
Andy Blyth PgDip BSc(Hons) FdSc
Web Developer, 2nd Dan Sensei, Photographer, Husband, Dad
C# Developer
Sensei
Photographer
Father
Husband
Solving problems, then writing code
Since 2003 I have worked for various digital agencies. I have generally focused on web development, but also worked on other applications. For the most part, I have developed using ASP.NET and C#, but I have worked with many languages over the years.
I mainly develop websites using a CMS/DXP platform. For the past few years this has mainly been SDL Tridion, Umbraco (including uCommerce) and Contentful. Recently I have started working with EPIServer, which so far I am really enjoying working with.
In previous roles I have helped develop three different bespoke CMS and eCommerce platforms, which have been used by companies like JD Sports, A-Plant and size?.
I work hard to keep up to date with what is going on in the world of development and digital media. I am always tinkering with something new, like the Konami Code easter egg on this site.
2nd Dan Black Belt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
I currently train in Traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu at Ruschroft Jiu-Jitsu Club, HQ of IJJO. I have been training under Sensei Neville Kershaw for several years now, and I am currently a 2nd Dan Black Belt. I split my time between training and mentoring the senior coloured belts.
This helps to keep me in some sort of shape. Getting the blood pumping on a regular basis. I gain a lot from Jiu-Jitsu, self-discipline, improved health, focus, confidence.
Snap-happy Photographer
Photography has always played a large part of my life and I have never been without a camera. I love going out for walk with my family, camera in hand and capturing some great moments.
You can see some of my photos on my photography page, where I have uploaded some of the better photos.
Thing #1 and Thing #2
I have two boys, they mean the world to me and I can not imagine life without them. My heart bursts every time I see them. They are the funniest two people I have ever met, and can always make me smile, no matter how hard my day has been!
Yes, they test me at times, but they are the most important people in my life and the reason I work as hard as I do.
My Wife of a Geek
My wife, my rock.
he puts up with so much, she makes sure me and the boys are dressed and presentable. I could reel off a list of things she does for me, but it would be a long list, as basically she does everything.
Meeting in college. I finally got up the confidence to speak to her and the rest is history.
You can follow my wife's Facebook page Wife of a Geek.
Technologies







Generating testable content in Episerver
Posted on Monday, 4th January 2021After recently starting working with Episerver. I have decided to try and put together a series of blog posts on the ways I am leveraging the features available in Episerver.
This post is going to be about how I use an Initializable Module to create...

My go-to nuget packages
Posted on Saturday, 12th December 2020I find myself using a few key nuget packages in most, if not all, project. Some well known, some not so much.
So I thought I would document the ones I use often. It would be great to hear about any I have missed, and any on my list you haven't used, but...

C# 9.0 - Blurring the lines between object oriented programming and functional programming
Posted on Tuesday, 24th November 2020C# has always been a very object-oriented language. Initially based on Java, over the years it evolved and improved, but always been close to it's Java roots. Recently there has been a shift in focus to introduce more features you would see in functional ...
Testimonials

Employment & Education
2002-2004
FdSc Computer Science - The University of Salford
Modules included Developing Java, System Analysis, Object Orientated Design, Computer Architecture, Web Scripting, Operating Systems Management, and Human-Computer Interaction
2003-2005
Freelance Developer - Elite Edge Marketing
Mainly working with bespoke sites, and a couple of early Umbraco sites, this gave me a taste of agency work, and it's pretty much all I have done since.
2004-2006
BSc(Hons) Internet Computing - The University of Salford
Modules included XML Development, Natural Language Programming, Parallel Programming, Web Development, Structures, Entrepreneurial Management, Communication Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet Security.
2005-2007
C# Web Developer - Visuality
I worked with the .NET environment, using both C# and VB 6 to integrate websites with Visuality’s CMS system. I worked with MSSQL, XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Whilst maintaining legacy sites I also worked with ASP, VB6. I developed new features for the systems. Including a new search functionality in the ‘i2i’ email marketing system. Additions to the CMS such as the new ‘PageBuilder’ system. I was also involved in translating parts of the CMS from classic ASP/VB6 to C# .NET. I was responsible for managing the support team.
2006-2009
PgDip Database and Web Based Systems - The University of Salford
Modules included Computer Networks, Programming for Networks, Management Principles and Practices, Research Methods, Advanced Databases, and Web-based Systems Development.
2007-2009
C# Web Developer - Idaho Technology
I worked here until I was made redundant. My role at Idaho was as a Web Developer. I focused on building custom controls that interacted with the database (including stored procedures). This allowed the front end developer to customise the HTML and CSS. I was responsible, with another developer, for building the new .net version of the CMS. I also set up and managed an SVN server as before my employment no version control system was in place. I have worked with JQuery and web services to build richer interactive controls. When needed I also worked on the front-end development. On occasion, I worked with ActionScript 2.0 and 3.0.
2009-2015
Technical Director - Redstar Creative
The most senior technical person within RedStar Creative. I provided technical direction on business decision making.
As the Technical Director, I worked on single projects and managed many projects developed by my staff. I kept close contact with the Managing Director, Client Account Managers, and Project Managers.
I was responsible for the successful creation and delivery of the company's products to the marketplace. I managed technical risks and opportunities. I made decisions on key software design and software implementations with the development team. I scheduled tasks including tracking dependencies, managing change requests, and guaranteeing the quality of deliveries. I also advised the team on technical best practices.
2015-2016
Managing Director - We Do Code
I setup We Do Code in 2015, and worked with a small group of loyal customers on large bespoke asp.net web applications. After 12 months I found it difficult to balance work and family. So I made the tough decision to close the business.
2016-Present
Senior Developer - Dept (formerly Building Blocks)
Here I am one of the Senior Developers. My main area of expertise is SDL Tridion , but I also support with projects built on Umbraco, Contentful, and shortly will begin working with EPI Server.