPress rebuild after three years without core updates.
Case Study
Values-led ethical tourism platform
Values-led ethical travel platform with integrated advocacy and media storytelling.
Case Study
Premium motorcycle expedition company
Premium motorcycle expedition experience focused on route clarity and trust-building.
Case Study
Academic social networking and research management platform
Academic networking and publishing product with secure auth and scalable architecture.
Case Study
