Magic Eight Ball
Containerised Flask app showcasing rapid prototyping and clean deployment.
Python • Flask • Docker
Michael Helm
Transforming Ideas into Scalable Technology Solutions.
Technology Leader
Linux Systems | Database Administration | Full-Stack Developer
26 years technical expertise | 20 years Leadership | Pragmatic problem-solver
About Me
I'm a technical leader who bridges the gap between engineering teams and business objectives. With 26 years of hands-on development experience and 14 years as IT Director, I've built systems that scale from small businesses to enterprise deployments—and led the teams that maintain them.
My journey has taken me from hands-on development in C and PHP to senior development roles, server and database administration, and ultimately to leadership positions guiding teams and technology strategy.
Most recently, I served as IT Director of Wireless Social until its acquisition in 2024 by The Access Group. Today, I work on both Wireless Social and other projects within The Access Group's hospitality (front of house) software division, where I continue to drive innovation and deliver scalable solutions.
What I Bring: Technical credibility that earns engineering team respect, strategic thinking that translates board objectives into executable roadmaps, and proven results including ISO27001 certification in 8 months and systems exceeding target 99.999% (5 nines) uptime over 6+ years.
My differentiators: Hands-on technical depth • Relentless optimiser who measures and improves • Pragmatic problem-solver who knows when to iterate vs. rebuild
Skills & Expertise
Development
- PHP
- C
- Full-Stack Development
Database & Infrastructure
- MySQL
- Database Administration
Systems & DevOps
- Linux Administration
- cPanel
- Plesk
Cloud & AI
- AWS
- Claude Code
- Mistral
Leadership
- Team Leadership
- Corporate Board Level Leadership
Project Management
- Project Planning (Large & Small)
- Strategic Planning
Featured Projects
Practical, containerised apps and experiments showcasing my approach to building and shipping.
Sudoku Solver v1
Baseline solver proving the core algorithm, packaged for repeatable runs.
Python • Flask • Algorithms
Sudoku Solver v1.1
Refined UI for a clearer solving flow without altering the logic.
Python • Flask • Algorithms
Latest from the Blog
Practical guides and notes across Linux, hosting, Windows tooling, and personal projects.
Personal Software Projects Portfolio
Overview of hobby projects (Magic Eight Ball, Sudoku Solver variants, Noughts & Crosses), Dockerised and available to try.
Update Your Windows Programs with winget upgrade
Keep your apps current with one command and a few helpful flags.
Experience Highlights
Jan 2024 - Present
Multiple Roles
The Access Group
Working on Wireless Social and other projects within the hospitality (front of house) software division following the successful acquisition of Wireless Social.
Feb 2013 - Jan 2024
IT Director
Wireless Social
Managed the implementation of Wireless Social into target industries including pubs, restaurants, hotels, arcades, and football clubs. Led research into new technologies, scaling the platform from small businesses to large sports stadiums, shopping centres, and entertainment venues.
Jan 2007 - Sep 2019
IT Director
iknow-uk Ltd
Led all strategic IT decisions, co-ordinated new developments and maintenance of current systems. Continuously monitored and evaluated technology performance whilst researching and making critical decisions regarding new technologies.
2005 - 2007
IT Manager / Database Administrator
Pharmalogical Ltd
Managed client relationships, outsourced contractors, and projects for multiple organisations. Focused on MySQL administration and management information systems, leading major platform migration projects whilst maintaining legacy C systems.
2006 - 2007
Manager
Healthcare Data Systems
Managed client relationships and a small team of staff, overseeing outsourced contractors and projects for multiple organisations and clients.
2000 - 2004
Developer
medinet limited
Progressed from Junior Developer of C programs to lead developer and primary Database Administrator. Gained commercial expertise in C, PHP, MySQL, and Java.
Let's Connect
I enjoy connecting with other technology professionals and helping teams work through technical problems. If you're building something interesting or could use a technical sounding board, let's talk.