Hands-on Senior Delivery
Direct engineering contribution from an experienced developer who can join teams quickly and start solving real problems.
About
Independent Web Development Consultancy Since 2008
ai-em is the consultancy of Mike Whiting, a senior full-stack web developer with a background spanning PHP, React, TypeScript, DevOps, open source and long-running web platform delivery.
Built Around Practical Engineering
ai-em was created to provide experienced, hands-on web development support for organisations that need dependable delivery, thoughtful architecture and clear technical communication.
The consultancy grew from early LAMP and PHP work into a broader full-stack practice covering modern React applications, backend services, APIs, CI/CD, infrastructure automation and platform modernisation.
The focus has remained consistent: build useful systems, reduce complexity where possible, and leave codebases healthier than they were found.
Approach
Pragmatic Architecture
Technical decisions guided by maintainability, delivery needs and the long-term health of the product.
Clear Communication
Straightforward collaboration with developers, product teams, stakeholders and delivery leads.
Quality Without Theatre
Testing, refactoring, automation and process improvements applied where they create genuine value.
Background
Early foundations
PHP, Linux and the open web
Mike’s technical background began with PHP, Linux and self-directed web development, later strengthened by formal software engineering study and early commercial roles.
Consultancy
Established in 2008
ai-em has operated since 2008, supporting clients through contract delivery, consultancy engagements, legacy platform work and modern web application development.
Modern full stack
React, TypeScript and DevOps
Recent work focuses on modern frontend architecture, React and TypeScript applications, headless CMS integrations, testing, deployment automation and reliable delivery workflows.
Open source
Empathy and independent tooling
The same practical mindset behind the consultancy also informs open-source work, including Empathy, a PHP framework and self-hosting platform project.
Founder-led consultancy
Experienced support without unnecessary layers.
Work directly with a senior engineer on web application delivery, modernisation, DevOps, React, PHP and platform consultancy.
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