Finding the right web talent shouldn't be a gamble. When you hire through bristol.dev, you're not browsing thousands of unknown profiles—you're choosing from a carefully curated group of proven professionals who have been personally vetted and recommended.
But what makes our members exceptional? Why should you hire them over the countless other freelancers available online?
In this article, we'll introduce you to each bristol.dev member, explain their unique strengths, and help you understand exactly why they're the right choice for your web project.
The bristol.dev Difference: Quality Over Quantity
Before we dive into individual profiles, it's worth understanding what sets bristol.dev apart.
We're invite-only. Every member has been personally vetted, worked with directly, or thoroughly assessed by the bristol.dev team. We don't accept just anyone who signs up—we only invite freelancers we genuinely trust and would recommend to our own clients.
We prioritise track records over portfolios. It's easy to showcase your best work in a portfolio. What's harder to demonstrate is how you handle tight deadlines, changing requirements, or unexpected challenges. Our members have proven they excel not just at delivering great work, but at being reliable, communicative, and professional throughout the entire process.
We cover the full spectrum. Between our three current members, we offer expertise across web design, full-stack development, graphic design, UX, branding, and everything in between. Whether you need a single specialist or a complete team, we have you covered.
Now, let's meet the people behind the work.
Pascoe Dzambo-Sinclair: Senior Graphic Designer & Creative Director
Specialisms: Web Design, UX Design, Graphic Design, Brand Identity, Illustration, Motion Graphics
Why hire Pascoe? If your project requires exceptional visual design, strategic creative direction, or a complete brand identity overhaul, Pascoe is your go-to designer.
Experience That Spans Industries
With over 10 years of experience as a senior graphic designer and creative director, Pascoe has worked across agency environments and in-house creative teams. This breadth of experience means he understands both the strategic thinking required for large-scale campaigns and the hands-on execution needed to bring them to life.
Pascoe's portfolio spans multiple sectors:
- Arts & Culture: Creating visual identities and campaigns for festivals, galleries, and cultural organisations
- Events & Festivals: Including rebranding the Bristol Harbour Festival—one of the UK's largest free festivals—to positively shift public perception
- Tech & Fintech: Working with leading companies like LG, Casio, and Zoom
- Hospitality: Collaborating with notable Bristol establishments like The Pony & Trap, Salt & Malt, and WokyKo
This diverse sector experience means Pascoe brings fresh perspectives to every project. He's not locked into one design aesthetic or approach—he adapts his creative vision to suit your brand, audience, and objectives.
Beyond Digital Design
What makes Pascoe particularly valuable is his versatility. While he excels at digital and web design, his skill set extends far beyond screens:
- Print design for campaigns, brochures, and marketing materials
- Illustration and animation for engaging visual storytelling
- Physical design including props and signage
- Brand identity systems that work consistently across all touchpoints
This means if you start with a website design project and later need marketing collateral, event materials, or a complete rebrand, Pascoe can maintain consistency and quality across everything.
The UX Advantage
Pascoe doesn't just make things look beautiful—he ensures they work beautifully too. His UX design expertise means he approaches web projects with a user-first mindset:
- Research-driven design: Understanding your audience before putting pixels on screen
- Wireframing and prototyping: Testing ideas and flows before committing to final designs
- Figma expertise: Creating interactive prototypes and design systems that developers can work from seamlessly
This combination of visual design excellence and UX thinking is rare. Many designers excel at one or the other; Pascoe delivers both.
Who Should Hire Pascoe?
You should consider hiring Pascoe if:
- You need a complete brand identity or rebrand
- Your website requires exceptional visual design and user experience
- You're launching a product, event, or campaign that needs a unified creative vision
- You value a designer who can think strategically about your brand, not just execute tasks
- You need someone who can handle both digital and physical design work
Pascoe is ideal for businesses that understand design is an investment, not an expense. If you're ready to elevate your brand presence with creative direction from someone who has worked with leading UK companies and organisations, Pascoe is your match.
Portfolio: pascoe.design Contact: hello@pascoe.design
Matt Jenkinson: Full-Stack Web Developer
Specialisms: Full-Stack Development, React.js, Next.js, TypeScript, E-commerce (Shopify), Node.js
Why hire Matt? If you need a modern, scalable web application or e-commerce platform built with cutting-edge technologies, Matt is your developer.
The Career Changer Who Found His Calling
Matt's journey into web development is unconventional—and that's precisely what makes him exceptional.
After spending 10 years in the music industry, Matt transitioned into web development and discovered a genuine passion and natural talent for building clean, engaging web experiences. This career change wasn't driven by opportunity—it was driven by passion. And that passion shows in the quality of his work.
For the past 3 years, Matt has worked as a full-stack developer across multiple e-commerce platforms, most notably for Toolstation—a major UK retailer with complex technical requirements and high traffic volumes. This experience has given him real-world expertise in building performant, scalable applications that handle serious user loads.
Modern JavaScript Expertise
Matt's technical stack is thoroughly modern and industry-leading:
Frontend:
- React.js & Next.js: His go-to frameworks for building fast, SEO-friendly, user-focused applications
- TypeScript: Ensuring code quality, reducing bugs, and making projects maintainable long-term
- Tailwind CSS: Creating beautiful, responsive interfaces efficiently
Backend:
- Node.js: Building robust server-side applications and APIs
- GraphQL: Efficiently querying and managing data
- Docker: Containerising applications for consistent deployments
E-commerce:
- Shopify: Custom theme development, app integrations, and headless commerce solutions
This tech stack represents the current best practices in web development. If you want a site built with technologies that will remain relevant and maintainable for years, Matt's expertise delivers exactly that.
E-commerce Specialist
One of Matt's standout strengths is e-commerce development. Working with Toolstation gave him deep experience in:
- Complex product catalogues with thousands of SKUs
- User account systems with order histories, wishlists, and preferences
- Payment gateway integrations that are secure and reliable
- Performance optimization for fast page loads even with heavy product data
- Inventory management and real-time stock updates
If you're launching an online store or need to rebuild an existing one with modern technology, Matt has proven e-commerce experience at scale.
Clean Code, Clean Communication
Matt doesn't just write functional code—he writes clean, well-documented, maintainable code that other developers can work with. This matters enormously if:
- You plan to scale your development team in the future
- You need ongoing maintenance and feature additions
- You want to avoid the nightmare of inheriting unmaintainable "spaghetti code"
Beyond technical skills, Matt is an excellent communicator. His background in the music industry taught him how to collaborate, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing requirements—skills that translate perfectly to client work.
Who Should Hire Matt?
You should consider hiring Matt if:
- You need a React.js or Next.js application built from scratch
- You're launching or rebuilding an e-commerce store (especially with Shopify)
- You want a full-stack developer who can handle both frontend and backend work
- You need someone who can architect scalable solutions, not just quick fixes
- You value TypeScript and modern best practices for long-term code quality
- You're looking for a developer who genuinely enjoys problem-solving and crafting great user experiences
Matt is ideal for businesses ready to invest in quality development that will serve them for years, not months. If you want a modern web application built right the first time, hire Matt.
Portfolio: matthewjenkinson.dev Contact: contact@matthewjenkinson.dev
Simon Brown: Web Developer & bristol.dev Founder
Specialisms: Webflow, WordPress, Next.js, Payload CMS, SEO, Web Design, Custom Development
Why hire Simon? If you need a versatile developer who combines design sensibility with technical expertise and SEO knowledge, Simon (that's me!) brings a comprehensive skillset to your project.
The Multi-Tool Approach to Web Development
I've built my career on versatility. Rather than specialising in one narrow area, I've developed expertise across the full spectrum of modern web building—from no-code platforms to custom JavaScript applications.
Platform & Development Expertise:
- Webflow: Custom designs, CMS integrations, and animations for marketing sites
- WordPress: Custom theme development, plugin integrations, and performance optimization
- Next.js: Modern web applications with server-side rendering and optimal performance
- Payload CMS: Headless CMS solutions for flexible, scalable content management
- Custom Development: Bespoke solutions built from the ground up when platforms don't fit your needs
This range means I can recommend the right solution for your project, not just the one I happen to know. Need a marketing site that your team can update easily? Webflow might be perfect. Need a modern, performant web application with a headless CMS? Let's build it with Next.js and Payload CMS. Need a content-rich site with e-commerce? WordPress could be ideal.
SEO-First Design & Clean Development
I take a unique approach: building SEO considerations into the design and development process from day one, not as an afterthought.
What makes my approach different:
- SEO-driven architecture: Semantic HTML, proper heading hierarchy, and structured data built into every page
- Performance-first: Clean, optimised code that loads fast and ranks well
- Typography & readability: Not just aesthetically pleasing, but optimised for user engagement and time-on-page
- Responsive excellence: Genuinely optimised for every device, meeting Google's mobile-first indexing requirements
- Technical precision: Proper meta data, alt text, internal linking, and crawlability from the start
This approach means the sites I build aren't just beautiful and functional—they're designed to be discovered, rank well, and convert visitors into customers from day one.
My complete SEO approach includes:
- Technical SEO: Proper semantic HTML, structured data, fast loading, mobile optimization, crawlability
- On-page SEO: Optimised content structure, internal linking, meta data, and heading hierarchy
- Keyword research: Understanding what your audience is actually searching for before we build
- AI visibility: Preparing your site for the emerging world of AI-powered search and discovery
- Performance optimization: Clean code that delivers fast page loads without sacrificing visual quality
Sites I build are ready to rank from day one, not months later after expensive SEO consultancy. This integrated approach saves time, money, and delivers better long-term results.
Proven Track Record Across Scales
I've worked on everything from single-page landing sites to large design systems, and with everyone from small local businesses to larger SMEs. This experience has taught me how to:
- Estimate accurately: Providing realistic timelines and budgets
- Deliver on time: Meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality
- Communicate clearly: Keeping clients informed throughout the process
- Adapt quickly: Handling changing requirements without derailing projects
My service has been refined over years to be efficient, high-quality, and reliable. If I say it'll be done by a certain date and within a certain budget, it will be.
Building bristol.dev
As the founder of bristol.dev, I've created this curated directory to solve a real problem: connecting businesses with genuinely trustworthy web talent. The fact that I've built this platform demonstrates:
- Vision: Seeing a gap in the market and building a solution
- Initiative: Not waiting for someone else to solve the problem
- Community focus: Supporting Bristol's creative economy
- Quality standards: Understanding what makes web professionals truly excellent
When you hire me, you're not just getting a freelance developer—you're getting someone invested in building lasting relationships and delivering work I'm proud to put my name on.
Who Should Hire Simon?
You should consider hiring me if:
- You need a Webflow or WordPress site built to professional standards with SEO baked in
- You want a modern web application built with Next.js and Payload CMS
- You need a developer who prioritizes SEO, performance, and clean code from day one
- You're looking for custom development solutions that don't fit into platform templates
- You value clear communication, accurate estimates, and reliable delivery
- You want to avoid the costly mistake of building first and optimising for search later
- You're looking for someone who can advise on the right technology for your specific needs
I'm ideal for businesses that want a comprehensive, strategic approach—someone who understands that a great website requires SEO-first thinking, clean development, beautiful design, and search visibility working together from the start.
Portfolio: buildwithsimon.com Contact: hello@buildwithsimon.com | 07943 677162
The Collective Advantage: Why We Work Better Together
While each bristol.dev member is exceptional individually, the real magic happens when we collaborate.
Complementary Skill Sets
Our skills overlap strategically while covering distinct specialisms:
Design Projects: Pascoe leads on brand identity and visual design → Simon builds it into a functional, SEO-optimized site → Matt adds any complex functionality or e-commerce features
Development Projects: Simon or Matt architects the technical approach → Pascoe ensures the UX and visual design are exceptional → Ongoing collaboration ensures design and development stay aligned
Complex Projects: All three collaborate from discovery through delivery, bringing design, frontend, backend, and strategic thinking to every decision
Trusted Collaboration
Because we've all been vetted and work under the bristol.dev umbrella, we've developed working relationships built on:
- Shared quality standards: We all understand what "done properly" means
- Clear communication: We keep each other and clients informed throughout
- Complementary workflows: We know how to hand off work efficiently
- Mutual respect: We trust each other's expertise and recommendations
This means you get the benefits of an agency team (multiple specialists, comprehensive coverage) with the advantages of freelancers (direct communication, personal investment, competitive rates).
Flexible Team Structures
Depending on your project, you might work with:
- One member for focused, single-discipline work
- Two members for projects needing design + development or frontend + backend
- All three for comprehensive projects requiring the full spectrum of skills
We'll recommend the right team structure for your needs and budget—no upselling, no padding the team unnecessarily.
How Hiring Works
Ready to work with bristol.dev members? Here's how to get started:
Option 1: Browse and Choose Directly
Visit bristol.dev and view our member profiles. If you know what you need and who fits best, reach out directly to that member using their contact details.
Option 2: Use Our Matchmaking Service
Not sure who to hire or what you need? Fill out our Freelance Matchmaker form with your project details. We'll review your requirements and recommend the right member (or team) for your specific needs.
Option 3: Get in Touch for Advice
Email hello@bristol.dev and tell us about your project. We'll have an informal conversation, understand your goals, and point you in the right direction—even if that means recommending solutions outside our skill sets.
The Quality Guarantee You Won't Find Elsewhere
When you hire through bristol.dev, you're not taking a chance on an unknown freelancer from a generic platform. You're choosing from a curated group of professionals who have been personally vetted and come with genuine recommendations.
We stand behind our members. Every person in our directory is someone we would confidently recommend to our own clients, friends, and family. That's not marketing—it's our standard.
We prioritise long-term relationships. We're not interested in one-off projects where we never hear from you again. We want to build lasting partnerships where we become your trusted web team for years to come.
We invest in Bristol's creative economy. By hiring bristol.dev members, you're supporting local freelancers and keeping investment in Bristol's thriving tech and creative community.
Why Bristol Businesses Trust bristol.dev
Finding reliable web talent is hard. Vetting portfolios, checking reviews, and hoping for the best is stressful and risky.
bristol.dev solves this by doing the vetting for you. Every member has proven themselves not just through a portfolio, but through real client work, tight deadlines, and the kind of challenges that reveal true professionalism.
When you hire Pascoe, Matt, or Simon, you're getting:
✓ Proven expertise across design, development, and SEO ✓ Reliable communication and project management ✓ Quality-first thinking that delivers work built to last ✓ Local understanding of Bristol's market and culture ✓ Flexible collaboration from individuals or teams ✓ Honest recommendations about the right approach for your project
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you need a complete rebrand, a custom web application, an e-commerce store, or a beautifully designed marketing site, bristol.dev has the talent to deliver exceptional results.
Explore member profiles: bristol.dev Get matched with the right freelancer: Freelance Matchmaker Get in touch: hello@bristol.dev
Bristol has incredible creative talent. bristol.dev makes it easy to find and hire them.