Stephen Banbury

I’m a versatile and creative full stack developer with over 25 years of experience in the industry and a passion for cutting-edge technologies. My expertise spans a wide array of languages and frameworks, which I’ve applied in diverse sectors including brand engagement, immersive collaboration, education research, and gamification. My creative background allows me to approach development holistically, ensuring both technical excellence and an intuitive, engaging user experience.

I excel in delivering tailored solutions by leveraging the most suitable technologies for each task—whether web-based (Angular-Typescript, HTML, CSS) or using Unity (C#), often connected to Azure cloud-based SQL databases via .NET Core APIs. I have also applied Python for AI and computer vision projects, and worked with tools like Stable Diffusion, OpenAI, DeepAR, and Three.js. I am accustomed to working in Agile environments, utilizing Git for version control.

Recently, my work has focused on advanced technologies such as geospatially anchored augmented reality, virtual reality, AI-driven face and body tracking, and using large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 to develop OpenAI Assistant APIs, delivering human-like, contextual responses to customer inquiries.

In addition, I have a strong foundation in database management, particularly with SQL Server, and experience in Azure DevOps, cloud databases, and CI/CD practices.

No matter the platform, I am committed to good coding practices, adhering to SOLID principles, and producing clean, efficient, and maintainable code.

Senior Developer 

Phygital Ltd

August 2022 - Present

Working closely with a small multi-disciplinary team in an agile environment, I’ve taken leading roles in the development of dynamic, visually impactful interactive experiences. Combining elements of gamification with ‘wow’ factor, these have been designed to both engage audiences and to gather critical data. Client brands have included some leading household-names. 

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as AR, AI, and geolocation, I’ve delivered tailored solutions whilst making use of whichever technologies are appropriate for the task; often web-based (Angular-Typescript) or employing Unity (C#) platforms, usually connected to an Azure cloud-based SQL database via a hosted .NET Core API. I have also employed the use of Python for AI and Computer Vision solutions, Stable Diffusion, Open AI, DeepAR, Three.js amongst others. 

Systems Developer 

ACT Training Ltd

January 2019 – January 2023

Full-stack developer working in an agile environment on in-house systems essential to the core business of providing education and training programmes to young people. Working primarily with Angular and .NET Core, developing database-connected internet-based applications enabling teaching and training staff, admin and learners to seamlessly access and work collaboratively with vital attainment and progress data, to set targets, tasks and create bespoke reports.

Application Developer / Data Analyst 

FFT Education Ltd

2004 - 2018

Full-stack developer on FFT's online service providing data analysis, reporting and tools for estimating and setting targets for schools, teachers, governors and local authorities. As part of the project team from the start I was involved for 6 years, from initial conception to fully working product. Working in an Agile environment, the stack included .NET, MVC, Entity Framework, C#, JavaScript, Knockout, HTML, CSS, jQuery, SQL Server.

Prior to this project, I spent 8 years as a Data Analyst on the National Pupil Database, developing systems, SQL routines and software (SQL Server, T-SQL, VB.NET, MS Access).

Database Developer, DBA 

Self employed

2000 - 2004

Clients included public and private sector organisations. Database and software design, build, testing & implementation. Websites for data-collection, sales, online presence. Web-crawling and hyperlink collecting tools. Data conversion and migration. MS Access, VBA, PHP, SQL Server, MySQL.

Systems Officer 

Arts Council of England

1999 - 2000

Responsible for the management and maintenance of a Lottery Arts Grant database, statistical reporting, user support.

Assessment Officer 

Arts Council of England

1997 - 1999

Assessment of applications for Lottery arts grant funding

Production Manager 

Welsh Jazz Society

1991 - 1993

Responsible for the day-to-day management and programming of a prominent and popular Cardiff jazz venue. 

MA Creative Application Development (Distinction)

Falmouth University

Jan 2019 - July 2021

BA (HONS) Music

Dartington College Of Arts

1993 - 1996

National Diploma, Art & Design

Cardiff School of Art & Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University

1988 - 1989

A Levels: Computer studies, Music, Art

9 O Levels

Whitchurch High School, Cardiff

1979 - 1986