I'm a
I’m a technology professional based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a background spanning software development, Microsoft 365, data, science and education. I build applications, automate workflows and turn data into useful insights, drawing on experience with C# and .NET, SQL Server and the Microsoft Power Platform. My work brings together an understanding of how systems work with a practical focus on the people who use them, from gathering requirements to developing solutions and helping others make the most of them. I’m now giving more time to AI and automation, exploring how they can help solve problems and create useful tools.
Having worked across education, public services and commercial organisations, I enjoy getting to understand what people need and translating that into practical solutions. My teaching background also shapes how I work: explaining technical ideas clearly, sharing knowledge and helping people feel confident using the tools I build.
Alongside my technical work, I pursue photography and videography, with experience photographing events, landscapes and portraits. I’ve also contributed to music video productions as a behind-the-scenes photographer, including one for Sunderland Film Festival. These interests bring together my enjoyment of technology, visual storytelling and working with others.
For my wider interests, travels and personal projects, visit my personal website.
The main threads running through my work, from building software to helping people use it.
I’ve built and maintained web applications across commercial organisations, public services and education, using C#, .NET and SQL Server. My work has included internal business systems, public-facing websites and integrations between platforms.
At Northumberland County Council and Fizeau Consulting, I developed applications and automated workflows using Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse and SharePoint. This work combined gathering requirements with development, reporting, user training and ongoing support.
My experience spans data analysis, reporting and data engineering, including AWS-hosted systems and marketing data at TUI. I’ve worked with data integration, APIs, SQL and Power BI to connect information and make it useful to the people making decisions.
I’ve taught IT at Gateshead College and Newcastle College, alongside developing e-learning content and supporting staff with digital learning tools. Explaining ideas clearly and helping people build confidence with technology have remained part of my work beyond the classroom.
Through North East Digital Studio, I bring together website development, photography, videography and digital content services. My creative experience also includes event photography and contributing to music video productions as a behind-the-scenes photographer.
I’m developing my use of AI-assisted coding and rapid prototyping with tools including ChatGPT and Codex. Alongside my experience with Power Automate, I’m exploring practical ways to reduce repetitive work and develop useful applications.
A selection of my technical projects, from interactive learning to data and business applications.
Completed
An interactive web project bringing together my interests in physics, education and software development. Browser-based laboratories explore forces, waves, particles and space.
Actual application screenshot
In development
A dashboard concept for exploring Amazon purchases, spending and order history. This project is in development; the image illustrates a possible interface rather than verified implemented features.
AI-generated interface concept
In development
A Power Platform project in development, exploring asset management with model-driven apps. The image is an illustrative concept rather than a screenshot of a delivered application.
AI-generated concept illustration
I founded North East Digital Studio to provide website development, photography, videography and digital content services for small businesses and organisations. I develop websites and digital solutions to improve clients’ online presence, alongside creating photography and video content for events and promotional activities.
Northumberland County Council
As a Microsoft 365 Developer at Northumberland County Council, my role involved leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform to streamline and enhance various business processes across the organization. I was responsible for designing and implementing custom solutions using Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, tailored to meet the specific needs of different departments. This included creating user-friendly applications that automated repetitive tasks, integrated data from various sources, and provided actionable insights through interactive dashboards and reports.
In addition to development and deployment, I collaborated closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, ensure the alignment of solutions with business goals, and provide ongoing support and training. My role required a deep understanding of Microsoft 365 services and an ability to adapt quickly to evolving needs and technologies. By effectively utilizing the Power Platform, I contributed to improving operational efficiency, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and supporting the council’s strategic objectives.
Fizeau Consulting
At Fizeau Consulting, I developed custom applications and automated workflows using Microsoft’s Power Platform. I worked with colleagues to translate client requirements into practical solutions, using Power Automate to reduce repetitive tasks and support more efficient business processes.
Tui
Responsible for maintaining and optimising key data systems hosted on AWS to ensure high performance, reliability, and scalability. Managed digital marketing data and reporting, including work with the Google Marketing Platform. Integrated third-party APIs and collaborated with the Infrastructure Team to deploy applications and databases. Played a key role in planning, implementing, and maintaining the data warehouse, including monitoring, patching, and resolving issues. Worked closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop fit-for-purpose solutions, and analyse data to identify trends and provide insights for business decision-making.
Sitel
Supported the development of analytics and improved analytical tools to enhance business insight and decision-making. Collaborated with stakeholders across multiple functions to identify opportunities for process automation. Prepared and refined MI and statistical reports for both internal management and external clients. Developed sync scripts to transfer data between databases and platforms. Participated in peer programming sessions to give and receive constructive code feedback and assisted in testing team members’ code. Supported the use of development release pipelines to deploy code changes across relevant environments.
Sage
Designed and developed high-quality applications using C# .NET, following industry best practices in programming and software design. Built and enhanced platform features using Sitecore CMS and C# .NET, and implemented functional and technical specifications for ongoing platform improvements. Provided troubleshooting support and contributed to automation through unit and functional testing.
Actively participated in all Scrum ceremonies and supported the facilitation of Sprint activities when needed. Managed release processes, ensuring smooth deployment of changes from development to production environments. Collaborated effectively within a fast-paced implementation team to deliver exceptional results for customers.
Tyne & Wear Fire Rescue & Service
Contributed to the development of internal software tools supporting operational efficiency and data accuracy within the service. Worked closely with fire service teams to understand operational requirements and translate them into practical digital solutions. Enhanced existing systems, improved user experience, and supported the integration of data used across departments. This role strengthened my ability to deliver reliable, user-focused software in a structured and safety-critical environment.
Gateshead College
Delivered Computer Science education at Gateshead College, teaching across the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Computing and the Level 4 & 5 HNC/HND Computing programmes. Additionally, I designed and taught a specialised 6-week training course for DevAcademy students, providing aspiring IT professionals with practical industry insight. This included delivering one cohort on-site at the college and another at a Bristol-based training location.
Utilitywise
During my time at Utilitywise—short though it was before the company entered administration—I contributed to a key internal project aimed at improving how the organisation managed and processed operational requests. I helped develop a system capable of prioritising, grouping, and filtering a wide range of incoming requests, improving workflow visibility and helping teams respond more efficiently. The application was built using ASP.NET Core and Angular, giving me hands-on experience working across both backend and modern frontend technologies.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund distributes National Lottery funding to support charitable initiatives across the UK, helping to create meaningful and lasting impact within communities. As part of the Applications Development team, I worked as a Technology Developer, contributing to the improvement and delivery of digital services across the organisation.
Key responsibilities included:
Newcastle College
Worked with Newcastle College, one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit education and training groups, maintaining and enhancing their portfolio of websites and microsites, including Newcastle College, Discovery School, West Lancashire College, Intraining, and Rathbone Training.
Developed bespoke ASP.NET web applications integrated into the SharePoint environment, including custom web parts, applications, and workflows. Managed and administered Microsoft SharePoint 2010 solutions, delivering user-focused functionality and supporting the organisation’s digital learning and training platforms.
Newcastle College
Sourced, evaluated, and developed e-learning content and resources to enhance curriculum delivery across multiple subjects and grade levels. Provided training and support to staff on using rapid development tools to create high-quality e-learning materials. Built online courses using authoring tools such as Adobe Captivate and Articulate Storyline.
Newcastle College
Taught and supported learners across full-time and part-time programs at various qualification levels. Focused on delivering innovative ICT-based courses, both within the college and in community settings, fostering engaging and creative learning experiences.
blp
Managed client websites for BLP, a printing company, enabling customers to place online orders for personalized products, including letterheads and complimentary slips. Supported high-profile clients such as Northern Rock, Ecclesiastical, and Brewin Dolphin.
Tommee Tippee
Worked on a fixed-term contract, ensuring group websites and internet pages aligned with marketing strategy and product offerings. Enhanced and updated web materials across Internet, Intranet, and Extranet platforms in response to business requests. Maintained content, consumer promotions, and direct marketing initiatives to support the organisation’s online presence.
The Building Centre
Led the redesign, development, and ongoing maintenance of The Building Centre’s main website and multiple associated sites. Developed a custom CMS for efficient site management and integrated an online payment system to support event bookings and the purchase of reports and publications. Created reporting tools to track registered users and product manufacturers, supporting data-driven decision-making and improving overall site functionality.
Durham County Council
Coordinated with content editors across Education Services to ensure website content met the needs of parents using the Online Admissions system. Worked closely with the web team to update school information from the Educational Management System (EMS). Reviewed and optimised content for clarity and accessibility, improving the provision and presentation of information for parents and caregivers.
London to Sydney Overland
After facing redundancy during the dot-com era, I embarked on an 18-month transformative journey spanning 26 countries, tracing part of the ancient Silk Road through Iran, Pakistan, and China, before reaching Sydney, Australia. Traveling entirely overland, I relied on local transport—trains, buses, and occasional ferries in Indonesia—immersing myself in the cultures, landscapes, and daily rhythms of each region. This extraordinary expedition was a conscious decision to step outside my comfort zone, gain fresh perspectives, and embrace new life experiences, shaping both my personal growth and worldview.
Proximity London
Served as a backend developer at Proximity London, a full-service creative agency and part of a global network with 67 offices and over 2,500 professionals. Collaborated on the design, development, and deployment of web applications and digital solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients, including Pedigree, Emirates, Whiskas, Eastern Energy, Financial Times, Genie, BT, Volkswagen, UCI Cinemas, and Outdoor Connection. Worked closely with cross-functional teams to deliver multi-channel campaigns spanning direct, digital, social, and mobile platforms, ensuring high-quality, scalable, and maintainable solutions.
Gateshead College
In addition to my curriculum support duties, I delivered lectures at the college, teaching adult learners in Web Design and Visual Basic 6.0. Concurrently, I also provided instruction at Gosforth Academy and Heaton Manor School, broadening my teaching experience across multiple educational settings.
Gateshead College
Provided technical support to students and staff, managing resource-based learning facilities and ensuring smooth operations. Responsibilities included troubleshooting hardware and software issues, maintaining and servicing systems and equipment, and implementing enhancements to ensure optimal functionality.
European Training Services
Worked at Frankfurt Airport for Flughafen Frankfurt/Main AG (FAG), trained in the British Airways Departure Control System. Managed passenger check-in, boarding procedures, ticketing, seat allocation, and flight assignments. Conducted aircraft weight and balance calculations and ensured compliance with passport and visa regulations, supporting efficient and safe airport operations.
Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
During my industrial placement at Northumbria University, I worked with the Space Science Division at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. My responsibilities included radiation detection and measurement, setting up and conducting experiments, collecting and analysing data, and preparing detailed presentations and reports. This experience provided hands-on exposure to advanced scientific research and strengthened my skills in experimental methodology and scientific communication.
Crew Gal
Completed a 6-week Music Video Production Course in Creative and Screen Production, developed practical skills in visual storytelling, scripting, filming, and editing. Gained hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and techniques to plan, produce, and refine multimedia content. The course strengthened my ability to communicate ideas through visual media, work collaboratively in production environments, and manage projects from concept to final output.
I contributed to a music video production as a behind-the-scenes photographer, working with Crew Gal and industry partners on location. Alongside capturing production photographs, I took part in an interview with the artist, discussed mood boards and assisted with storyboarding and pre-production.
Multiverse
The Data Fellowship heightens knowledge of data analysis and broadens skill sets across technology solutions. Apprentices learn how to create clear dashboards using Business Intelligence tools, wrangle data in Python, and implement machine-learning algorithms to gain next level insights. They’ll also master how to manage system security, gather technical requirements, and manage systems development.
University of Sunderland
A specialized academic program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of information technology education. This program is tailored to individuals who aspire to become educators and leaders in the realm of IT instruction.
Northumbria University
An interdisciplinary program that combines the principles of physics with the practical application of microelectronics technology. This program provides students with a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics while emphasizing their real-world applications in the field of microelectronics.
Tyne Metropolitan College
A comprehensive academic program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the dynamic fields of computer science and electronics. This diploma program covers a wide range of topics, including computer hardware and software, digital electronics, programming languages, and network systems. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them well-prepared for a variety of careers in technology and engineering.
Newcastle College
A prestigious and comprehensive program that offers aspiring photographers a pathway to develop their creative talents and technical skills. This diploma provides students with a deep understanding of photography principles, including composition, lighting, post-production, and various photographic genres.
QA IT Training
Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based suite of productivity tools that includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with collaboration services such as Teams and OneDrive, designed to enhance communication, productivity, and teamwork across devices.
Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions focuses on designing, building, and deploying scalable cloud applications using Azure services, while ensuring high availability, security, and performance.
QA IT Training
QA IT Training
Developing ASP.NET MVC Applications using Visual Studio involves building dynamic, data-driven web applications by leveraging the Model-View-Controller architecture, enabling developers to create scalable, maintainable solutions with integrated tools for coding, debugging, and deployment.
QA IT Training
SharePoint 2010 Application Development involves creating custom business solutions by leveraging the platform's capabilities for content management, collaboration, and workflow automation, using tools like Visual Studio and SharePoint Designer to build and extend functionalities within the SharePoint ecosystem.
Louisiana Himalaya Association
The Louisiana Himalaya Association (LHA) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the well-being of Tibetan refugees and sharing the rich wisdom of Tibetan traditions worldwide. As a volunteer, I had the privilege of teaching general IT skills to Tibetan refugees, helping empower them and facilitate their integration into the digital world.
American Institute For Foreign Study, Camp America
Serving as a camp counselor for American teenagers was an immersive experience that required around-the-clock responsibility, providing guidance, support, and care. The role demanded a careful balance of authority and trust to create a safe and engaging environment. Building strong connections with the campers allowed me to support their well-being while fostering personal growth and memorable experiences. This experience highlighted the importance of mentorship and the lasting impact it can have on young lives.
UNICEF, Middle East Council of Churches
Volunteering at work camps in the Beqaa Valley and Tripoli alongside Lebanese youth was a profound experience in cultural exchange and understanding. Through intensive study, reflection on Christian-Muslim relations, immersive role-plays, and interactive workshops, we fostered environments where diverse communities could learn to coexist harmoniously. This experience deepened my appreciation for dialogue and empathy as tools for bridging cultural divides and underscored the importance of interfaith cooperation in promoting peaceful coexistence in a complex, diverse world.
World University Service
Participating in an international work camp at Birzeit University, near Ramallah in the West Bank, was a transformative experience that allowed me to engage closely with the local Palestinian community. It provided a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the region’s complexities and contribute to improving living conditions. A particularly memorable highlight was visiting Gaza and attending talks by Arab journalists, which offered valuable perspectives on the challenges and aspirations of the Palestinian people. This experience broadened my understanding and reinforced the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in fostering positive change.
Kibbutz Program Cente
Volunteering at a kibbutz on the outskirts of Tel Aviv was a remarkable immersion into a distinctive way of life. The community embodied the principles of a socialist society, with members sharing work, property, and profits equally. This collective ethos fostered a strong sense of unity and collaboration, offering a firsthand insight into the power of communal living and prioritizing the well-being of the group over individual gain. The experience left a lasting impression, reinforcing the values of equality, shared responsibility, and cooperation.
Alan is an excellent developer. I worked with Alan closely and not only is he an excellent developer he is also one of the nicest people I have ever met. I would highly recommend Alan to anyone.
Alan has a great attitude towards software development. He is able to break down problems into logical unit’s of work and is interested in producing high quality outputs and advancing his skill set. Alan has demonstrated an ability to work under pressure, contributing modules to ensure the team delivered on time, to a tight deadline. Alan would be a great addition to any software development team and would have no issues working with him again in the future.
A conversation starts with hello. If you’d like to discuss a role, a project or an idea, I’d be glad to hear from you.
Email is a straightforward way to start a conversation.
alan.dotchin@gmail.comOpens your email app. You can also copy the address into your preferred email service.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the North East of England.
Find my professional profile and creative work elsewhere.
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For digital services, photography and video, visit North East Digital Studio.
