Learn more

Nick Clarkson

Creative Technologist, Technical Director and Digital Leader
Bristol, UK
|

clar.ky
|

nick@clarkson.io
|

07771 535 355
Nick is a seasoned and commercially driven technical director with a creative flair for solution design and a strong advocacy for AI integration. Beginning his career as a full stack developer in 1999, he champions integrated digital strategies and user-centred digital experiences. Over the past decade, he has held senior leadership roles in both client and agency environments. Residing in Bristol, Nick is a proud father to his two sons, Daniel and Alex.
N
C

Work Experience

Halo

Digital / Technical Director
|

Jul 2018 - Current

Nick leads the digital team, driving strategy and technical direction to align with brand and user needs. His responsibilities include recruitment and managing a multi-disciplinary team across web development, UX, social media, and project management. Nick has developed and implemented an integrated digital vision for Halo’s clients, while also contributing to the agency's positioning at a board level.

Client-facing, Nick has successfully pitched and secured various digital projects and has played a key role in expanding existing accounts. He is responsible for the overall digital targets and budget.

Though his role is primarily strategic, Nick remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations, including project management, scoping, estimating, and occasional development tasks. His work spans industries such as hospitality, entertainment, eCommerce, and high-tech, with clients including Live Nation/Ticketmaster, Turtle Bay, Bart Spices, Download Festival, Wireless Festival, Ombudsman Services, NLWA, and Magna Housing.

In recognition of his achievements, Nick and his team won the Best Recruitment Website at the Web Excellence Awards 2024 for his work with Aspiration Training.

NMI ( Formerly Creditcall )

Head of Digital
|

Feb 2016 - Jul 2018

Nick worked closely with the Head of Marketing to devise the digital strategies for the brand over the last two years. Following the acquisition of Creditcall, he led a user research project that informed a rebrand, realigned company positioning, and guided the platform's ongoing development. He managed an adaptable team, which included UX, web development, design, and E-CRM/Digital Marketing.

Nick developed and implemented the E-CRM/Marketing Automation strategy, integrating Pardot with Salesforce. He was involved in recruitment, onboarding, managing third-party suppliers, and overseeing the digital marketing budget, along with providing pastoral care for the team.

He was also responsible for maintaining and refreshing Creditcall's forward-facing digital assets, including the redevelopment of creditcall.com and the creation of the Express Boarding web application. The revamped creditcall.com resulted in a 300% increase in conversions.

Nick introduced new development and team workflow principles to Creditcall, focusing on iterative, user-centred development while adhering to strict security standards.

AUK

Technical Director
|

Nov 2014 - Feb 2015

Nick led the technical department at AUK (formerly Agency UK), managing a growing team of six developers. He dedicated significant time to working with both current and prospective clients, focusing on delivering high-quality and engaging web projects. His work included building websites and web applications for clients such as Welsh Meat, BSM, Ladbrokes, Pentathlon GB, and Quintiles.

G+V

Head of Development
|

Nov 2012 - Nov 2014

Nick was responsible for overseeing the agency's technical direction and played a key role in securing national pitches. He championed a solutions-based approach and encouraged cross-discipline collaboration within the company. Nick built, maintained, and supported the development team, leading projects for clients such as Brothers Cider, Drinkaware, Continental Tyres, NOS, ISTRUCT, British Medical Journal, and Zettics.

Great State ( Formerly E3 )

Senior Interface Developer
|

Nov 2011 - Nov 2012

Nick developed complex web interfaces and mobile applications, taking a lead role in delivering technical projects. He mentored and advised junior members of the development team and actively contributed to process improvement workgroups. His work included projects for notable clients such as Kia, Land Rover, Orange, The Royal Navy, and The National Trust.

Nick's efforts were recognised with a Drum Award for Digital Industries in 2015, winning Best Not-for-Profit Website for The National Trust's "50 Things" campaign.

Digital Visitor

Development Manager
|

Nov 2010 - Nov 2011

Nick developed Visitor Review, an integrated social media platform with a customer review feature. He led the creation of a RESTful API and a highly configurable REST client, as well as a suite of JavaScript widgets that enabled content editors to easily integrate social and review functions into their websites. His work supported projects for clients such as Enjoy England, Joules Verne Voyages, and London Clubs International.

Nick's contributions were recognised with the Travolution Award for Best Online Application in 2011 for his work on Visitor Review.

Freelance

Freelance web developer / designer
|

Nov 2007 - Nov 2011

As a freelancer, Nick worked on a diverse range of projects, from intranets to eLearning applications and Flash games. He successfully bid for and won these projects, managing their delivery from start to finish. His work included collaborations with clients such as Telstra, Oracle, Minervation, Oxford University, Scottish NHS, Thames Valley NHS, British Cardiology Society, King and Allen, Talis, Complete Control, and Team Rubber.

In 2010, Nick won the IVCA Award for Best Interactive for a Flash eLearning application he designed and developed for Rethink (The National Schizophrenia Society), in collaboration with Minervation and Seafood. The competition included entries from Channel 4 and CBeebies.

Xpress Ordering

Product Specialist
|

Nov 2004 - Nov 2007

Nick produced, maintained, and enhanced Xpress Ordering’s kiosk ordering application, while also adapting it for various purposes. He developed key interface elements and contributed to the Firebird database, along with creating a PHP-based administration tool. Additionally, he expanded the kiosk application to include features such as a customer survey and webcam functionality. His work supported projects for clients including Orange, Brake Brothers, NatWest, Lloyds, and RBS.

Freelance

Web Developer / Designer
|

Nov 1999 - Nov 2004

Nick developed websites for a variety of SMEs, including pubs and clubs, as well as handling ad hoc projects for notable clients such as Playboy UK and Gumball 3000.

Before starting his freelance career, Nick worked as a compliance tester for Microsoft, contributing to the testing of original Xbox release titles such as PGR, Oddworld, and Halo.

4o

Education

Kingston University

Computing Systems
|

Sep 1994 - Sep 1997

My degree course covered Computer Science, Maths and Digital and Analogue Electronics.

Leadership / Management

  • Technical Leadership
  • Account Management
  • Business Development
  • Digital Strategy
  • Agency Strategy and Direction
  • Team cohesion and work flow
  • People Management
  • Project Management
  • Technical Direction
  • Coaching
  • Recruitment
  • Negotiation
  • Conflict resolution
  • User Experience
  • Public Speaking
  • Scoping, Briefing and estimation
  • Project management
  • Working with confidential and sensitive issues
  • Pitching

Technical

  • Javascript / Node
  • Vue
  • PHP
  • Ruby
  • Laravel
  • DDev / Docker
  • CSS / SASS
  • Linux / OSX / AWS / Heroku
  • Git / SVN
  • CraftCMS
  • Jekyll
  • Ghost
  • Drupal
  • Wordpress
  • Localisation
  • OWASP / Security
  • GDPR
  • Automation / Deployment
  • Scalable Infrastructure
  • DNS
  • AI

Interests

  • In his spare time, Nick enjoys cycling, spending time with his family, and pursuing his passion as an electronic recording artist and DJ, with releases on various indie labels.