Stewart Roberts: Full Stack Develop

Stewart Roberts

Full Stack Developer based in London, Bruges and Brussels

About Me

Stewart Roberts

I’ve been professionally involved in the web industry since 1999, gaining hands-on experience across the full software development lifecycle — from design and development to testing and implementation.


I began by creating simple websites using HTML and quickly expanded my skills to include JavaScript and Perl, enhancing the interactivity and functionality of the sites I built. My discovery of PHP and MySQL opened the door to developing more complex web applications, all within a local WAMP environment.


In 2005, I joined the NHS Pensions Online project, where I was introduced to ColdFusion 5. Since then, I’ve worked extensively with every major release of Adobe ColdFusion, as well as open-source alternatives like OpenBD and Railo.


To complement my practical experience, I enrolled in a self-funded distance learning degree in New Media Design & Technology in 2006. The course aligned closely with my day-to-day work, offering a strong foundation in design principles, graphic design, web design, and colour theory. It also covered tools and standards such as W3C compliance, Adobe Flash, 3ds Max, Photoshop, and the theory behind the code I was writing.

Stewart Roberts

Profile

Name: Stewart Roberts

Email: stew.roberts@gmail.com

Location: London, Bruges, Brussels

Website: https://www.stewartroberts.co.uk

My Skills

I’m an experienced full-stack developer specializing in ColdFusion, PHP, and modern front-end technologies. My expertise spans graphical layout, web standards, database integration, accessibility, version control, maintenance, and production support.


On the back end, I develop applications using both Adobe and open-source technologies including ColdFusion, Lucee, OpenBD, PHP, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. For front-end development, I prefer working with Angular or React.


I’ve worked with a range of ColdFusion frameworks such as FW/1, CFWheels, Fusebox, ColdSpring, and ColdBox—typically choosing FW/1 for APIs and ColdSpring for model management. On the PHP side, I have experience with frameworks like CodeIgniter, Zend, and Symfony. I’m also proficient with JavaScript frameworks and libraries including Angular, Next.js, Require.js, Ember.js, React, and jQuery.

Angular 90

React 90

Next.js 90

ColdFusion 100

PHP 75

DBMS 70

DevOps 70

My Services

Whether you’re launching a new product, modernising an existing platform, or need expert support on a digital project, I offer a range of development services tailored to your needs. With full-stack experience and a strong focus on performance, accessibility, and user experience, I can help bring your ideas to life - efficiently and effectively.

Web Application Development

When it comes to Web Application development services, there is a need to look for real professionals who can take a uniquely different approach to Web Application development. In today's business scenario, every business seems to be looking forward to establishing their image in the industry, which makes it extremely important for every business owner to look for web developers who can deliver.

Front End Development

Modern front-end development blends creativity with technical precision. It’s about translating design into fast, accessible, and responsive interfaces that work across all devices. With a focus on usability, performance, and code quality, I build intuitive user experiences that align seamlessly with your brand and functionality goals.

Back End Development

I focus on building efficient, secure, and scalable back-end systems with a specialty in Adobe ColdFusion. From crafting custom APIs to handling complex logic and database integrations, I aim to create clean, reliable infrastructure that supports smooth front-end experiences. Whether maintaining legacy ColdFusion codebases or developing from scratch, I bring a practical, performance-first approach to every project.

Hosting & Deployment

I focus on building efficient, secure, and scalable back-end systems—primarily using Adobe ColdFusion. From crafting custom APIs to handling complex logic and database integrations, I aim to create clean, reliable infrastructure that supports smooth front-end experiences. Whether maintaining legacy ColdFusion codebases or developing from scratch, I bring a practical, performance-first approach to every project.

Online Property Services

With extensive experience across property developers, service providers, and proptech platforms, I bring deep industry knowledge to every project. Whether you’re looking to enhance your digital strategy, streamline workflows, or modernize legacy systems, I can help you deliver smarter, more effective property solutions.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

The effect of social media on your business return was, at one time, negligable - but not any more. Social Media campaigns are now equally as, if not more effective at improving ROI than any other online or offline Marketing method. I take the time to research opposition performance, create a marketing strategy, apply specially targetted content and report and review your SEO package to offer you the optimum ROI.

My Experience

Previous contract positions and interesting projects

  1. Contract Application Developer

    April 2011 - August 2012 · The Institute of Engineering & Technology

    In 2011, I joined a development team to support the build of ADAMS, a platform used by UK Higher Education Institutions to manage accreditation of engineering programmes. Built with ColdFusion on the back end and a front end using HTML5, CSS3, vanilla JavaScript, and jQuery, the system facilitates peer review processes run by Professional Engineering Institutions under the UK’s Engineering Council. I was responsible for both core back-end functionality and front-end development within the admin interface.

  2. Contract Application Developer

    August 2012 - October 2012 · Manheim Lead Management

    Designed, built and coded Automated import tool for the Manheim Postcode Lookup application based of 8 DVD's from Royal Mail. Very Large data sets were loaded into a mySQL Database using OO PHP & Zend Framework. Also provided Development Support to the third line support team to implement fixes and enhancements to the SLM/CRM platform.

  3. Contract Application Developer

    October 2012 - July 2013 · The Institute of Engineering & Technology

    Following my initial work on the ADAMS platform, I continued as a ColdFusion and front-end developer to enhance the system’s UX/UI based on evolving business needs. I also supported the Internet Services Group by modernising legacy applications—migrating HTML4 codebases to HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, and AJAX for improved performance and maintainability.

  4. Contract Web Application Developer

    July 2013 - March 2015 · Berkeley Group PLC

    Joined a leading property developer to build a responsive property portal showcasing multiple brands and exclusive developments. Delivered a secure member area with features like saved searches, mortgage calculators, and personal profiles. Also developed a range of applications including MyHome+, Berkeley Club, and the Innovation Fund platform. Promoted Agile methodologies across the team. Tech stack: ColdFusion, AngularJS, Node.js, HTML5, CSS3, LESS, jQuery, Grunt, MS SQL Server.

  5. Contract API Developer

    March 2015 - August 2015 · City & Guilds London Institute

    Contracted to build and extend API integrations between the Learning Assistant platform and City & Guilds services. Automated key workflows including exam booking, grading, results retrieval, and certification requests—used widely by HEIs and LearnDirect. Also delivered a lightweight front end using HTML5, CSS3, and Knockout.js for workflow management.

  6. Contract Web Application Developer

    August 2015 - March 2016 · SportFocus

    Contributed to the enhancement and refactor of a large-scale membership management platform supporting registration, events, and league management. Integrated third-party front-end sites and improved UI/UX using modern web technologies.

  7. Contract PHP Developer

    March 2016 - July 2016 · Eagle Eye

    Led development of an automated Git repository management tool to streamline branch merges and release processes. Co-developed the Eagle Eye digital wallet, enabling seamless multi-payment options across major retail and hospitality brands such as M&S, Prezzo, Sainsbury’s, and Harvester.

  8. Contract Front End Developer

    July 2016 – December 2016 · Deltatre

    Developed a scalable live streaming service for a London digital agency, delivering real-time sports events—including the 2016 Paralympics, UEFA Champions League, ATP Tennis, Premier League, and F1—across all devices. Built with Node.js, React, Redux, and SASS, and packaged for distribution via NPM.

  9. Technical Lead

    December 2016 – August 2019 · Travel Compensation Services

    Led development of Delay Repay solutions for major UK rail operators including Greater Anglia and ScotRail. Delivered a fully automated system for validating multi-leg, multi-operator delay claims, with advanced fraud detection, duplicate handling, and custom business rules per operator. Introduced modern JavaScript build tools (Gulp, Node.js), SASS compilation, and linting workflows. Managed Agile Scrum processes and developed a backend API alongside an AngularJS customer portal for automated journey monitoring and claim management.

  10. Contract Front End Developer

    August 2019 - Present · European Commission

    Key contributor to the development of the Pesticides Information Management System (PIMS), building multiple components for both admin and public-facing interfaces. Also developed core features for the Food Labelling Information System (FLIS) administration platform and contributed to the E-Submission Food Chain project. All front-end work delivered using Angular to ensure a responsive, user-friendly experience.

My Blog

Angular Template Binding Gotchas

Angular Template Binding Gotchas

disabled, <ng-container>, and More

This post highlights common mistakes developers make when binding properties in Angular templates. It explains the difference between attribute and property binding, warns against using event syntax incorrectly, clarifies why <ng-container> can’t hold attributes, and offers guidance on “disabling” non-input elements like <span>. By avoiding these template binding pitfalls, you can write cleaner, more predictable Angular code.

By Stewart Roberts

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Fixing Tailwind CSS v4 in Next.js

Fixing Tailwind CSS v4 in Next.js

with postcss.config.mjs and @import "tailwindcss"

Tailwind CSS v4 brought some changes under the hood, and if you’re using it with Next.js, you may have run into issues with it not compiling properly or styles just not loading at all. I recently hit this snag while updating a portfolio project — and here’s the clean fix that got everything working.

By Stewart Roberts

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Reflections on ColdFusion: A UK Developer’s Perspective

Reflections on ColdFusion: A UK Developer’s Perspective

The use of ColdFusion in the UK over 2 decades

This reflective piece explores the rise and fall of ColdFusion from the perspective of a UK-based developer with over two decades of hands-on experience. From widespread industry adoption in the early 2000s to its gradual decline amid rising costs and changing technologies, the article traces ColdFusion’s legacy while considering its final strongholds—like the European Commission. It’s a personal yet practical look at how web development evolves, and what it means to move on from a once-beloved tool.

By Stewart Roberts

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