Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced, SC-cleared Senior Project Manager and IT professional with over 31 years of experience in both public and private sectors, specializing in software development, cloud migration, and IT systems delivery.
He is currently associated with Capgemini (since 2016) and runs a project management resource website, PROject Templates.
Joined Capgemini in 2016 having worked at ascending points in software development lifecycle projects for over 31 years
Key Qualifications & Experience:
Roles: Senior Project Manager, Engagement Project Manager, Delivery Manager, and former programmer.
Methodologies: PRINCE2 Practitioner, skilled in both Waterfall and Agile (SCRUM) approaches.
Sector Experience: Extensive experience in finance and banking, including ATM software swap-outs, cloud migration (Azure, AWS, Power Platform), and POS monitoring systems.
Background: Graduated in Computing in 1990; worked as a developer (COBOL, SQL, Tandem / HPE NonStop) before transitioning to project management.
PRINCE2 Practitioner, skilled in both Waterfall and Agile (SCRUM) approaches
Professional Highlights:
Delivered major projects for clients such as Barclays, Bank of England, HSBC, Royal Mail Group, UK & Welsh Government, Heathrow, and Jaguar Land Rover.
Led complex IT infrastructure projects and business transformations.
Maintains mark-whitfield.com, offering over 200 project management templates, trackers (RAID, budget, benefit, cost etc.), and many plans for Agile / Waterfall projects including 30+ Plan On a Page (POaP) and MS Project MPP examples (click on Blog above for a summary).
Provides specialized templates for PRINCE2 7th edition and MS Project (MPP).
December 2022 – C&CA UK’s Communications & Engagement Award Winner – Cloud & Custom Applications – Capgemini UKNovember 2017 – Advanced Engagement Management Course – Level 2 ExamJune 1990 – Higher National Diploma in Computer Studies, Distinction
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced, SC-cleared Senior Project Manager and Engagement Manager specializing in complex IT software development lifecycle (SDLC) projects, digital transformation, and cloud migrations.
Currently based in Greater Manchester, UK, he has over 31 years of experience in the IT industry, working with major blue-chip companies across various sectors, including UK Government, retail banking, aerospace, and utilities.
He is a certified PRINCE2 Practitioner, skilled in both Agile SCRUM and Waterfall methodologies.
Mark specializes in bridging technical teams and business stakeholders, delivering complex IT systems under challenging conditions.
His career spans from early roles as a developer on Tandem Mainframe Computers (HPE NonStop) to senior management positions focusing on cloud resources, API integrations, and CRM platform implementations.
Key Strengths: Cloud Migration (Azure/Dynamics 365), Payment Systems (ATM/POS), and API-led connectivity.
Detailed Career Timeline:
Nov 2023 – Feb 2024 (UK Government – Capgemini): Acted as Client-Side Technical Delivery Manager for a £1m+ Fish Export Service (FES) to CHIP project, facilitating Azure-based API updates for UK-Northern Ireland trade.
Nov 2022 (UK Government – Capgemini): Managed two Microsoft Dynamics 365 Azure Cloud projects, including a £0.4m Dynamics 2016 migration and a £0.54m CRM platform discovery/build.
Feb 2022 (UK Utility Industry – Capgemini): Managed a £0.5M project migrating legacy document management systems to an Azure-based Enablon product.
2020 (UK Gov – Capgemini): Senior PM for a £375k Agile proof-of-concept (POC) project migrating legacy applications (MS Access/Oracle) to Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365.
Oct 2018 – June 2019 (MuleSoft): Served as Delivery Manager overseeing 5+ UK accounts for MuleSoft Anypoint Platform (API-led connectivity) implementations.
Oct 2017 (Automotive Industry – Capgemini): Managed a £430k Digital Readiness project and a £670k Customer Portal/Online Sales project (Agile).
May 2017 (Local Govt – Capgemini): Led a £400k telecommunications project (CCaaS) for the Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) program.
Jan 2017 (Aerospace/Def – Capgemini): Senior Project Lead for two £1.3M projects with high-governance and gated deliverables.
Jan 2016 – Present (Capgemini UK): Joined as an Engagement Manager (A8), working on projects including Apple iOS app development for UK Air Traffic (NATS) and a £4.3M data center migration for Postal Services.
Dec 2014 – Jan 2016 (Betfred Limited): IT Senior Digital Project Manager for online/mobile payment gateways and sports book platforms.
Sep 2013 – Dec 2014 (Wincor Nixdorf): Senior Project Manager for a £5+ million ATM/POS software swap-out at a UK retail bank.
2013 (Retail Banking – Riyadh): Delivered an RTLX transaction tracking project (BASE24 Classic) at a Saudi Arabian bank.
1995 – 2013 (Insider Technologies): Worked on Strategic Technical Initiatives and bank-facing projects on the HPE NonStop platform (Tandem) for products Reflex 80:20, Reflex ONE24, RTLX and XPERT24.
1990 – 1995 (The Software Partnership/Deluxe Data): Commenced career as a programmer specializing in electronic banking software on Tandem Computers (HPE NonStop), sp/ARCHITECT-BANK
Education:
1988 – 1990: Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing, Distinction/Overall First, Bolton Institute of Higher Education (now University of Greater Manchester from 2024).
Mark Whitfield, SC Cleared Senior Project Manager, Manchester
WordPress has evolved from a niche blogging tool in 2003 into the dominant Content Management System (CMS), powering over 43% of all websites on the internet as of 2026. Its history is defined by consistent innovation, transitioning from simple blogging to a block-based full-site editing platform. This https://mark-whitfield.com website is WordPress.
This personal website has been built using WordPress
✨ The Eras of WordPress Evolution
2003–2004: The Birth (Fork of b2/cafelog): Started as a solution for a stalled project by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, focusing on typography and ease of use.
2005–2010: The Plugin & Theme Era: The introduction of plugins (1.2), themes (1.5), and the dashboard (2.0) turned it into a flexible platform rather than just a blog.
2011–2017: The CMS & Mobile Era: Focus on custom post types, multisite capabilities, responsive admin interfaces, and the REST API made it a true CMS.
2018–Present: The Gutenberg/Block Era: The shift from a classic editor to the block editor (Gutenberg) in version 5.0 (2018) revolutionized content creation toward “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) site building.
📜 Detailed Historical Timeline by Era and Year
Phase 1: Foundations and Early Growth (2003–2007)
2003:WordPress 0.70 (May 27) is released, a fork of b2/cafelog.
2004:WordPress 1.0 (Davis) is released (Jan), adding search-engine-friendly permalinks. WordPress 1.2 (Mingus) (May) introduces the plugin architecture, enabling developers to extend functionality without modifying the core.
2005:WordPress 1.5 (Strayhorn) debuts the Theme system and static Pages. Version 2.0 (Duke) launches the first modern dashboard, image uploading, and faster editing.
2006: First WordCamp is organized. WordPress receives its official logo.
2007:Version 2.1 (Ella) introduces auto-save, spell check, and a cleaner UI. Version 2.3 (Dexter) adds native tagging support.
Phase 2: Expanding to a CMS (2008–2014)
2008:Version 2.5 (Brecker) launches a major dashboard redesign. Version 2.7 (Coltrane) streamlines the admin interface and adds automatic updates.
2009:Version 2.9 (Carmen) adds built-in image editing (crop/rotate) and global undo (trash functionality).
2010:Version 3.0 (Thelonious) is a landmark release, merging WordPress MU (Multisite) with the core, introducing Custom Post Types, and the first “Twenty Ten” default theme.
2011:Version 3.1 (Reinhardt) adds the Admin Bar and Post Formats. Version 3.3 (Sonny) focuses on tablet usability and drag-and-drop media uploads.
2012:Version 3.4 (Green) improves theme customization. Version 3.5 (Elvin) launches a simplified media manager.
2013:Version 3.7 (Basie) introduces automatic background updates for security. Version 3.8 (Parker) updates the admin design to be fully responsive.
2014:Version 4.0 (Benny) improves media management with grid views and better embed handling.
Phase 3: The Block Editor & Full Site Editing (2015–Present)
2015–2016:Versions 4.2–4.7 focus on Emoji support, the REST API (crucial for headless WordPress), and Custom CSS in the Live Preview.
2017:Version 4.9 (Tipton) introduces major improvements to the Customizer, including scheduling and draft capabilities.
2018:Version 5.0 (Bebo) launches, introducing the Gutenberg Block Editor as the default editor, replacing the TinyMCE classic editor.
2019–2020:Versions 5.1–5.6 polish the block editor. Version 5.5 adds lazy-loading images and native XML sitemaps.
2021:Version 5.8 (Tatum) introduces Block Widgets and the Template Editor, marking the beginning of Full Site Editing (FSE).
2022:Version 5.9 (Joséphine) debuts Twenty Twenty-Two, the first default block theme, allowing users to edit site-wide templates. Version 6.0 (Arturo) enhances styling and block-locking capabilities.
2023:Version 6.2 (Dolphy) brings the Site Editor out of beta and introduces a distraction-free mode. Version 6.4 introduces the Twenty Twenty-Four theme, designed to be highly versatile.
2024:Version 6.5 (Regina) adds a native Font Library and enhanced data views. Version 6.6/6.7 focus on performance, block binding APIs, and zoom-out previews.
2025–2026 (Projections/Recent): Continued emphasis on AI integration, faster page loads (averaging 3.4s, which is a key competitive challenge), and deeper WooCommerce integration.
📊 Key Insight Metrics (2026)
Web Usage: ~43.5% of all websites.
CMS Market Share: ~62.8% of the CMS market (9x the closest competitor, Shopify).
WooCommerce: Powers over 33% of all online stores.
Gutenberg Adoption: ~72% of WordPress sites use the Gutenberg block editor.
The platform continues to grow, with roughly 660 new WordPress sites created daily.
WordPress Overview and Detailed Timeline by Era and Year
Libra is the seventh star sign of the zodiac, governing the period from approximately September 23 to October 22. As a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus, Libra is symbolized by the Scales, representing a deep commitment to balance, justice, and harmony.
7th Star Sign of the Zodiac, governing period from approximately Sept 23 to Oct 22
Full Insight: Personality and Traits
Core Characteristics: Libra is cooperative, diplomatic, gracious, and fair-minded, with a strong preference for partnership.
The “Scales” Energy: They are driven by a need for equilibrium in all aspects of life, particularly in relationships. They are the only sign represented by an inanimate object.
Strengths: Highly social, intellectual, charming, and adept at mediation.
Weaknesses: Indecisive, prone to avoiding conflict at all costs, and can hold grudges.
Interests: They value beauty, art, fashion, and intellectual conversation.
Detailed Historical Timeline
Ancient Beginnings (Sumerian & Roman Times): The constellation was originally seen by Sumerians as Zib-ba An-na (“balance of heaven”). Roman astronomers developed the sign in the first century BCE, identifying the scales as the ones held by the goddess of justice.
Astronomical Origins: It was previously considered part of Scorpius, which is why the brightest stars, Zubeneschamali and Zubenelgenubi, translate to “northern claw” and “southern claw”.
Medieval Representation: In the 14th-15th centuries, Libra was heavily featured in European manuscripts (e.g., Book of Hours) and utilized in royal courts for horoscope readings.
1995-1997: The North Node was in Libra, bringing a period of focus on creating new partnerships, fairness, and a shift in social structures.
2018–April 2026: Uranus was in Taurus, acting in Libra’s eighth house, bringing significant shifts, sudden changes, and, in some cases, upheavals regarding money, investments, and deep partnerships.
Current Timeline: 2025-2026
October 2024–April 2025: A six-month cycle began with a new moon solar eclipse in Libra (October 2). This cycle forced a re-evaluation of personal identity, relationships, and how Libras “show up” in partnerships.
March 29, 2026: A new moon solar eclipse in Aries begins a new six-month cycle of relationship changes, acting as a “golden buzzer” moment for growth.
April 2, 2026: A Full Moon in Libra occurred, bringing awareness to the balance between personal needs and partnership demands.
End of April 2026: Uranus moves into Gemini, beginning a 7-year journey in Libra’s 9th house, sparking a shift toward expanding horizons, learning, and fresh mental landscapes.
Key 2026 Themes for Libra
Relationship Recalibration: Balancing personal independence with partnership needs is the main focus, influenced by the Aries/Libra eclipse axis.
The “Golden Buzzer” Era: Early April 2026 is a high-frequency, lucky period due to a stellium in Aries (Sun) and Venus in Taurus, promoting major life-changing opportunities.
Shifting Focus: The focus moves from intense financial or deep psychological change (Uranus in 8th) to intellectual and expansive growth (Uranus in 9th).
Mark Whitfield is a Senior IT Project Manager and Engagement Manager with over 30 years of experience in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), specializing in digital transformation, payment systems, and HPE NonStop (Tandem) technology.
He is SC cleared (valid until 2031) and currently works at Capgemini UK, having transitioned from a technical programming background to senior project leadership roles.
He is also the creator of PROject Templates, providing a comprehensive, editable suite of over 200 project management tools built over 24+ years of experience.
Comprehensive Career Timeline by Era
1. Technical Foundations & Mainframe Development (1990–1995)
1990: Graduated in Computing at University of Bolton; started as a programmer at The Software Partnership (later Deluxe Data), Runcorn.
1990–1994: Specialised in electronic banking software (sp/ARCHITECT-BANK) on Tandem Mainframe Computers (HPE NonStop), developing in COBOL85 and NonStop SQL for major banks.
1994: Developed batch billing modules for Barclays Business Master II (BBM II) on-site in Knutsford and Poole.
1995–2013: Worked at Insider Technologies Limited as Senior Development Engineer/ Project Manager.
1997: Conducted volume testing/benchmark software for CRESTCo (now Euroclear) on new S7000 hp NonStop nodes.
2002: Managed and attained the first HP OpenView Operations 2-way Smart Plug-In (SPI) certification for the HPE NonStop platform.
2000s (Early): Developed RTLX (Real-Time Log Extraction) for BASE24 POS and ATM transaction monitoring, collaborating with banking clients like HSBC and Global Payments.
2013: Delivered a large BASE24 transaction tracking project at Al Rajhi Bank in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Bolton Institute of Higher Education (BIHE), which officially existed between 1982 and 2004, is the direct predecessor to the current University of Bolton (now rebranded as the University of Greater Manchester). Its roots extend back to the early 19th century, evolving from a Technical School into a major centre for higher education.
Bolton Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) before the rebuild to the university.
Formation: Established in 1982 through the merger of Bolton Institute of Technology and Bolton College of Education (Technical).
Status: A “post-92” institution that developed from a vocational technical college to a degree-awarding Higher Education body.
Key Powers: Gained taught-degree awarding powers in 1992 and research degree awarding powers in 1995/1996.
Key Locations: Based at the Deane Campus (Deane Tower completed 1970) and Chadwick Campus.
Final Evolution: Achieved university status in 2004/2005.
Detailed Historic Timeline (1824–2024)
Era 1: Foundations (Mechanics’ Institute to Technical College)
1824-1825: Bolton Mechanics’ Institute is established, marking the educational origins of the institution.
1887: A new Technical School is created with student numbers rising above 1,500.
1926: Bolton Technical School is renamed Bolton Technical College.
1941: A new building is opened for technical and engineering education.
1946: Bolton Training College is approved by the Ministry of Education.
1959: Bolton Training College settles at Chadwick Street.
Era 2: The Technical and Institute Era (1960s–1981)
1960s: Development of Bolton College of Education at Chadwick Street.
1964: Bolton Technical College and Bolton Institute of Technology (BIT) are divided into separate organisations. A.J. Jenkinson serves as principal for both in succession.
1970: Deane Tower (Deane Campus) is completed.
1971: A technology block and sports hall (later the Excel Centre) are added.
Era 3: Formation of BIHE (1982–2004)
1982:Bolton Institute of Technology and Bolton College of Education merge to form Bolton Institute of Higher Education (BIHE). John McKenzie is the first principal.
1990: The Institute gains its own taught-degree awarding powers.
1991: An £8.3 million extension project begins, including the purchase of the former Eagle Factory.
1992: Reorganisation following the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
1995/1996: Awarded research degree awarding powers.
1998: Mollie Temple becomes the third principal, leading the drive for university status.
2004:BIHE is granted university status.
2005: The institution is officially named the University of Bolton.
Era 4: Modern Era (University of Bolton to University of Greater Manchester)
2009-2010: Rebranding and opening of the new Deane Road campus building.
2018: Bolton College merges with the University of Bolton.
2023: Application made to change the name to the University of Greater Manchester.
2024: The university begins operating as the University of Greater Manchester.
Twin Peaks is a landmark surrealist mystery-horror drama created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, premiering in 1990. It blends a small-town soap opera with supernatural horror, focusing on the investigation into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer. The story unfolds across two television seasons (1990–1991), a prequel film (Fire Walk with Me), and a revival season (The Return), with significant, often contradictory lore found in tie-in books like The Secret History of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks is a landmark surrealist mystery-horror drama
Full Overview
The Premise: FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper travels to the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington, to investigate the murder of popular high school student Laura Palmer.
The Conflict: The investigation uncovers deep, dark secrets hidden behind the town’s idyllic facade, including the involvement of an ancient, malevolent supernatural entity named “BOB,” who possesses people to commit atrocities.
The Supernatural World: The story centers on two metaphysical realms: the White Lodge (associated with good) and the Black Lodge (associated with evil), often referred to together as “The Lodges”.
The Structure:Fire Walk with Me provides the final week of Laura’s life, while Season 3 (The Return) takes place 25 years later, dealing with the consequences of the original series and alternate realities.
Detailed Historic Timeline by Era and Year
Ancient Era – 19th Century: Founding and Entities
~1,000,000,000 B.C.: The future site of Twin Peaks is on the western coast of Pangea.
1805: Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark) visits the area, specifically the Owl Cave lodges, and is believed to have encountered the supernatural forces.
1872: The town of Twin Peaks is established.
1879: Miners accidentally discover Owl Cave.
1896: “The Terrible Fire” in Twin Peaks.
20th Century – Pre-Series (1900–1988)
1928: The Great Northern Hotel opens.
July 16, 1945: The Trinity Test atomic explosion in New Mexico creates a breach between worlds, releasing BOB and other entities, and triggering the “birth” of a counter-force (implied to be Laura Palmer).
1956: A “frog-moth” creature enters a young girl in New Mexico; a mysterious Woodsman kills a radio DJ, spreading a paralyzing chant.
1967 (Dec 25): Dale Cooper begins keeping his audiotape journal for Diane.
1971 (July 22): Laura Palmer is born.
1982-1985: Dale Cooper and Windom Earle play chess; Earle goes insane, kills his wife (Caroline), and wounds Cooper.
1983: Andrew Packard brings Josie home; Andrew is later killed in a plot with Thomas Eckhardt.
1987: Agent Phillip Jeffries disappears in Buenos Aires, appearing briefly at the FBI Philadelphia office to warn them about Cooper and BOB.
The Critical Year (1988–1989)
July 1983 – February 1989: Laura Palmer writes in her secret diary.
February 9, 1988:Fire Walk with Me events begin. Teresa Banks is murdered in Deer Meadow (the original “wrapped in plastic” case).
February 23, 1989: Leland Palmer (possessed by BOB) rapes Laura.
February 23-24, 1989: Laura Palmer is murdered.
February 24, 1989: Pete Martell finds Laura “wrapped in plastic”. Agent Cooper arrives.
March 1989: Seasons 1 & 2 occur, covering about 4 weeks. Laura’s murderer (Leland/BOB) is revealed and dies.
March 1989: Cooper enters the Black Lodge to save Annie Blackburn; Cooper’s doppelganger (possessed by BOB) escapes into the world.
The Gap and The Return (1990–2017)
1990-2015: Cooper’s doppelganger lives a life of crime, avoiding returning to the Black Lodge.
1997: Douglas Jones (a, presumably artificial, entity) has a car accident.
2016 (September-October): The events of Twin Peaks: The Return (Season 3) occur. The doppelganger attempts to avoid being pulled back into the Lodge, while the “good” Cooper tries to return to the real world.
2016/2017: A new, altered timeline is created when Cooper prevents Laura’s murder in 1989, potentially erasing the events of the first two seasons, leading to the existence of “Carrie Page” in Odessa, Texas.
September 2017:The Final Dossier is published, wrapping up the fates of the townspeople in the altered timeline.
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced SC cleared Senior IT Project Manager and Engagement Manager with over 30 years in the IT industry, specializing in both Agile and Waterfall delivery for large-scale blue-chip companies, digital projects, and payment systems. After starting as a programmer, he transitioned into project management, eventually working with Capgemini and establishing a professional templates resource site.
SC cleared Senior IT Project Manager and Engagement Manager
IT Project Management Overview
Key Expertise: Senior IT Project Management (Agile / Scrum / Waterfall / PRINCE2), Delivery Management, Business Transformation, and SC clearance.
Sector Focus: Banking, Finance, Transportation (Heathrow, NATS), Retail, Government (Local Regional Government – LRG), Aerospace & Defence, and Gambling.
Technical Background: Programming in COBOL85, Tandem TAL, SQL, C, C++, Java, and experience with HPE NonStop (BASE24) systems.
Tandem TAL Programming certificate, 1995
Tools & Methodologies: PRINCE2, Agile SCRUM, Microsoft Project (MPP), Excel RAID logs, and Jira.
Value Proposition: Focuses on improving revenue, cost, and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) through structured SDLC methodologies.
Detailed Historical Timeline
Era 1: Programming & Technical Development (1990–1995)
1990: Graduated in Computing and joined The Software Partnership (later Deluxe Data) in Runcorn as a programmer specializing in electronic banking software (sp/ARCHITECT) on Tandem Computers (now HPE NonStop).
1990-1995: Developed code (COBOL85/NonStop SQL) for major banks, including TSB, Bank of Scotland, Rabobank, and Girofon.
1993 (May): Completed Tandem Guardian Principles Course.
Tandem Guardian Principles Course, 1993
1994: Deluxe Electronic Payment Systems acquired The Software Partnership.
1995 (June): Completed HP NonStop Performance Analysis and Tuning.
Deluxe Electronic Payment Systems acquired The Software Partnership in 1994HP NonStop Performance Analysis and Tuning, 1995
Era 2: Specialized Software & Product Management (1995–2013)
Insider Technologies Limited (ITL) in Salford Quays
1995 (August): Joined Insider Technologies Limited (ITL) in Salford Quays as a senior programmer, later moving into product / project management.
1995-2013: Focused on monitoring (Reflex) and batch scheduling (MultiBatch) software for HPE NonStop systems, serving clients like Barclays and Alliance & Leicester.
2000 (May): Completed Microsoft Project ’98 Certification and began training other ITL project managers on scheduling best practices.
2007: Insider Technologies products (Reflex) integrated into FIS solutions.
2013: Published work in the HP NonStop journal “The Connection”.
HPE NonStop journal “The Connection” – article for the Insider Technologies product, RTLX
Era 3: Senior IT Project Management (2013–2016)
2013-2014: Worked at Wincor Nixdorf as an IT Project Manager (PRINCE2 / Agile Scrum) on a £5m+ LBG Self-Service Software Replacement (SSSR) program for Lloyds Banking Group, migrating ATM systems from HP NonStop to AIX.
2014-2016: Joined Betfred as a Senior Project Manager, delivering payment gateways, sportsbook, and virtual gaming projects in Agile SCRUM for mobile and online platforms.
Era 4: Engagement Management & Public Sector (2016–Present)
2016 (January): Joined Capgemini UK as a client-facing Engagement Manager (SC cleared).
2016 (August): Founded Mark Whitfield Consultancy Ltd, managing independent IT, network, and improvement projects.
2016-2018: Led Waterfall / Agile projects for automotive, local government, and postal services.
2018-2019: Augmented into MuleSoft as a Delivery Manager for the Anypoint Platform.
2023-2024 (Nov-Feb): Served as Technical Delivery Manager for a UK Government account, overseeing a £1m+ Fish Export Service (FES) to Common Entry Health Document (CHED) Inspection Portal (CHIP) project.
2026: Continued to provide project management thought leadership and template resources for Agile/Scrum/PRINCE2.
Agile Scrum Burn down Chart template in Microsoft Excel Microsoft Project MPP MSP Project Plan Template examplesPlan On a Page POaP templates plus MPP MS Project and MS Excel Project Plan templates
Key Projects & Clients
UK Gov / Capgemini: Fish Export Service (FES) Cloud Migration.
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced SC-cleared Senior IT Project Manager and Engagement Manager with over 30 years of experience in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), specializing in Agile and Waterfall delivery for financial, automotive, and public sector clients. He has a strong background in HP NonStop (Tandem) systems and currently works for Capgemini.
Mark Whitfield, Senior IT PM and Project templates author
1990–1994: The Software Partnership (Runcorn): Programmer specializing in electronic banking software (sp/ARCHITECT-BANK) on Tandem Computers.
1994–1995: Deluxe Data (formerly TSP): Lead Analyst/Programmer, focusing on software investigation, design, coding, and on-site installation for clients like TSB, Bank of Scotland, and Rabobank.
Development & Technical Specialization (1995–2013)
1995–2013: Insider Technologies Limited: Spent 18 years progressing from Senior Development Engineer to Project Manager for Strategic Technical Initiatives.
Key Roles: Managed Reflex 80:20 and Reflex ONE24 product development, technical pre-sales, and consultancy. Developed diagnostic software for monitoring payment systems (BASE24).
Notable Project: Managed a bid to replace legacy ATM tools at LloydsTSB (5000 ATMs) with Reflex ONE24.
Banking & Digital Project Management (2013–2016)
2013–2014: Wincor Nixdorf: Project Manager in the Professional Services Banking Division, managing a £5m+ work stream for Lloyds Banking Group’s Self-Service Software Replacement (SSSR) programme.
2014–2016: Betfred: Senior Digital Project Manager for the Online and Mobile Division, delivering payment gateways and sportsbooks for iOS, Android, and Windows.
Senior Engagement Management (2016–Present)
2016–Present: Capgemini UK: Engagement Project Manager responsible for delivering both Waterfall and Agile digital projects.
2016 (Approx.): Assigned to a UK-wide Air Traffic organization (NATS) for Apple iOS app delivery.
2018–2019: MuleSoft (Secondment): Served as a Delivery Manager for the Anypoint Platform.
Current Focus: Cloud Migration (Hybrid) of 130 apps for UK Government.
Agile Management: “Mark provided an excellent barrier between us (developers) and a difficult client…ensuring that we followed the agile principles” — Callum Marriage (Developer).
MuleSoft/Capgemini Engagement: “Customers loved him. His was extremely detailed oriented and understood the often-complex needs…never became flustered in high pressure situations” — Delivery Manager, MuleSoft.
Betfred (2015): “I would highly recommend Mark for his ability to successfully multi-task under significant pressure… [he] produced a very comprehensive handover document” — IT Compliance Analyst, Betfred.
Capgemini/JLR Project: “Mark was able to do a good planning, with the correct resources, on time delivery and with good relationship between stakeholders” — Head of Integration Development.
Mark Whitfield’s website (mark-whitfield.com) serves as a professional portfolio and resource hub for his 30+ year career as a SC-cleared Senior IT Project Manager. It offers over 200 editable project management templates for Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 methodologies, alongside career insights and project experience.
Website & Content Overview
Project Management Resources: The site, often known as PROject Templates, provides downloadable templates for planning, scheduling (Gantt charts), project initiation (PID), and project control.
Methodology Focus: Resources are tailored for PRINCE2 (including Agile Scrum), and Agile/Waterfall delivery methods.
Career Portfolio: Features his work history as a Senior IT Project Manager, including roles at Capgemini, Betfred, and various financial institutions.
Technical Specialization: Highlights expertise in HP NonStop systems, digital projects, and payment/transaction systems.
Professional Background: Mentions his experience with major clients such as Jaguar Landrover, Heathrow, Royal Mail, and various banks.
The site is designed for project managers looking for templates to speed up project documentation and for clients looking to review his career accomplishments.
Senior IT Project Manager & Project Templates author – Mark Whitfield
Templates sold on this website are designed for Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and MS Project (MPP) and are used for tracking and planning software development lifecycle (SDLC) projects.
Template Breakdown
The templates, often sold in a bundle, include over 200+ editable items aimed at project delivery. Key components include:
Project Planning (MS Project & Excel): Detailed Waterfall project planners with Gantt views, Agile Sprint plans, and Plan on a Page (POaP) examples.
RAID Logs (Risk, Action, Issue, Dependency): Comprehensive Excel trackers for managing risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies.
Financial & Resource Management: Project finance trackers (forecasts, actuals, variance) and resource trackers for tracking team members and costs.
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced IT Senior Project Manager and Engagement Manager based in Manchester, UK, specializing in Agile Scrum, PRINCE2, and Waterfall methodologies. He holds a degree in Computing (1990) and has extensive experience in IT hardware solutions, financial services, and Aerospace & Defence.
Here is a comprehensive summary of his profile, with links based on the provided search data:
Professional Profile
Name: Mark Whitfield
Role: IT Senior Project Manager / Engagement Manager (SC Cleared)
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced IT Project Manager, Senior Developer, and SC-cleared consultant with over 30 years of experience, specializing in HP NonStop (Tandem) systems, banking software, and digital transformation projects. He is currently an Engagement Project Manager at Capgemini.
Career Overview
Specialism: HP NonStop (Tandem) mainframes, BASE24, transaction monitoring, Agile/Waterfall methodologies.
1990: Graduated in Computing and started as a Programmer for The Software Partnership in Runcorn, specializing in sp/ARCHITECT-BANK on Tandem Computers.
1990-1994: Developed banking code for TSB, Bank of Scotland, Rabobank, and Girofon (Denmark).
1992: Worked on the Barclays Business Master II (BBM II) project in Knutsford.
1994: Company taken over by Deluxe Data (later FIS).
2. Insider Technologies & Monitoring Era (1995–2013)
1995–2013: Joined Insider Technologies Ltd as a Senior Development Engineer and Project Manager.
1995-2004: Developed monitoring/diagnostic software (Reflex 80:20, Reflex ONE24) for HP NonStop payment systems.
1997: Worked on projects for CRESTCo.
Early 2000s: Focused on HP NonStop transaction/payment monitoring for ATM/POS devices using ACI’s XPNET.
2005-2013: Managed first HP OpenView Operations Smart Plug-In certification for NonStop; designed XPERT24.
2011: Certified as a PRINCE2 Practitioner.
3. Banking Transformation & Consultancy Era (2013–2016)
2013–2014: Wincor Nixdorf UK – Worked as a Project Manager in Professional Services for the Banking Division.
2013-2014: Assigned to Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) for the Self-Service Software Replacement (SSSR) program (ATM estate upgrade).
2014–2016: Joined Betfred as an IT Project Manager in the gambling/casinos industry, delivering mobile/online payment gateways (iOS, Android).
4. Digital Transformation & Capgemini Era (2016–Present)
2016: Joined Capgemini UK as a client-facing Engagement Manager.
2016-2017: Led digital projects for automotive, local government, and aerospace sectors.
2017: Obtained Microsoft Excel Expert skills and Advanced Engagement Management certifications.
2018–2019: Augmented into MuleSoft as a Delivery Manager for the Anypoint Platform.
2022: Completed Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification.
2023–2024: Assigned to a UK Government account for a cloud migration of 130+ applications and the Fish Export Service (FES) project.
Key Qualifications
PRINCE2 Practitioner & Agile Scrum
ITIL Certified
SC Cleared (UK Government)
Technical Skills: C, C++, MS SQL, COBOL, TAL, Java, ASP.NET, HP NonStop
Mark Whitfield, an IT Project Manager specializing in HP NonStop systems, has a career and training history that spans over three decades, from his academic beginnings in the late 1980s to advanced cloud certifications in the 2020s.
Early Career & Foundations (1988–1995)
During this era, Whitfield focused on core computer science and specialized mainframe systems while working for The Software Partnership (TSP) and Deluxe Data.
1988–1990: Completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing at the Bolton Institute of Higher Education (BIHE). Modules included Computer Systems Architecture, Programming Methodology, and Data Processing.
May 1993: Tandem Guardian Principles Course.
September 1994: VPS 7000/9000 Series and VPS Application Development (VOS 4.3).
June 1995: HP NonStop (Tandem) Performance Analysis and Tuning.
Development & Technical Specialisation (1995–2005)
Working primarily with Insider Technologies Limited, this period was marked by software development training in languages like C++ and initial forays into project management.
November 1995: HP NonStop TAL Programming.
March 1997: C / C++ Programming at Comtec Computer Training.
October 1998: Managing Multiple Projects, Objectives, and Deadlines at SkillPath.
February 1999: Successful Project Management at SkillPath.
May 2000: Microsoft Project ’98 Certification (Orange Belt) at the IIL UK Education Centre.
February 2001: Sales and Marketing training (In-House).
March 2004: MultiBatch NSK Job Scheduling Product.
February 2005: Web Services and SOA.
Web Development & Security Focus (2006–2010)
This era shows a shift toward web-based technologies and specialized security products.
January 2006: PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation.
February 2006: NetObjects Fusion.
March 2006: Cryptography (In-House at Thales e-Security).
December 2006: Thales e-Security SafeSign Product.
January 2007: Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET.
March 2009: Querying Microsoft SQL 2000 with Transact SQL (M2071) at QA Training.
May 2009: Writing for the Web and Website Visibility & Promotion at iTrain Education.
November 2009: Thales e-Security HP NonStop Security Resource Manager (SRM).
Agile & Advanced Management (2011–Present)
In his current era at companies like Betfred and Capgemini, Whitfield has prioritized professional certifications in management and cloud infrastructure.
May 2011: Agile SCRUM Training (RADTAC) and PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification (ILX Group).
June–July 2011: Java and Google Android programming using the Eclipse IDE.
January 2012: ITIL Foundation Course.
July 2014: Advanced Microsoft Excel 2013.
November 2017: Advanced Engagement Management Certification (Level 2) at Capgemini.
February 2022: AZ-900 Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals.
July 2024: Microsoft Excel Refresher 2024 via Udemy.
The Creative Arts BA (Hons) at Bangor University is a three-year, full-time course (UCAS code: WPQ3) that integrates film, media, journalism, and creative writing. It is designed to balance theoretical study with practical, hands-on production.
Creative Arts BA (Hons) at Bangor University is a full-time course that integrates film, media, journalism, and creative writing
Year 1: Foundations
In the first year, students must complete 120 credits to build a base in both creative practice and academic theory.
Compulsory Modules: A primary core module is Adventures in the Creative Arts (20 credits), which introduces multidisciplinary approaches to the field.
Core Skills: You will begin developing production techniques in areas such as audio and visual production, print journalism, and digital media.
Theoretical Grounding: Introductory modules cover film theory and cultural studies to enrich your research and analytical skills.
Year 2: Specialisation & Development
The second year allows for deeper engagement with specific creative industries.
Elective Choice: Students can tailor their studies to their interests, choosing between practice-based modules (e.g., screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, journalism practice) or academic-focused modules (e.g., media regulation, history of film).
Professional Engagement: You are encouraged to build professional networks through regular visits from filmmakers, journalists, and designers.
Optional Years: After Year 2, you may opt to take an International Experience Year or a Placement Year to work with a professional organisation.
Year 3: Synthesis & Final Project
The final year focuses on high-level production and a significant independent project.
Final Year Project: Instead of a traditional long-form essay, you can demonstrate your progress through creative outputs such as a fictionalised response, an online exhibition, a vlog, or a professional portfolio.
Advanced Practice: Modules continue to cover specialized topics like digital journalism, visual culture, and global media.
Professional Showcase: Students often participate in the annual media showcase held at the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, providing exposure for their work.
Teaching & Facilities
Learning Methods: Instruction is delivered through lectures, small seminar groups, interactive workshops, and one-to-one supervision.
Facilities: Students have access to industry-standard equipment via an extensive loan service (video/stills cameras, digital recorders) and dedicated creative spaces.
Assessment: Progress is measured via coursework, presentations, essays, and practical submissions (e.g., short films, scripts, or digital media pieces).
Creative Arts BA (Hons) at Bangor University is a full-time course that integrates film, media, journalism, and creative writing
Bangor University History Timeline by Era and Year
Bangor University (Welsh: Prifysgol Bangor) is a public research university in North Wales, originally founded as the University College of North Wales (UCNW) on 18 October 1884. Established through a historic public campaign, its foundation was uniquely funded by local quarrymen and farmers who contributed their own wages to ensure access to higher education for the people of North Wales.
Today, it is a prominent institution with over 10,000 students and 2,000 staff members, recognised for its research excellence and strong Welsh cultural identity.
Comprehensive Timeline of Bangor University
Era 1: Foundation & Early Years (1881–1899)
1881: The Aberdare Report recommends creating two university colleges in Wales, one for the south and one for the north.
1883: A committee selects Bangor over 12 other towns (including Wrexham and Rhyl) to host the new college.
1884 (18 October): The University College of North Wales officially opens in the Penrhyn Arms, an old coaching inn, with 58 students and 10 staff members.
1884: Mary Ellen Williams becomes the first student to enrol; female students notably make up one-third of the initial population.
1885: The institution receives its Royal Charter.
1893: Bangor becomes a founding constituent college of the federal University of Wales, ending its initial practice of conferring degrees through the University of London.
Era 2: The College on the Hill (1900–1939)
1903: The city of Bangor donates a 10-acre site at Penrallt for a new building.
1907: King Edward VII lays the foundation stone for the “Main Arts” building.
1911: The iconic Main Arts Building (the “College on the Hill”) is officially opened by King George V.
1926: The Science Departments, which had remained at the old Penrhyn Arms, move to new purpose-built facilities funded by the North Wales Heroes Memorial.
Era 3: Wartime & Mid-Century Expansion (1940–1999)
1940s (WWII): The university’s Prichard-Jones Hall is used to safeguard national art gallery paintings from enemy bombing.
1942: Neuadd Reichel, a hostel for male students designed by Percy Thomas, opens on the Ffriddoedd site.
1960s: Rapid expansion follows the Robbins Report, including the completion of the “New Arts” wing (1968) and the establishment of new departments like Social Theory (1966).
1967: The Bangor Normal College hosts lectures by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, attended by The Beatles.
1977: St Mary’s College, a women’s teacher training college, merges with the university.
1996: The Normal College (founded 1858) officially merges with the university, which is renamed University of Wales, Bangor.
Era 4: Independence & Modern Era (2000–Present)
2003: Storm FM, the official student radio station, begins broadcasting.
2007: The institution gains independent university status and adopts its current name, Bangor University.
2009: The university celebrates its 125th anniversary and begins awarding its own degrees independently of the University of Wales.
2015: The Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre and St Mary’s Student Village open.
2018: The M-SParc science park on Anglesey is completed.
2024: The university celebrates its 140th anniversary and opens its independent North Wales Medical School with its first intake of 80 students.
2025: A £10.5 million donation leads to the redevelopment and renaming of the Albert Guday Business School.
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced IT professional with a career spanning over 30 years, transitioning from a technical programmer to a senior digital engagement and project manager. His expertise is rooted in HPE NonStop (Tandem) systems and has evolved to encompass complex Agile and Cloud delivery across diverse industries.
Early Technical Era (1990–1995)
Following his graduation in Computing in 1990, Whitfield began his career as a Programmer at The Software Partnership (later Deluxe Data).
Focus: Electronic banking software, specifically sp/ARCHITECT-BANK on Tandem Mainframe Computers.
Key Work: Developed code for major banks including TSB, Barclays, and Rabobank. This included early digital innovations like voice-driven phone banking and inter-account transfers before the internet was widespread.
Growth and Product Management Era (1995–2004)
Whitfield joined Insider Technologies Limited (ITL) in 1995 as a Senior Programmer.
Focus: Platform health and diagnostic software for HPE NonStop systems.
Key Projects:
Co-developed diagnostic plug-ins for the Reflex monitoring suite.
Managed the first HP OpenView Operations (OVO) Smart Plug-In certification for the NonStop platform in 2002.
Consulted for CRESTCo (Euroclear) in 1997, conducting benchmark testing on new S7000 nodes.
Strategic Leadership and Project Management Era (2005–2014)
During this decade, he transitioned into IT Project Management, focusing on high-value financial transaction tracking.
Focus: Waterfall and Agile project delivery for payment systems and banking infrastructure.
Key Milestones:
2011: Led a massive transaction tracking project at Al Rajhi Bank (Saudi Arabia), parsing terabytes of tape-archived data into a normalised SQL database.
2013–2014: At Wincor Nixdorf, managed a £5+ million project for Lloyds Banking Group to migrate ATM driving responsibilities from legacy systems to AIX-based Oracle technologies.
Senior Digital Engagement Era (2014–Present)
Since 2014, Whitfield has focused on senior-level digital transformation and engagement management.
Betfred (2014–2016): Served as Senior Digital Project Manager for online and mobile platforms (iOS/Android), managing fraud detection and payment gateway integrations.
Capgemini (2016–Present): Joined as an Engagement Manager (SC cleared).
Focus: Managing large-scale Agile and Waterfall digital projects across aerospace, defence, and government sectors.
Notable Projects: Leading a £13.5m programme to migrate 130 UK government applications to the cloud (AWS/Azure) and delivering real-time airspace monitoring apps for air traffic organisations.
Mark Whitfield is a highly experienced Senior IT Project Manager and former developer with over 30 years of expertise in HP NonStop (formerly Tandem) systems, primarily within the electronic banking and payments sectors. He is currently a Senior Project Manager at Capgemini (SC cleared until 2031) and maintains a professional portfolio at mark-whitfield.com.
Historical Timeline & Customer Breakdown
1990 – 1995: The Software Partnership / Deluxe Data (now FIS)
Customer/Projects: Developed electronic banking software, specifically sp/ARCHITECT-BANK, for major financial institutions including TSB, Bank of Scotland, Rabobank, and Girofon (Denmark).
Technical Breakdown: Focused on low-level programming using COBOL85, NonStop SQL, and TAL (Transaction Application Language).
Role: Programmer.
1995 – 2013: Insider Technologies Ltd (ITL)
Customer/Projects: Focused on HP NonStop monitoring, diagnostic, and payment software for high-value banking clients. Key products included Enterprise Manager, XPNET, BASE24, and EPS.
Technical Breakdown:
XPERT24: Produced technical designs for this performance monitoring tool to track XPNET layers and transaction interchange counters (ATM/POS approval rates).
RTLX Payments: Served as IT Project Manager for RTLX (Real-Time Long-term eXchange) payment software.
Infrastructure: Extensive use of Guardian utilities (PATHWAY, SCF, FUP, INSPECT), TACL, and SCOBOL.
Role: Software Design, Team Leading, and Product Management.
2013 – 2016: Freelance / Contract Projects
Customer/Projects: Managed software development lifecycle (SDLC) projects for various blue-chip companies.
Role: IT Project Manager.
2016 – Present: Capgemini
Customer/Projects: Managing large-scale digital and public sector transformations. Notable clients include UK Government (MS Azure Cloud migration), Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Heathrow, Royal Mail Group, Bank of England, HSBC, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank.
Technical Breakdown: Transitioned from legacy Tandem environments to modern Agile Scrum delivery and Microsoft Azure Cloud hosting.
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 vocational qualification in the UK, equivalent to the first two years of a university bachelor’s degree. Designed to provide industry-specific practical skills, it typically takes two years of full-time study or three to four years part-time.
Higher National Diploma HND in Computer Studies (3)
Historical Timeline of the HND
The HND has evolved from a niche engineering credential into a globally recognised vocational standard.
The Early Era: Origins and Industrial Focus (1920s–1950s)
1920: The Higher National Diploma was first introduced in England and Wales alongside the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Certificate (HNC).
1921–1923: Initial subject frameworks were established, starting with Mechanical Engineering (1921) and Electrical Engineering (1923).
1930s: The qualification expanded into Building (1929) and Commerce (1939) to support a growing industrial economy.
Post-WWII: The 1944 Butler Act reorganised secondary education, but HNDs remained the primary route for advanced technical training in colleges.
The Expansion Era: Growth and New Governance (1960s–1970s)
1960s: HNDs gained prominence in polytechnics, addressing critical skills gaps through a practical approach to higher education.
1968–1969: Awards for HNDs saw a massive 665% increase compared to a decade prior, beginning to rival university “ordinary degrees” in popularity.
1972–1974: Under Margaret Thatcher (then Education Secretary), the Haselgrave Report recommendations led to moving qualifications from the City and Guilds to two new bodies: the Business Education Council (BEC) and the Technician Education Council (TEC).
The BTEC and Modernisation Era (1980s–2000s)
1983: BEC and TEC merged to form the Business and Technician Education Council (BTEC), which became the primary awarding body for HNDs.
1990s: BTEC merged with the University of London Examinations Board to form Edexcel (now part of Pearson).
1980s–90s: The curriculum diversified rapidly into modern sectors such as computing, business, catering, and performing arts.
2000s: Global expansion accelerated; for instance, the HND was formally introduced in Cameroon in 2002.
Higher National Diploma HND in Computer Studies (1)
The Contemporary Era: Frameworks and Global Standard (2010s–Present)
2013–2014: Despite a decline in public sector colleges due to the rise of Foundation Degrees, HND student numbers at private providers grew from 13,000 to 30,000 in just one year.
2018: Major global curriculum updates were implemented to integrate digital literacy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship into traditional vocational subjects.
Mark Whitfield is an experienced IT Project Manager and software developer who has spent over 22 years specialising in HP NonStop (formerly Tandem) systems. He is currently an Engagement Project Manager at Capgemini.
Career & Expertise
Whitfield’s career in HP NonStop began in 1990 and includes significant technical and leadership roles across the financial and technology sectors:
Software Development: Early in his career, he worked as a programmer for The Software Partnership (later Deluxe Data/FIS), focusing on electronic banking software like sp/ARCHITECT on Tandem mainframes.
Insider Technologies (1995–2013): He spent 18 years at Insider Technologies as a Senior Development Engineer and Project Manager. His work involved:
Developing monitoring and diagnostic software such as Reflex 80:20, Reflex ONE24, and RTLX (Real-Time Log Extraction) for payment systems.
Managing the first HP OpenView Operations Smart Plug-In certification for the NonStop platform.
Designing XPERT24, a performance tracking product for ACI’s XPNET layer.
Capgemini (2016–Present): As an Engagement Project Manager, he has led digital projects for major clients in the automotive, government, and aerospace sectors, including a cloud migration for UK Government applications.
Technical Contributions
Publications: He has authored articles for globally published journals like The Connection (2013), discussing topics such as querying terabytes of legacy transaction log data from NonStop mainframes.
Project History: He has managed high-value projects, including a £5 million initiative to migrate legacy HP NonStop software to AIX-based technologies for a large UK retail bank.
Training: He is trained in various NonStop-specific technologies, including TAL (Transaction Application Language), COBOL85, PATHWAY, and NonStop SQL.
Whitfield also maintains a professional website, mark-whitfield.com, where he provides project management templates and resources related to HP NonStop and Tandem systems.
Mark Whitfield provides a comprehensive bundle of over 200 editable project management templates designed for Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 methodologies. These templates are based on over 30 years of project delivery experience and are available for purchase via his official website or Etsy shop.
Key Template Categories
The bundle includes a wide variety of tools across different formats (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and MS Project):
Planning & Scheduling:
Plan on a Page (POaP): Over 30 PowerPoint slide examples for executive-level summaries.
Detailed Project Plans: MS Project (MPP) and Excel templates for SDLC, PRINCE2 7th Edition, and Agile Scrum projects.
Gantt Charts: Built-in tracking views for both MS Project and Excel.
Tracking & Control:
RAID Logs: Comprehensive logs for tracking Risks, Actions, Issues, and Dependencies, plus additional tabs for Change Requests and Lessons Learned.
RACI Matrix: Templates to define project roles and responsibilities (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed).
Finance Trackers: Tools for internal and external forecast vs. actual costs, including margin and variance tracking.
Agile Specific Tools:
Burn Down & Burn Up Charts: Excel-based alternatives when tools like Jira are unavailable.
Agile Story Dependency Tracking: Specifically for managing dependencies between agile stories and external suppliers.
Reporting & Governance:
Status Reports: Weekly and monthly templates in Word and PowerPoint formats.
Stakeholder Analysis: Power/interest mapping and engagement plan templates.
Benefits Realisation: Plans to track project outcomes against initial business goals.
Purchase Benefits
Lifetime Upgrades: Once purchased, all future additions and updates to the template package are provided for free.
Compatibility: Templates are designed for Microsoft Office 365 but also include Excel versions compatible with earlier software.
Support: The package typically includes walkthrough Word documents to guide users on how to use each major template.
Mark Whitfield HP NonStop Tandem experience & Project Management Templates
Llandudno Pier, often called the “Queen of Welsh Piers”, is the longest pier in Wales at 2,295 feet (700 metres). It is a Grade II* listed structure renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian elegance, featuring ornate ironwork and classic kiosks.
Llandudno Pier, often called the “Queen of Welsh Piers”, is the longest pier in Wales
Historical Timeline by Era
Early Origins (The Pre-Pier Era)
1858: A short wooden pier (242 ft) was built by the St George’s Harbour and Railway Company to export limestone.
1859: This original structure was severely damaged by the “Royal Charter Storm”.
1860–1875: Though repaired, the wooden pier was too short for steamships except at high tide.
Research Machines (now RM plc) has a long-standing history as a primary provider of technology for the UK education sector. Founded in 1973, the company transitioned from a hobbyist component supplier to a leading manufacturer of educational microcomputers and networking systems.
Overview of Research Machines “LINK”
The LINK designation primarily referred to the RM Link 480Z, introduced in 1982. It was designed as a lower-cost, diskless network station that could “link” into a chain, typically using a more powerful 380Z as a file server. This system was one of three chosen for the UK government’s 1982 Educational Scheme.
Timeline History by Era and Device
The Founding Era (1973–1976)
1973: Founded as Research Machines Limited in Oxford by Mike Fischer and Mike O’Regan.
1974: Operated under the name Sintel, a mail-order supplier of electronic components for hobbyists.
The Z80 Era (1977–1984)
1977: Launched the RML 380Z, an 8-bit microcomputer based on the Zilog Z80 processor. It typically ran the CP/M operating system and was often housed in a distinctive large black metal case.
1982: Introduced the RM Link 480Z.
Purpose: Designed as a diskless network node for schools.
Networking: Used the proprietary CHAIN Network or Z-Net to connect to a 380Z file server.
Hardware: Featured a Z80 CPU and up to 256 KB of bank-switched RAM. Early models had black metal cases, later replaced by cream plastic.
The Nimbus & PC Transition (1985–1990s)
1985: Launched the RM Nimbus PC-186, using the Intel 80186 processor. While not fully IBM-compatible, it could run early versions of Microsoft Windows (up to 3.0).
1986: Released the RM AX (using the Intel 80286), often used as a file server for Nimbus networks.
Late 1980s: Introduced the M Series (PC-286/386) and S Series (PC-386 and later), which were fully IBM PC compatible.
The PC Era & Diversification (1994–Present)
1994: Floated on the London Stock Exchange as RM plc.
1997: Introduced the C Series of computers for schools.
2003: Launched the F Series (blue chassis) pre-installed with Windows XP.
2010: Released a new line of black and silver RM computers for Windows 7.
Current: RM has pivoted from hardware manufacturing to becoming a global EdTech solutions provider, focusing on digital assessment (RM Ava) and managed IT services.
Research Machines Limited, Link Timeline History by Era and Device
BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) was designed to make computing accessible to non-scientists, evolving from a simple teaching tool into the foundational language of the personal computer revolution.
The Academic Era (1964–1974)
1964: Invention at Dartmouth. John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz created BASIC at Dartmouth College to allow students in non-technical fields to use computers.
1964: First Execution. The first BASIC program ran on 1 May 1964, on a GE-225 mainframe.
Philosophy of Simplicity. It featured an intuitive, English-like syntax and was originally a “compile-and-run” language rather than a slow interpreter.
Time-Sharing. BASIC was designed for the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System (DTSS), allowing multiple users to program simultaneously from different terminals.
The Home Computer Revolution (1975–1980s)
1975: Altair BASIC. Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed a BASIC interpreter for the MITS Altair 8800, which became Microsoft’s first product.
The “De Facto” Standard. By the late 1970s, BASIC was pre-installed in the ROM of almost every major home computer, including the Apple II, Commodore PET, and TRS-80.
Interpreted vs. Compiled. To save memory (often limited to 4KB), these versions were typically “interpreted,” meaning the computer translated code line-by-line during execution.
Hobbyist Culture. Magazines and books published “type-in” programs, allowing millions of users to learn coding by manually entering BASIC code.
The Professionalization & Decline (Mid-1980s–1990)
Structured Evolution. Microsoft released QuickBASIC (1985), which introduced structured syntax (removing the need for line numbers) and a compiler for faster performance.
Rise of C and Pascal. Professional developers began shifting toward more powerful languages like C and Pascal as hardware became capable of supporting them.
Shift to Applications. As pre-written commercial software became common, the average user stopped writing their own programs in BASIC.
The Visual & Enterprise Era (1991–Present)
1991: Visual Basic (VB). Microsoft combined BASIC with a graphical user interface (GUI) designer, allowing developers to “drag and drop” buttons and forms.
Dominance in Business. By 1998, an estimated two-thirds of Windows business applications were built using Visual Basic 6.0.
2002: Visual Basic .NET. Microsoft transitioned the language to the .NET framework, turning it into a fully object-oriented language.
Modern Status. While C# has surpassed it in popularity, VB.NET remains a stable, maintained language used heavily for maintaining legacy systems and Office automation.
BASIC programming language timeline history by year
PROject Templates 