And somehow, he still likes the internet. It takes all sorts…
We’re thrilled to have Simon join Soto as Developer and Client Solutions Lead. He brings nearly two decades of experience in building websites, improving backend systems, streamlining processes, and helping businesses untangle technical problems before they turn into full-blown digital emergencies.
If you need to locate Simon in the office, look for the one holding a caramel macchiato in one hand, while using the other to calmly fix a problem that’s been stressing someone else out for days.
A local superstar
Originally moving to Bristol for his first development role, Simon has spent years working across projects of every imaginable size and complexity. He’s become quite the name in the Bristol WordPress scene. In fact, Zoey first met Simon around 2018 through the Bristol WordPress People community. Here, developers gather to share knowledge, swap ideas, and collectively accept that WordPress just sometimes seems to have a personal vendetta against them.
The two stayed in touch over the years, and when Simon spotted Soto’s B Corp posts on LinkedIn, he reached out to see whether there was room on the team. We had no hesitation in bringing him on board.
Simon originally told us the move was partly about finding a role with more control over the work he was doing, and partly about wanting to work within a close-knit team of passionate web people.
The truth is that he just wanted to be around the Soto office dogs. Which honestly, is OK with us!
The perfect fit
Simon’s a big animal lover and shares his home with two cats. Rambo’s a giant fluffy ginger softie, while Zelda prefers living life on her own terms. So, between him sharing stories of feline antics at home, and his playful tug-o-wars with the office dogs, he was always going to fit in around here.
At Soto, Simon is helping strengthen our backend development offering, improve internal processes, support client solutions, and get involved in networking around Bristol. Which makes sense, because after 17 years in WordPress, there is a decent chance Simon already knows somebody in every room.
Outside of development, Simon adores spending time with his family, especially his daughter who keeps him firmly on his toes. He’s also heavily into music, owns several guitars, and plays in a band with other people from the tech industry. When it comes to sport, it’s got to be football. Nobly, he continues to support Blackburn, despite everything.
