Who I am
A Specialist Software Contractor
I’m a software contractor specialising in bespoke VB.NET and SQL Server systems for the foundry, forge, and metals manufacturing industries.
What sets me apart is that I understand these industries from the inside. Over two decades working in and around steel forging, metal forming, and iron founding means I speak the language of the shop floor as fluently as I write the code — so I grasp what a system actually needs to do without lengthy explanation.
What I do
I build and maintain the software that keeps manufacturers running.
Many manufacturers rely on bespoke systems built years ago that are business-critical but increasingly hard to find support for. I specialise in exactly that kind of work — maintaining, extending, and modernising legacy VB.NET and SQL Server applications without disrupting the operations that depend on them.
- VB.NET and C# development
- WinForms application development
- SQL Server development and optimisation
- Legacy system modernisation
- Crystal Reports and business reporting
- Database migration and redesign
- VB6 legacy system support and migration
My history
- 1999 -
- IT Manager for a steel forge and fork-arm manufacturer, managing IT strategy across both business units for a decade.
- 2008 -
- Moved into contracting, specialising in bespoke software for the metals manufacturing sector.
- 2010 -
- Contracting company formed.
- 2020 -
- Began working with manufacturers in the US, providing remote development and support.
Working remotely
I work remotely with clients across the US and UK, delivering the same quality of service as an on-site developer without the overhead. If you have a system that needs support, get in touch.
Why work with me
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I know your industry
Two decades in foundry, forge, and metals manufacturing means I understand your business, not just your software.
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Legacy is my speciality
I work with existing codebases that others won’t touch, keeping business-critical systems running and improving them over time.
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Remote and reliable
Fully remote across US and UK time zones, with a track record of long-term client relationships built on trust and results.
Skills
Core technical expertise
- VB.NET and VB6
- C#
- WinForms
- SQL Server
- Crystal Reports
- Legacy system support
- Database migration
- IT Consultancy
Testimonials
"My old family foundry business, Noel Village, contracted John to develop our foundry control, quoting and methoding IT systems. On completion of this task we had a world-class multi-user, integrated system that everyone found easy to use. Visibility of every aspect the whole jobbing... "