Databases
& systems
When the business runs on five spreadsheets and someone's memory, it's time for one reliable place for your customers, jobs, bookings or stock — designed around how you actually work.
Spreadsheets are brilliant until they aren't. Two people edit the same file, a formula breaks, the “latest version” is in someone's inbox, and nobody's quite sure which customer list is right. That's usually the moment a proper database earns its keep.
I design and build databases and small internal systems for businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets but don't need — or want to pay for — a heavyweight enterprise package. Clean data structure underneath, a simple interface on top, and reports that answer the questions you actually ask.
It can connect to your website, so enquiries, bookings and orders land in the right place automatically — and it's backed up, access-controlled and documented so it doesn't depend on one person.
What I build
ExamplesCustomer & contact records
One tidy list of customers and enquiries, with history, notes and follow-ups, instead of the same person stored four different ways.
Bookings, jobs & orders
Track work from enquiry to invoice, see what's due this week, and stop things slipping through the gaps.
Stock & inventory
Know what you have, where it is and when to reorder — updated as things sell, not at the end of the month.
Spreadsheet rescue & migration
Existing spreadsheets cleaned up, de-duplicated and moved into a proper structure without losing anything.
Dashboards & reports
The numbers that matter on one screen — sales, bookings, outstanding invoices — always up to date.
Website & tool connections
Forms, booking tools, email and accounting connected, so data is entered once and goes everywhere it needs to.
How it works
Fixed price, upfrontUnderstand the data
We go through what you track today, who uses it and the questions you need answered.
Design the structure
I design the tables, relationships and screens, and agree the scope and a fixed price in writing.
Build & migrate
I build it, move your existing data across, and test it against real day-to-day tasks.
Train & support
A short walkthrough for whoever uses it, written notes, and support afterwards if you want it.
Questions
Straight answersDo I need a database, or just a better spreadsheet?
Sometimes a well-built spreadsheet really is the right answer, and if so I'll say so. A database makes sense when several people need the same information, when data is duplicated across files, or when mistakes are starting to cost you.
Where does my data live, and who owns it?
You own it — always. It's hosted on a reputable provider in an account in your name where possible, backed up automatically, and you can export everything at any time.
What does it cost?
It depends on how much data and how many screens are involved, so each project is scoped and quoted as a fixed price after a free call. Nothing starts until you've agreed the number in writing.
Can it work with my website?
Yes — that's often the most useful part. Website enquiries, bookings or orders can go straight into the database, and the website can display information from it.
Explore more
RelatedLet's sort it out.
Tell me what's taking up your time or causing you grief, and I'll come back with an honest view and a fixed price — usually within a day.