Welcome...
Hi, I'm James Bloor and I'm a multi-skilled designer/developer/marketer from England. I co-own a digital design agency called Distinction, and freelance in my spare time.
I'm currently considering all invitations for new projects, including consultancy, design and development, or marketing. I sometimes do pro-bono work if the cause is exceptional.
Drop me a line if you wish.
About Me
I'm based in Nottingham and co-own a design agency that has offices in Nottingham and London. I hand-pick a few projects a year to learn new skills and keep myself at the coal edge.
In my spare time, you can ask me to play any sport and I'll give it a go - I'm quite useful at rugby, tennis, football and golf, and have recently taken up triathlons. I enjoy going to music and comedy gigs, as well as watching movies and spending time with my friends and family.
I try to do something for charity every year, so if you have an idea for 2011 please let me know.
In 2010, I spent 6 weeks volunteering in the townships around Port Elizabeth, South Africa. My role involved coaching sport to local children with substantially tougher lives than most Westerners can imagine. For more information on the programme, check out Sporting Opportunities.
In 2009 I ran the Robin Hood 1/2 Marathon for The Parkinson's Disease Society. That's a charity very close to my heart and I was delighted to raise almost £1,500 for new research.
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My Skill Set
I consider myself to have a rare combination of skills; I'm a straight-talking, creative techie who's great at communicating with a diverse range of audiences. Sounds like a sentence of contradictions... but it's not.
You won't hear technical shit coming out my mouth unless I'm chatting with someone who I knows understands it. Likewise, I won't spit out management jargon (ever) or make commitments I know I can't keep.
I'm a qualified Project Manager (Prince2) and can liaise with individuals / groups on different levels with ease.
A typical digital project includes (i) planning & wire-framing, (ii) designing, (iii) coding, (iv) developing, (v) launching, (vi) marketing and (vii) supporting - you can involve me in any of these stages and I'll float like a duck on water.
I'm very experienced at:
- Planning projects, from defining initial criteria through to measuring its' success
- Web design using the latest standards recommended by the W3C standards
- Web development using Microsoft-based solutions (ASP.NET, AJAX, SOAP) and JavaScript
- Database development using Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL or XML
- Developing integrated marketing strategies and executing them to perfection
Don't just take my word for it though. Check out some of my references on LinkedIn, or contact me and I'll happily send some over.
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Mini Portfolio
The re-design of 3 websites for MB Nottingham, including integration of a content management system and an online service booking system.
MB Nottingham Re-Design
Client:
Mercedes Benz Nottingham
When:
2009 - 2010
Involvement:
Consultancy, Web Design, Web Development, Project Management, SEO
A complete re-design of the NBN Trust website including CMS, and integration with the NBN Gateway (a national database of biodiversity data)
NBN Trust Website
Client:
NBN Trust
When:
2009
Involvement:
Consultancy, Web Development, Project Management
Planning, design and development of a bespoke job board application for the print, packaging and design industry.
Bespoke Job Board
Client:
oZZle.co.uk
When:
2005 onwards
Involvement:
Consultancy, Web Development, Project Management
Consultancy and management of various online marketing campaigns for this leading outdoor equipment manufacturer.
Online Marketing
Client:
Trekmates
When:
2010 - ongoing
Involvement:
Consultancy, SEO, Online Marketing
A dynamic, CMS-driven website to present the fantastic photography of this UK agency. The site utilises Javascript and Ajax to create a full-screen effect, whilst maintaining the search engine friendliness of HTML.
Photography Website Design
Client:
Distinction Photography
When:
2010
Involvement:
Web Design, Web Development
A complete revamp of the website of Brass Monkey in Nottingham. Utilising some full screen imagery, the website creates a fantastic experience.
Bar Website Re-Design
Client:
Brass Monkey Bar, Nottingham
When:
2010
Involvement:
Web Design
Based on design by Sellers & Rogers, the new website was built using Kentico CMS.
Website Re-Design
Client:
Clegg Group
When:
2009 - ongoing
Involvement:
Web Development, SEO
Design and build of this estate agency website, including searchable Google Map integration.
Estate Agency Website Design
Client:
Moore & York
When:
2007
Involvement:
Web Design
Web design and development of a recruitment company website, with integrated job search.
Recruitment Company Web Design
Client:
Linsco
When:
2009
Involvement:
Web Design, Web Development
Design and integration of Kentico CMS for this mobile communications distributor. Part of the Orange/T-Mobile group.
Mobile Communications Web Design
Client:
Midland Communications
When:
2009
Involvement:
Web Design, Web Development
Full start-up package for this SME. Including logo design, corporate literature, website and ongoing SEO work.
Branding, Website & SEO
Client:
Circle Events
When:
2008
Involvement:
Web Design, SEO
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