Category: Personal

Mark Whitfield – Senior Project Manager – Projects Chronologically

Mark Whitfield is an SC-cleared Senior IT Project and Engagement Manager with over 30 years of experience. His career spans from early mainframe programming to leading multi-million-pound cloud migrations and digital transformations for major financial, utility, and government clients.

The chronological breakdown of his professional project portfolio, structured by his definitive career eras, is detailed below:

1. The Technical Era (1990–1995)

During this foundational era, Mark worked as a Programmer and Lead Analyst for The Software Partnership (acquired by Deluxe Data in 1994). He focused strictly on the development, optimization, and deployment of the sp/ARCHITECT-BANK electronic banking solution on Tandem Mainframe Computers.

  • Project: Barclays Business Master II (BBM II)
    • Year: 1990–1992
    • Client: Barclays (On-site at Knutsford, Cheshire)
    • Budget: Internal banking operational budget
    • Details: Handled the custom design and backend coding for a high-profile desktop electronic business banking application.
  • Project: Automated Touch-Tone Phone Banking Suite
    • Year: 1992–1993
    • Client: Girofon (Denmark)
    • Budget: Client-retained vendor contract
    • Details: Coded automated, menu-driven voice solutions operating on a Periphonics VRAM device to fetch live customer balances directly from mainframes.
  • Project: Early Digital Inter-Account Transfers
    • Year: 1993–1994
    • Client: TSB & Bank of Scotland
    • Budget: Internal product development
    • Details: Directed logic design and mainframe coding to support pioneering inter-account electronic funds transfers.
  • Project: International Banking Optimization
    • Year: 1994–1995
    • Client: Rabobank
    • Budget: Vendor-driven custom development framework
    • Details: Managed localized software optimization, custom patches, and deployment testing for global banking operations.

2. The Infrastructure & Monitoring Era (1995–2014)

Mark transitioned into a Product and Project Manager role at Insider Technologies Limited (and later a brief stint at Wincor Nixdorf). His focus shifted heavily toward platform diagnostics, high-availability transaction monitoring, and financial hardware software integrations.

  • Project: Reflex (Reflex 80:20) System Co-Development
    • Year: 1995–2004
    • Client: Multiple Tier-1 Investment Banks (including Euroclear/Crestco, Bank of England, and Deutsche Bank)
    • Budget: Part of a broader £3M Management Buyout (MBO) product portfolio
    • Details: Acted as Senior Programmer and Technical Lead to co-develop diagnostic monitoring modules for high-availability mainframes.
  • Project: ATM & Point-of-Sale (POS) Transaction Monitoring
    • Year: 2005–2013
    • Client: Barclays, HSBC, and Alliance & Leicester (now Santander)
    • Budget: Multi-year strategic technical vendor account
    • Details: Managed the integration of transaction tracking across ATM networks using ACI’s XPNET and HP NonStop architecture.
  • Project: Legacy ATM Software Modernisation
    • Year: 2013–2014
    • Client: Major UK Retail Bank (via Wincor Nixdorf Professional Services)
    • Budget: Corporate financial service transformation
    • Details: Served as Project Manager executing the swap-out of outdated, legacy ATM client systems for modernized software stacks.

3. The Digital and Cloud Era (2014–Present)

This era highlights Mark’s leadership of large-scale Agile and Waterfall digital delivery frameworks, moving from corporate gambling technology to complex, high-budget UK public sector programs.

  • Project: Mobile & Online Gaming Sportsbook Platforms
    • Year: 2014–2016
    • Client: Betfred Limited (Online & Mobile Division)
    • Budget: Multi-million phased agile commercial releases
    • Details: Led Agile Scrum development teams to upgrade payment gateways, implement fraud detection, and roll out football/horse racing mobile interfaces.
  • Project: National Air Space Real-Time Mobile Applications
    • Year: 2016
    • Client: NATS (UK-wide Air Traffic Organisation)
    • Budget: Corporate custom applications initiative
    • Details: Managed the secure Agile delivery of Apple iOS applications displaying live military and public airspace information.
  • Project: Core Systems Interface Data Centre Migration
    • Year: 2016 (May–October)
    • Client: Royal Mail Group (RMG) / Postal Services
    • Budget: £4.3 Million
    • Details: Led a massive cross-functional team of 90 Capgemini engineers to migrate over 1,100 platform data interfaces ahead of peak annual trading.
  • Project: Automated Call Centre CCaaS Telephony Implementation
    • Year: 2017 (May onwards)
    • Client: Local Regional Government
    • Budget: £400,000
    • Details: Deployed a programmatic dialler system linked with Microsoft Azure CRM to facilitate the “Support for Mortgage Interest” campaign.
  • Project: Automotive Online Car Sales and Digital Readiness
    • Year: 2017 (October)
    • Client: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) / Aston Agile Delivery Centre
    • Budget: £1.1 Million (Split into a £670k Customer Sales Portal and a £430k Readiness project)
    • Details: Engagement Manager implementing a new-car ecommerce vehicle pipeline.

Project: Middleware & MuleSoft Anypoint Integrations

  • Year: 2018–2019
  • Client: UK Utility, Accounting, and Recruitment Industries (via MuleSoft augmentation)
  • Budget: Enterprise-wide technology vendor accounts
  • Details: Delivery Manager structuring API integration architectures across multi-million-pound client portfolios.

Project: Multi-App Cloud Migration Proof-of-Concept

  • Year: 2020 (Feb–May)
  • Client: UK Government
  • Budget: £375,000
  • Details: Directed a 3-month proof of concept migrating legacy Access, Oracle, and SQL databases to Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365.

Project: Document Management Cloud Transformation

  • Year: 2021–2022
  • Client: UK Utility Industry (e.g., Welsh/Scottish Water)
  • Budget: £500,000+
  • Details: Managed the platform decommissioning and cloud modernization from legacy EQS document storage over to Azure Enablon.

Project: Enterprise Dynamics 365 Online Cloud Migration

  • Year: 2022 (November onwards)
  • Client: UK Government
  • Budget: £1 Million+ (Part of a larger £13.5M cloud program moving 130 apps)
  • Details: Orchestrated the launch and configuration of Azure Cloud frameworks migrating 12 historical Dynamics 2016 platforms to Dynamics 365 Online.

Project: Fish Export Service (FES) to CHIP Inspection Portal

  • Year: 2023–2024 (Nov–Feb)
  • Client: UK Government / Northern Ireland Trading Framework
  • Budget: £1 Million+
  • Details: Served as Technical Delivery Manager directing Agile Scrum teams to build cloud-hosted APIs supporting catch verification under the Windsor Framework.

Columbo Overview and Detailed Timeline by year

Columbo is one of television’s most celebrated crime dramas, spanning 35 years, 69 episodes, and two major television networks. Starring Peter Falk in his four-time Emmy-winning role, the show completely upended standard detective tropes with its signature “inverted detective story” structure.

Columbo Peter Falk
Peter Falk, Columbo

The following guide breaks down the core characteristics of the series, followed by a comprehensive, year-by-year chronological timeline of its production and broadcasting history.

Detailed Description of the Series

The Inverted “Whodunit” (The Howcatchem)

Unlike standard mystery shows where the audience tries to guess the killer, Columbo is an inverted detective story. Every episode begins by showing the audience exactly who the murderer is, their motive, and the elaborate steps they take to craft an “airtight” alibi. The true tension and entertainment lie in the psychological cat-and-mouse game between the killer and Lieutenant Columbo, watching him slowly pick apart their flawless crime.

The Character of Lieutenant Columbo

  • The Appearance: Columbo is famously dishevelled. He wears a rumpled, beige raincoat over a wrinkled suit, drives a battered 1959 Peugeot 403 convertible, and frequently chomps on a half-burned cigar.
  • The Tactics: He acts incredibly humble, forgetful, and easily distracted. This is a deliberate ploy to make the high-society killers underestimate him, causing them to let their guard down and talk too much.
  • The Catchphrase: Just as a suspect believes Columbo is leaving and they have gotten away with murder, he stops, turns around, scratches his head, and delivers his iconic phrase: “Just one more thing…”
  • Personal Quirks: He works for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), never carries a gun, loves chili with crackers, owns an incredibly lazy basset hound simply named “Dog”, and constantly references his unseen wife, Mrs. Columbo.

Detailed Production & Broadcast Timeline

The history of Columbo spans across two distinct network eras: the NBC Era (the original 1970s run) and the ABC Era (the late 1980s revival through to the final specials).

Pre-Falk Origins (1960 – 1962)

  • 1960: Writers Richard Levinson and William Link introduce the character of “Lieutenant Columbo” in an episode of the anthology series The Chevy Mystery Show titled “Enough Rope”, played by actor Bert Freed.
  • 1962: The writers adapt the story into a stage play named Prescription: Murder, where Columbo is portrayed by Oscar-winner Thomas Mitchell.

The NBC Series Era (1971 – 1978)

During this run, Columbo does not air weekly. Instead, it serves as a rotating program on The NBC Mystery Movie alongside shows like McCloud and McMillan & Wife.

  • 1971: Season 1 begins. The official premiere episode, “Murder by the Book”, is directed by a young, pre-fame Steven Spielberg.
  • 1972: Season 1 concludes, and Season 2 premieres in September. This season includes classics like “Etude in Black”.
  • 1973: Season 2 ends, and Season 3 launches, introducing “Any Old Port in a Storm”, which features Donald Pleasence and is widely considered one of the best episodes of the series.
  • 1974: Season 3 wraps up, and Season 4 premieres. It features Johnny Cash in “Swan Song” and Dick Van Dyke in “Negative Reaction”.
  • 1975: Season 4 concludes, and Season 5 debuts in the autumn, featuring the episode “Forgotten Lady”.
  • 1976: Season 5 ends. Season 6 premieres in October with a shortened, three-episode order as Peter Falk begins negotiating fiercely over his contract and salary.
  • 1977: Season 6 wraps up. Season 7 launches in November, highlighting the fan-favourite episode “Try and Catch Me” starring Ruth Gordon.
  • 1978: The final NBC episode, “The Conspirators”, airs in May. Burnt out by the rigorous schedule and wanting to pursue feature films, Peter Falk walks away from the character, ending the original run.

The Hiatus & Spin-Off (1979 – 1988)

  • 1979: NBC attempts to keep the brand alive without Falk by launching a spin-off series, Mrs. Columbo, starring Kate Mulgrew. It is heavily rejected by fans and swiftly cancelled.
  • 1980–1988: Columbo remains entirely dark for nearly a decade.

The ABC Revival Era (1989 – 2003)

ABC successfully strikes a deal with Peter Falk to bring the detective back for a series of premium, two-hour television movies.

  • 1989: After an 11-year absence, Columbo returns to television with Season 8. Later that year, Season 9 launches.
  • 1990: Season 9 concludes in May. ABC abandons the rigid, seasonal formatting, shifting the series into occasional, high-budget “TV Specials”. Season 10 officially begins with “Columbo Goes to College” in December.
  • 1991: Three major movie specials are broadcast: “Caution: Murder Can Be Hazardous to Your Health”, “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star”, and “Death Hits the Jackpot”.
  • 1992: Two movie specials air: “No Time to Die” (a rare episode where Columbo solves a kidnapping rather than a murder) and “A Bird in the Hand…”.
  • 1993: Only one special is produced and broadcast this year: “It’s All in the Game”, written by Peter Falk himself.
  • 1994: Two movie specials air: “Butterfly in Shades of Grey” (featuring William Shatner’s second appearance as a Columbo villain) and “Undercover”.
  • 1995: A single movie special is broadcast: “Strange Bedfellows”, co-starring George Wendt.
  • 1997: Following a brief hiatus, “A Trace of Murder” airs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
  • 1998: The movie special “Ashes to Ashes” is broadcast, featuring Patrick McGoohan, who also directed several episodes of the series.
  • 2001: “Murder With Too Many Notes” airs after a multi-year delay in production.
  • 2003: The 69th and final episode, “Columbo Likes the Nightlife”, airs on 30 January. This concludes the historic run of the franchise, as Peter Falk formally retires from playing the character before his passing in 2011.

Columbo Overview and Detailed Timeline by year

Mark Whitfield – projects timeline history from 1990

Mark Whitfield is an SC-cleared Senior IT Project Manager with over 30 years of experience delivering high-availability financial, cloud, and digital transformation projects. Over his career, he has transitioned from deep technical engineering on HPE NonStop (Tandem) mainframe systems to leading major corporate and public sector Agile and Waterfall software rollouts.

A comprehensive, year-by-year timeline breakdown of his project history and clients since 1990 is outlined below.

💻 The Technical Era (1990–1995)

During this period, Whitfield worked as a Programmer and Lead Analyst for The Software Partnership (acquired by Deluxe Data in 1994). He focused on electronic banking software (sp/ARCHITECT-BANK) on Tandem Mainframe Computers.

  • 1990–1992: Barclays Bank – Placed on-site at Knutsford, Cheshire to design and code software for the high-profile Barclays Business Master II (BBM II) electronic desktop banking project.
  • 1992–1993: Girofon (Denmark) – Developed a touch-tone phone banking suite. This allowed clients to use automated voice/menu-driven systems via a Periphonics VRAM device to fetch live balances from back-end mainframes.
  • 1993–1994: TSB & Bank of Scotland – Conducted early-era digital investigations, logic design, and mainframe coding for inter-account desktop money transfers.
  • 1994–1995: Rabobank – Headed software optimization, custom electronic coding patches, and on-site deployment validation for international operations.

🛡️ Monitoring & Infrastructure Era (1995–2013)

Whitfield joined Insider Technologies Limited (ITL) in Salford Quays, specializing in platform diagnostics, transaction monitoring, and financial logging systems for mission-critical infrastructure.

  • 1995–1996: Internal ITL Product R&D – Core developer on the Reflex monitoring suite (Reflex 80:20), creating platform health and diagnostic plug-in modules.
  • 1997–1998: CRESTCo (now Euroclear) – Brought in as a technical infrastructure consultant to run benchmark tests on newly released Tandem S7000 processing hardware nodes.
  • 1999–2001: Bank of England / Deutsche Bank – Deployed real-time tracking protocols utilizing ITL’s MultiBatch scheduling architectures and file monitors.
  • 2002–2003: Hewlett-Packard (HP) – Successfully managed the rigorous certification process for the first HP OpenView Operations (OVO) Smart Plug-In built for the NonStop mainframe environment.
  • 2004–2007: Alliance & Leicester (now Santander) / HSBC – Implemented transaction log extraction protocols (RTLX and Sentra) to audit automated teller machine (ATM) logs.
  • 2008–2010: Saudi Arabian Retail Bank – Acted as Project Manager overseeing the cross-border rollout of a high-volume ATM and Point-of-Sale (POS) monitoring system.
  • 2011–2013: Global Payments / Standard Chartered – Integrated transaction monitoring capabilities with external corporate frameworks such as TIVOLI and XPERT24 using ACI’s XPNET architecture.

🏦 Senior Project Management & Retail Banking (2013–2016)

This timeframe marked a total transition into senior contract project management, dealing directly with multi-million-pound programs.

  • 2013–2014: Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) – Augmented into Wincor Nixdorf as the IT Project Manager leading a £5+ million workstream. This was part of LBG’s comprehensive Self-Service Software Replacement (SSSR) initiative to modernise legacy ATM software.
  • 2014–2016: Betfred – Senior IT Project Manager inside an Agile Scrum structure. Directed cross-functional software vendors to deliver updates for mobile apps (iOS/Android), fraud detection systems, and payment gateways for their digital sportsbook platforms.

🌐 Enterprise Consulting & Cloud Transformations (2016–Present)

In January 2016, Whitfield joined global consultancy firm Capgemini as a Senior client-facing Engagement/Delivery Manager.

  • 2016–2017: Aerospace & Defence Client – Managed an enterprise-level integration project to deploy a Salesforce-driven Single Customer View (SCV) portal platform.
  • 2017–2018: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) – Served as Project Manager for the iFAB Middleware Project, a complex 12-month architecture development program linking global manufacturing supply components.
  • 2018–2019: MuleSoft (A Salesforce Company) – Augmented directly into MuleSoft’s London headquarters as a Delivery Manager, spearheading API-led connectivity deployments via the Anypoint Platform.
  • 2019–2021: UK Government Agency (UK Gov) – Commanded a major Hybrid Cloud Migration initiative to refactor, re-host, and re-platform 130 legacy agency software applications directly to cloud servers.
  • 2022: UK Utility Sector (Welsh Water / Scottish Water) – Dual-management lead executing a £0.5 million contract to migrate an aging, on-premise document management program (EQS) onto the Microsoft Azure cloud via Enablon.
  • 2023–2026: Public Sector & Core Tooling (Current) – Managing high-value middleware and API integrations for entities like the Royal Mail Group (RMG), NATS, and regional government bodies. Concurrently authors a widely used portfolio of commercial project management templates (RAID logs, RACI matrixes, and MS Project MPP layouts) published via PROject Templates.

The Software Partnership was a highly specialized software house in Runcorn

The Software Partnership (TSP) was a highly specialized British software house based in Runcorn, Cheshire, that played a key role in early cutting-edge electronic banking software. The firm famously developed sp/ARCHITECT-BANK, an innovative enterprise banking system built explicitly for Tandem Computers (now HPE NonStop) fault-tolerant server systems. I was based there between 1990 and 1995.

The Software Partnership Logo, Runcorn Software House, Deluxe Data
The Software Partnership Logo

Below is a detailed overview of the company’s operational history, alongside the corresponding hardware/software architectural eras of the HPE NonStop platform it relied upon.

Detailed Overview

  • Core Focus: The Software Partnership specialized in online transaction processing (OLTP) and electronic automated banking software. Long before the internet became mainstream, TSP engineered early desktop access environments for corporate bookkeeping and inter-account bank transfers.
  • Key Product: Its flagship software suite, sp/ARCHITECT, ran on Tandem’s highly unique, redundant architecture. The software handled complex high-volume retail transactions, ATM networking, and ledger balances.
  • Major Clients: High-profile financial institutions deployed TSP’s systems, including TSB (Trustee Savings Bank), Bank of Scotland, Rabobank, and Denmark’s Girofon.
  • Legacy: TSP initiated a massive lineage of financial tech operations in the Runcorn/Warrington area. After subsequent buyouts and transitions, its corporate DNA integrated into modern banking giants, eventually operating under Fidelity National Information Services (FIS).

Detailed Timeline by Era and Year

The history of TSP mirrors the evolution of the underlying fault-tolerant architecture originally built by Tandem, later managed by Compaq, HP, and currently Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

Era 1: The Tandem Founding & TSP Inception (Mid-1970s – 1989)

This era is marked by Tandem’s creation of the fault-tolerant server market, which birthed the niche that TSP filled.

  • 1974–1976: Tandem Computers is founded and ships its first 16-bit NonStop I (T/16) system, utilizing complete component redundancy to guarantee close to zero downtime for the financial industry.
  • 1981: Tandem introduces the NonStop II, transitioning to battery-backed DRAM memory and enabling early 32-bit addressing.
  • Mid-1980s: The Software Partnership (TSP) is co-founded by Nigel Walsh. It establishes offices first in Timperley (Wingate Drive), then moves to Crowngate (Norton House) in Runcorn. The team begins developing online banking architectures explicitly for Tandem OS (Guardian) and early UNIX nodes.
  • 1989: Tandem launches the NonStop Cyclone, a high-end mainframe system featuring superscalar CPUs and fiber-optic interconnects.

Era 2: The MIPS RISC Transition & Corporate Buyouts (1990 – 1999)

TSP reaches peak software deployment exactly as Tandem shifts its internal processor technology.

  • 1990: TSP establishes itself as a major regional employment hub for software engineers following a massive boom in terminal banking technology. Software programmers deploy sp/ARCHITECT-BANK code for massive retail banks internationally.
  • 1991: Tandem shifts its structural hardware away from proprietary chips, introducing its first MIPS RISC-based NonStop systems.
  • 1992: TSP expands its Runcorn footprint, moving to custom facilities at Wingate House on Northway, Runcorn.
  • 1994: TSP is acquired by American firm Deluxe Electronic Payment Systems (a division of Deluxe Corporation, one of the largest check printers and transaction processors in the US). The corporate name transitions to Deluxe Data.
  • 1997: Due to shifts in the enterprise hardware landscape, Compaq Computer Corporation acquires Tandem Computers for $3 billion, taking over the NonStop lineage.

Era 3: The Itanium Migration & eFunds Realignment (2000 – 2013)

The architecture sheds its proprietary processors for industry standards, and TSP’s corporate legacy transforms.

  • 2000: Deluxe Data’s electronic payment wing splits off and rebrands as EFD eFunds.
  • 2001–2002: HP (Hewlett-Packard) merges with Compaq, absorbing the NonStop portfolio. Simultaneously, HP begins shifting NonStop servers from MIPS architectures to Intel Itanium processors.
  • 2007: Following industry consolidation, the corporate remnants of the original TSP Runcorn operations are absorbed into Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and relocated to Aegon House in Daresbury, Warrington.

Era 4: The Modern HPE NonStop X & Virtualization Era (2014 – Present)

The legacy of the high-availability software pioneered in Runcorn culminates in cloud and x86 integration.

  • 2014: HP introduces NonStop X, completely migrating the underlying architecture to Intel x86-64 processors and implementing InfiniBand connectivity fabrics.
  • 2015: Hewlett-Packard officially splits into two entities; the core mission-critical banking platform continues its five-decade lineage under Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
  • 2020s–Present: HPE modernizes the software architecture to support Virtualized NonStop Software (vNS). Modern variants allow banking systems to run mission-critical apps seamlessly inside enterprise private clouds and scalable HPE GreenLake consumption models with 100% fault tolerance.
Deluxe Data International Operations, Wingate House, Northway, Runcorn, Cheshire
Deluxe Data International Operations, Wingate House, Northway, Runcorn, Cheshire
The Software Partnership, Norton House, Crowngate, Runcorn, Cheshire
The Software Partnership, Norton House, Crowngate, Runcorn, Cheshire

⚙️ sp/ARCHITECT

sp/ARCHITECT (specifically sp/ARCHITECT-BANK) was a foundational electronic banking and transaction framework engineered in the 1990s by The Software Partnership (a UK-based fintech house later acquired by Deluxe Data). It primarily powered corporate banking portals and telephone-driven banking services.

The platform acted as highly reliable middleware, serving as a bridge between the customer and back-end banking mainframes. The breakdown of its architecture, infrastructure, and core functions includes:

⚙️ Architectural Breakdown

  • Hardware & OS: Built to run natively on fault-tolerant Tandem NonStop computers (now HPE NonStop). This “shared-nothing” architecture was designed for absolute transactional uptime and zero data loss.
  • Programming Languages: Built using legacy enterprise standards. Code was primarily written in COBOL85 and TAL (Transaction Application Language) native to the Tandem ecosystem.
  • Middleware Integration: Utilized Tandem-specific middleware like Pathway and Remote Server Call (RSC) to handle client-to-host communications.

💻 Core Capabilities & Modules

  • Electronic Delivery Framework: Served as a multi-channel framework, accommodating a wide variety of early access devices like desktop clients, UNIX workstations, and smart phones.
  • Transaction Handlers: Deployed custom scripts/handlers that enabled end-users to securely access real-time account data and perform early inter-account transfers without visiting a physical branch.
  • Testing Utilities: Included proprietary simulation tools like sp/TESTBED, acting as a PC-to-host test harness so developers could emulate user queries and transaction flows.

🏦 Industry Footprint

  • European Rollout: Heavily adopted by large European financial institutions, including TSB, Rabobank, Bank of Scotland, and Girofon.
  • BBM II Integration: Powered landmark corporate desktop banking solutions like Barclays Business Master II (BBM II), long before modern web browser banking existed.
  • Evolution: Following its acquisition, its design philosophies eventually evolved into Deluxe Data’s broader CONNEX suite of payment solutions.

Capgemini Engagement Manager is a senior-level, client-facing role

A Capgemini Engagement Manager is a senior-level, client-facing role responsible for end-to-end delivery of complex business and technology transformation programs. They bridge strategy and execution, acting as a trusted advisor to clients while maintaining operational and financial control over projects.

Mark Whitfield PM, Capgemini Engagement Manager from 2016
Engagement Manager, from 2016

Key Responsibilities

  • End-to-End Delivery: Overseeing projects from start to finish, ensuring milestones, SLAs, and contractual obligations are met on time and within budget.
  • Financial Accountability: Managing project budgets, revenue tracking, forecasting, invoicing, and contract compliance.
  • Stakeholder Management: Acting as the primary client point of contact while aligning cross-functional and globally distributed delivery teams.
  • Risk & Governance: Identifying potential roadblocks, proactively managing risks, and ensuring strict adherence to project governance standards.
  • Business Growth: Spotting opportunities for additional business and supporting bid activities for account expansion.
Mark Whitfield, Engagement Management EM Level 2 Exam Passed 2017
Mark Whitfield, Engagement Management EM Level 2 Exam Passed 2017

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Experience: Typically requires a degree in Business, Engineering, or IT, combined with at least 5+ years of experience in project management or service delivery within a B2B environment.
  • Skills: Strong commercial acumen, proficiency in formal methodologies (e.g., Agile, ITIL), and the ability to lead diverse, multinational teams.
C&CA UK's Communications & Engagement Award Winner 2022, Cloud & Custom Applications, Mark Whitfield
C&CA UK’s Communications & Engagement Award Winner 2022, Cloud & Custom Applications, Mark Whitfield

Explore current vacancies and learn more about the EM community through the Capgemini Careers Portal or their specific Engagement Management Careers overview.

Capgemini Engagement Manager, from 2016.

Capgemini Campus – Serge Kampf Les Fontaines, Chantilly, France – Advanced Engagement Management Course – November 2017 Class – 2nd from left, Mark Whitfield
Capgemini Campus – Serge Kampf Les Fontaines, Chantilly, France – Advanced Engagement Management Course – November 2017 Class – 2nd from left

Mark Whitfield – Senior Project Manager – training received

Mark Whitfield, an SC cleared Senior Project Manager based in the Manchester area, has over 30 years of experience transitioning from a software engineer to an IT program leader.

His extensive technical and project management training spans methodologies, cloud infrastructure, and software applications.

A detailed breakdown of his training, certifications, and academic background includes:

Project Management Methodologies

  • PRINCE2 Practitioner: Certified via the ILX Group.
  • Agile SCRUM: Trained in-house with RADTAC.
  • Advanced Engagement Management: Level 2 certification completed via Capgemini.
  • Project Fundamentals: Completed “Fundamentals of Successful Project Management” and “Managing Multiple Projects” via Skillpath.
  • Microsoft Project: Microsoft Project ’98 certified.

Technical & Cloud Training

  • Microsoft Azure: AZ-900 Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals.
  • MuleSoft: Completed outcome-based delivery training and is a specialized Delivery Manager.
  • Technical Programming: Includes foundational database and software language training, such as C++ and MS SQL 2000 query training, as well as VPS and Tandem (HPE NonStop) technical/development courses.
  • Productivity: Completed Microsoft Excel Refresher and Expert skills training (Udemy and Microsoft).

Formal Education

  • Higher National Diploma (HND): Graduated with a Distinction (top) in Computing (1990).

You can review his detailed credential breakdown on the PROject Templates Professional Training Page.

Global state awards are divided into military decorations and civilian honors

Global state awards are divided into military decorations (for combat gallantry) and civilian honors (for exceptional public service or achievements). While countries do not share a single ranking scale, the US Congressional Medal of Honor, the UK Victoria Cross, and France’s Legion of Honour represent the pinnacle of global prestige.

Top Military Awards (For Gallantry)

Military medals awarded for bravery “in the face of the enemy” are universally regarded as the hardest to earn, with many given posthumously.

  • The Victoria Cross (VC) [UK & Commonwealth]: Widely considered the most prestigious and difficult military medal to receive globally, primarily due to exceptionally stringent requirements. Since the end of World War II, only 15 have been awarded.
The Victoria Cross (VC) [UK & Commonwealth]: Widely considered the most prestigious and difficult military medal to receive globally
The Victoria Cross (VC) [UK & Commonwealth]: Widely considered the most prestigious and difficult military medal to receive globally
  • The Medal of Honor [USA]: Also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, this is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It is presented by the U.S. President in the name of Congress for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
The Medal of Honor [USA]: Also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, this is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States
The Medal of Honor [USA]: Also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, this is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States
  • Param Vir Chakra (PVC) [India]: India’s highest wartime military decoration, equivalent to the Medal of Honor, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) [India]: India’s highest wartime military decoration, equivalent to the Medal of Honor
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) [India]: India’s highest wartime military decoration, equivalent to the Medal of Honor
  • Nishan-e-Haider [Pakistan]: The highest military award in Pakistan, which takes precedence over all other civil and military awards, exclusively given for acts of extraordinary heroism in battle.
Nishan-e-Haider [Pakistan]: The highest military award in Pakistan
Nishan-e-Haider: The highest military award in Pakistan

Top Civilian Awards & Orders of Merit

Civilian honors typically recognise lifelong public service, lifetime achievement, or national contribution.

  • Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur) [France]: Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, it is France’s highest order of merit, recognizing eminent civil or military conduct. It can be awarded to both French citizens and foreigners.
Legion of Honour (Légion d'honneur) [France]
Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur) [France]
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom [USA]: Along with the Congressional Gold Medal, this is the highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing exceptional contributions to the security, national interests, or culture of the U.S..
Presidential Medal of Freedom [USA]: Along with the Congressional Gold Medal
Presidential Medal of Freedom [USA]: Along with the Congressional Gold Medal
  • Bharat Ratna [India]: The highest civilian award of the Republic of India, conferred in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order.
Bharat Ratna [India]
  • The Order of Merit [UK]: A highly exclusive, prestigious order restricted to just 24 living members, personally bestowed by the British Sovereign to individuals who have rendered exceptionally meritorious service in the arts, learning, science, and military.
The Order of Merit [UK]
The Order of Merit [UK]
  • Order of the Golden Eagle [Kazakhstan]: Noted as one of the most exclusive and dazzling awards globally, it is decorated with gold and diamonds and is typically reserved for heads of state.
Order of the Golden Eagle [Kazakhstan]
Order of the Golden Eagle [Kazakhstan]

Academic and Global Scientific Honours

Outside of state honors, global academic and humanitarian achievement uses a different tier of prestige:

  • The Nobel Prize: Generally considered the pinnacle of global achievement in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace.
The Nobel Prize: Generally considered the pinnacle of global achievement
The Nobel Prize: Generally considered the pinnacle of global achievement
  • The Order of the Republic [China]: The highest state honorary title, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the socialist modernization and peace of China.
The Order of the Republic [China]: The highest state honorary title
The Order of the Republic [China]: The highest state honorary title

Global state awards are divided into military decorations and civilian honors

PRINCE2 Overview and Evolution Timeline by year

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a globally recognized, process-driven project management methodology. It provides a structured, scalable approach to manage projects from start to finish. It is built on 7 core principles, 7 themes, and 7 step-by-step processes.

May 2011 – Mark Whitfield, Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner with ILX
May 2011 – Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner with ILX

The 7 Pillars of PRINCE2

To truly grasp PRINCE2, you should be familiar with its three core elements:

  • 7 Principles: Continued business justification, learn from experience, defined roles and responsibilities, manage by stages, manage by exception, focus on products, and tailor to suit the project environment.
  • 7 Themes: Business Case, Organization, Quality, Plans, Risk, Change, and Progress.
  • 7 Processes: Starting Up, Directing, Initiating, Controlling a Stage, Managing Product Delivery, Managing a Stage Boundary, and Closing a Project.
Example MS Excel PRINCE2 template (available on this website)
Example MS Excel PRINCE2 template (available on this website)

Detailed Timeline Breakdown by Year

The evolution of PRINCE2 spans over 50 years, transitioning from an internal UK IT standard into a global, flexible methodology.

  • Mid-1970s: Simpact Systems Limited creates the PROMPT methodology (Project, Resource, Organization, Management, and Planning Technique).
  • Early 1980s: The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) in the UK licenses PROMPT to manage complex IT overruns.
  • 1989: CCTA enhances the PROMPT method, renames it to PRINCE (PROMPT in the CCTA Environment), and mandates it for UK IT projects.
  • 1990: PRINCE is released into the public domain and experiences widespread private and public sector adoption.
  • 1996: The UK Cabinet Office officially publishes PRINCE2 and its global certifications. The acronym is updated to PRojects IN Controlled Environments and adapted to fit any industry or project type (not just IT).
  • 2000: Ownership transfers to the newly formed Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in the UK.
  • 2002/2005: Manual structure undergoes major revisions to strengthen the methodology’s “product-based planning” approach.
  • 2009: A massive “Refresh” is released. This update simplifies the framework, introduces the foundational 7 principles, and significantly improves customization.
  • 2013: Ownership transitions to AXELOS Ltd, a joint venture between the UK Government and Capita.
  • 2017: AXELOS publishes the PRINCE2 2017 Update (later designated the 6th Edition). This update places heavy focus on tailoring the method to project scale, flexibility, and practical execution.
  • 2018: PRINCE2 Agile is launched, combining the traditional, controlled PRINCE2 governance model with agile delivery methods.
  • 2021: PeopleCert, a global examination provider, acquires AXELOS and takes full ownership of the PRINCE2 methodology.
  • 2023–Present: PeopleCert releases the PRINCE2 7th Edition, which brings modernizations, digital improvements, and greater sustainability tracking, branding the framework simply as “PRINCE2 Project Management”.

To explore the latest resources, certification paths, or officially recognized guides, you can visit the PRINCE2 Official Website or the community-driven PRINCE2 Wiki.

PRINCE2 Overview and Evolution Timeline by year

Action Man Soldier by parity, with gripping hands, 1970s – used to have one 😀

Action Man Soldier by parity, with gripping hands, 1970s
Action Man Soldier by parity, with gripping hands, 1970s

The Action Man Soldier with Gripping Hands is a legendary 12-inch military action figure produced in the UK by Palitoy under license from Hasbro. First introduced in 1973, this milestone version of the classic Action Soldier replaced the previous “hard hand” iterations with a new, soft plastic compound designed to realistically hold rifles, pistols, and equipment.

Era & Key Innovations

  • 1973 Debut: Palitoy launched the updated figure in a freshly illustrated box featuring the text “Now with Gripping Hands”.
  • Flock Hair: This era retained the realistic fuzzy blonde, brown, or auburn flock hair originally introduced in 1970.
  • Signature Details: The figure featured Action Man’s distinctive square jaw and the iconic copyrighted battle scar on the right cheek.
  • Body Construction: Built using the standard 1960s/70s articulation setup featuring internal elastic stringing, crimped metal eyelets, and metal rivets.

Equipment & Box Variations

The standard 1973 Action Man Soldier package underwent several production tweaks throughout the mid-1970s:

  • The 1973 Box: Early printings mistakenly listed “Gaitors” in the contents list on the packaging, though they were not actually included in the box.
  • The 1975 Update: Palitoy corrected the box text to remove the mention of gaiters, updated the artwork, and added a revised “made in Hong Kong” manufacturing credit.
  • Standard Gear: The standard uniform typically included olive green army denim fatigues (jacket and trousers), a flat black plastic beret, tall brown boots with dished soles, a life-size replica dog tag, and an Army Manual.

Collector’s Note on Condition

When seeking a vintage 1970s figure on marketplaces like eBay, pay close attention to the hands. The early 1973 flexible hand compound (often made of Kraton) is notoriously prone to perishing over time. It is highly common to find vintage figures where the hands have turned dark orange, gone completely hard, become brittle, or disintegrated entirely. Intact, supple original hands significantly drive up the figure’s valuation.

sp/ARCHITECT was a pioneering electronic banking & funds-transfer software suite

sp/ARCHITECT was a pioneering electronic banking and funds-transfer software suite. Originally built by the UK-based Software Partnership (TSP), it ran natively on fault-tolerant Tandem (now HPE NonStop) systems. It provided highly available transaction routing and real-time electronic book-keeping for major international financial institutions.

Detailed Timeline by Era and Year

1. The Genesis & Independent Era (Mid-1980s – 1989)

  • Mid-1980s: The Software Partnership (TSP) is co-founded in Timperley, UK. Development begins on sp/ARCHITECT, designed with a client-server architecture.
  • 1986: Tandem launches NonStop SQL, providing the underlying high-availability relational database foundation that sp/ARCHITECT relied upon to ensure absolute data integrity for banks.

2. Mainstream Banking Adoption Era (1990 – 1994)

  • 1990: TSP relocates to Norton House in Runcorn, UK. sp/ARCHITECT achieves production deployment and is widely utilized for inter-account transfers and book-keeping by major banks like TSB and Bank of Scotland.
  • 1992: Due to rapid expansion, the Runcorn operations relocate to Wingate House.
  • 1994: Deluxe Electronic Payment Systems (a subsidiary of Deluxe Corporation) acquires TSP to expand its global electronic funds transfer (EFT) footprint. The platform is globally marketed and supported, expanding to clients like Rabobank.
1990: TSP relocates to Norton House in Runcorn
1990: TSP relocates to Norton House in Runcorn
1992: Due to rapid expansion, the Runcorn operations relocate to Wingate House.
1992: Due to rapid expansion, the Runcorn operations relocate to Wingate House.

3. Global Expansion & Compaq Transition Era (1995 – 2005)

  • 1995 – 1997: The Runcorn-based team (operating as Deluxe Data) codes additional regional adaptations of sp/ARCHITECT for banks worldwide (e.g., Girofon in Denmark).
  • 1997: Compaq acquires Tandem Computers, placing sp/ARCHITECT on Compaq’s enterprise roadmap.
  • 2002: Hewlett-Packard (HP) acquires Compaq, absorbing the Tandem platform into the HP Integrity server line. The application undergoes adaptation to integrate modern Windows-based management systems (like DSM/NOW).

4. The HPE Modernization & Hybrid Era (2014 – 2026)

  • 2014: HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) is formed, spinning off from HP. NonStop shifts to Intel x86-64 architecture (NonStop X), requiring sp/ARCHITECT and related Tandem subsystems (like Pathway, COBOL, and TAL) to modernize for TNS/X processing.
  • 2020: Legacy Itanium-based environments are phased out. sp/ARCHITECT systems, if still active, are migrated to virtualized NonStop (vNS) and operated within private cloud infrastructures.
  • 2025/2026: HPE NonStop celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Applications originally designed on the sp/ARCHITECT schema are heavily evaluated for AI integration, continuous cyber resilience, and consumption-based models like HPE GreenLake.

HPE Nonstop Technology Architecture – specialized, 100% fault-tolerant infrastructure

The official HPE Nonstop Technology Architecture is a specialized, 100% fault-tolerant infrastructure built with a tightly integrated hardware and software stack designed to eliminate any single point of failure. Formal instruction and architectural frameworks have been modernized under the newly relaunched HPE Nonstop Compute Training Portfolio curriculum.

Originally developed by Tandem Computers in 1976, the platform eventually became part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). Unlike standard servers that can crash due to a single component failure, NonStop uses a tightly integrated, “shared-nothing” architecture to ensure that if a hardware or software component fails, another instantly takes over with zero downtime or data loss.

Core Architectural Features

To understand how HPE NonStop works, you need to understand its unique design principles:

  • Shared-Nothing Architecture: Every processor has its own dedicated memory, I/O channels, and copy of the operating system. No single component is shared, eliminating any single point of failure.
  • Process Pairs: Applications run using a primary process and a backup process on a different processor. The primary process constantly copies its state to the backup. If the primary fails, the backup immediately takes over.
  • Massive Scalability: Systems can scale up seamlessly from small distributed environments to massive clusters containing up to 24,000 processor cores without interrupting running operations.
  • Hardware Platform: The modern software environment runs on industry-standard x86 architectures, available as physical server racks (like the HPE NonStop NS9 X5) or as virtualized instances in hybrid cloud environments.

Dual Operating Environments

HPE NonStop runs a specialized operating system called NonStop OS. Inside this OS, developers and administrators interact with two distinct environments:

  • Guardian Environment: The native, proprietary environment optimized for high-volume Online Transaction Processing (OLTP). It handles tasks sequentially through process-oriented manually-started jobs rather than traditional automated queues.
  • Open System Services (OSS): A UNIX-like, POSIX-compliant environment built on top of the NonStop kernel. This allows organizations to run standard open-source applications, tools, and scripts natively alongside Guardian.

Ecosystem and Use Cases

HPE NonStop is rarely used for standard office automation or basic web hosting. Instead, it serves as the backbone for global industries where an hour of downtime could cost millions of dollars:

  • Financial Transactions: Powers global stock exchanges, automated teller machines (ATMs), and retail point-of-sale credit card processing, eg. BASE24.
  • Travel and Logistics: Runs critical airline reservation systems and real-time cargo routing infrastructure.
  • Database Management: Features its own highly secure, distributed database engine called NonStop SQL, which guarantees absolute data integrity across all transactions.
  • Modern Development: Supports traditional languages like COBOL85 and ANSI C, alongside modern DevOps integrations like Git, Ansible, and Eclipse-based IDE environments.

If you plan to work directly with these systems, you can explore formal pathways like the Concepts and Facilities for HPE NonStop Systems course provided by HPE Education Services.

Core Architectural Layers (Diagram Blueprint)

An architectural blueprint of an HPE NonStop environment typically separates the layout into three core interdependent layers:

  • Hardware & Fabric Layer: Consists of independent, loosely-coupled Processor Nodes (handling up to 24,000 cores globally) connected via an ultra-fast InfiniBand or ServerNet system fabric backbone.
  • I/O & Subsystem Layer: Utilizes Cluster I/O Protocols (CLIMs), splitting tasks between Storage CLIMs (SCLIMs) and Network CLIMs (NCLIMs) to isolate external communication from main processing.
  • Operating System & DB Layer: Runs the NonStop OS, which simultaneously manages the traditional Guardian environment, Open System Services (OSS) for UNIX/Linux paradigms, and the NonStop SQL distributed database engine.

Recommended Architecture Training Curriculum

HPE organizes its technical blueprints into structured educational paths for engineers.

1. Foundational Blueprint Concepts

  • Course Code: U4147S (HPE Nonstop Compute System Fundamentals).
  • Focus: Delivers a top-down view of system goals, transaction processing, and fundamental architecture.
  • Key Modules: Explores Guardian vs OSS, Pathway application management, and basic database interaction.

2. System Operations & Administration

  • Course Code: H1SC3S (HPE Nonstop Compute System Administration I).
  • Focus: Maps physical and virtual components to real-world deployment.
  • Key Modules: Covers Processor Nodes, configuring SCLIMs/NCLIMs, and hands-on fault-scenario testing.

3. Low-Level OS Internals

  • Course Code: U8609S (HPE Integrity Nonstop Operating System Architecture).
  • Focus: Deep dive into runtime architecture, process control, and memory allocation.
  • Key Modules: Focuses on Inter-process Message Systems, synchronization mechanisms, and system debugging.

Training Delivery Options

Enrolling via HPE Education Services grants access to various professional development features:

  • HPE vLabs: Direct sandbox access to practice configuration and live fault injection inside virtual environments.
  • Digital Learner Credits: Flexible licensing options to assign corporate learning units across teams.
  • Modernized Tracks: Courses have been fully overhauled to support contemporary cloud paradigms and hybrid integration via HPE GreenLake frameworks.

My HPE NonStop (Tandem Computers) Certificates :

Insider Tech : 1995 – 2013
HPE NonStop (Tandem) Career Experience at Insider Technologies Limited, ITL
BASE24 eps monitoring

Mark Whitfield, High-Level Project Management Summary

You can review or download the targeted, one-page CV for Mark Whitfield (Senior Project Manager specializing in HPE NonStop systems) via the Mark Whitfield CV PDF link.

Mark Whitfield, High-Level Project Management Summary
Mark Whitfield, High-Level Project Management Summary

The high-level, scannable overview of his professional profile is outlined below:

Executive Profile

  • Role: IT Senior Project Manager / Delivery Lead
  • Background: 30+ years of experience delivering highly complex technology, business transformation, and infrastructure projects.
  • Core Skills: Cloud migration (hybrid), legacy ATM software modernisation, Point of Sale (POS) implementations, and software development lifecycles (SDLC).
  • Methodologies: Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2 Practitioner, and ITIL certified.

Core Expertise & Competencies

  • HP NonStop & Legacy Integration: Deep technical roots in Tandem Computers/HP NonStop development, TAL programming, and high-volume transaction environments.
  • Global Delivery: Managed large-scale IT and system monitoring rollouts across the UK and international markets (e.g., Saudi Arabia).
  • Stakeholder Management: Experienced in bridging the gap between highly technical development teams and high-level business stakeholders.

For direct access to his official templates, articles, and full professional journey, you can visit the PROject Templates Website.

Mark Whitfield IT Project Manager, Brief Summary

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
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
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 UK
December 2022 – C&CA UK’s Communications & Engagement Award Winner – Cloud & Custom Applications – Capgemini UK
November 2017 – Advanced Engagement Management Course – Level 2 Exam
November 2017 – Advanced Engagement Management Course – Level 2 Exam
June 1990 – Higher National Diploma in Computer Studies (DISTINCTION – overall top) – BIHE
June 1990 – Higher National Diploma in Computer Studies, Distinction

Read more…

Mark Whitfield, SC Cleared Senior Project Manager, Manchester

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.

Website Links:

Professional Biography:

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 Skills: Project Planning, Stakeholder Management, Financial Forecasting, Risk Management (RAID), Agile Scrum, PRINCE2, ITIL.
  • 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 Overview and Detailed Timeline by Era and Year

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

Horoscope, Libra is the 7th sign of the Zodiac, governing the period from approximately Sept 23 to Oct 22.

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

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.

2. Advanced Technical Management & Product Focus (1995–2013) 

  • 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. 

3. Senior Project Management & Banking Upgrades (2013–2016) 

  • 2013–2014: Senior Project Manager at Wincor Nixdorf UK, managing a £5M+ ATM/POS software replacement programme (Self-Service Software Replacement) for Lloyds Banking Group (LBG).
  • 2014–2016: Senior IT Digital Project Manager at Betfred, delivering online and mobile platform projects (iOS/Android) using Agile SCRUM. 

4. Digital Engagement & Cloud Transformation (2016–Present)

  • 2016: Joined Capgemini UK as a client-facing Engagement Manager (SC Cleared).
  • 2016–2017 (Aerospace): Managed Agile delivery for air traffic control iOS apps.
  • 2016–2017 (Postal): Project Manager for a £4.3M migration of 1100+ interfaces for a major postal client.
  • 2017–2018 (Automotive): Managed a £670K Customer Portal/ New Car Online Sales project and Digital Readiness project.
  • 2018–2019 (MuleSoft): Augmented as Delivery Manager for MuleSoft Professional Services, managing API-led projects.
  • 2020–Present (UK Government): Led various MS Azure and Cloud migration projects, including a £13.5m programme to migrate 130 UK government apps. 

Key Areas of Expertise

  • Methodologies: Agile (SCRUM), Waterfall, PRINCE2 Practitioner, ITIL.
  • Technical Knowledge: HPE NonStop (Tandem), BASE24, Middleware, Cloud (AWS/Azure), PCI DSS Compliance.
  • Sector Experience: Retail Banking, Public Sector, Aerospace & Defence, Automotive, Gambling & Casino. 

PROject Templates Resource Overview

Mark Whitfield provides an extensive and fully editable project management template bundle (200+) developed from his 30+ year career. 

  • Format: Excel, PowerPoint (PPT), Word (DOC), and MS Project (.mpp msp mpt).
  • Key Templates:
    • Planning: Plan on a Page (POaP), Detailed Project Plans (Waterfall/Agile).
    • Tracking: RAID logs (Risk, Action, Issue, Dependency/Decision), Budget & Burn Tracking (Actuals vs Forecasts).
    • Governance: Status Reports, RACI, Stakeholder Analysis, Project Delivery Checklists.
  • Key Features: Designed for immediate use, fully customizable, and offers free lifelong upgrades and additions. 

Bolton Institute of Higher Education (BIHE), 1982 to 2004

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.

LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/51224

Overview of Bolton Institute of Higher Education

  • 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. 

Key Historical Links & Resources