Meet the team - Callum

Thanks for taking the time, Callum! Can you describe your role as a Senior Front End Developer? What does a typical day look like for you?

As a Senior Front-End Developer, my primary focus is ensuring that our websites not only look visually stunning but also perform exceptionally well.

This involves close collaboration with our design team and back-end developers to merge form with function. I also advise on UI/UX decisions so that user experience is always at the forefront of the eCommerce websites we create.

Another key part of my job is working directly with clients. I spend time understanding their goals and aspirations, then translate that vision into a functional and user-friendly interface. 

Additionally, I enjoy helping other team members troubleshoot challenges and sharing knowledge and best practices.

As for a typical day, I usually start with a cup of chamomile tea—I've heard it's good for you, and I'm feeling the need for those little health benefits as the years go by!

Once I'm settled, I review my work schedule and catch up on any emails or messages. From there, I dive into code reviews, providing feedback to help maintain our high standards.

The rest of the day is a mix of coding, working on new projects or features, and occasionally tackling any bugs that pop up.

What initially attracted you to development?

I’ve always had a natural curiosity for technology and an interest in understanding how things work behind the scenes.

From a young age, I became the go-to person in the family whenever there was a computer issue. That hands-on experience sparked a deeper interest and ultimately led me to pursue a degree in Information Systems.

During my studies, I found myself particularly drawn to the problem-solving aspects of web development. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking an initial idea and watching it evolve into a fully functioning product.

It’s that journey, from concept to completion, that attracted me and continues to keep me passionate about development.

How has the front-end development landscape changed since you started at Venditan?

The front-end development landscape has evolved significantly since I started at Venditan. 

One of the biggest shifts has been the growing emphasis on performance, accessibility, and responsive design.

Today, it's not just about making a website look good—it's about ensuring it performs well, is accessible to all users, and provides a seamless experience across all devices. Not only is this critical for the website’s experience, but it’s also an important ranking factor in the eyes of Google.

Another exciting change has been the advancements in modern CSS techniques.

These allow us to build complex and flexible layouts much more easily than in the past. It's been great to see how these innovations have made our work more efficient while giving us the tools to create more dynamic and user-friendly websites.

What has made you stay with Venditan for 12 years?

A big part of why I've stayed with Venditan for over a decade is the variety of challenging and interesting projects I've had the opportunity to work on.

Every project brings something new to the table, which keeps the work fresh and engaging. It's never been a place where you get stuck doing the same thing day in and day out.

Another key factor is the company culture. Venditan has always encouraged continuous learning and progression, which has allowed me to grow professionally over the years. Whether it's mastering new technologies or refining existing skills, I've always felt supported in my development.

And, of course, the team plays a huge role. We have a great group of people here who are not only talented but also incredibly supportive of one another. If anyone ever needs help, there's always someone ready to lend a hand.

That sense of camaraderie and teamwork is something I value.

How would you describe the company culture, and what do you appreciate the most about it?

I'd describe the company culture at Venditan as laid-back but hardworking. It's a great balance where everyone is trusted to take ownership of their tasks and deliver without being micromanaged.

What I appreciate most is the encouragement to continuously learn new skills. Whether it's exploring the latest technologies or refining existing ones, there's always support for professional growth.

Additionally, there is an open environment where everyone's ideas and contributions are welcomed.

What does a typical weekend look like in the life of Callum?

I’m a big Manchester United fan, so if there’s a game on, you’ll probably find me glued to the screen cheering them on. When I’m not watching football, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, usually over a few drinks in the bars of the Northern Quarter.

I also love to travel, and I’m particularly fond of a good beach holiday. If I’m not in Manchester, there’s a good chance I’m soaking up the sun somewhere along the coast of Spain.

That said, life’s been a bit different lately—I recently bought a house with my girlfriend, so weekends have shifted from fun and relaxation to wallpaper stripping and home improvements!

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