Mark Whipp is a London based freelance IT Consultant

"Trading as MWDC since 2005 I have been providing freelance IT support and project management work predominantly for restaurant, bar and coffee shop clients in the London area. Mostly this work involves setting up the IT systems for new restaurant and bar openings. I have done hundreds of restaurant openings over the last 30 years. I also offer pay-as-you-go IT troubleshooting, repairs and project management for my clients."

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IT Work

I have been working in various business related and IT disciplines predominately in the hospitality sector for the last 30 years. Since 2005 I have exclusively worked as a freelance consultant for restaurant, coffee shop and creative clients. See below a few key IT areas that I work in to benefit my SME clients or click on the IT section of my website to see all my IT and Project Management Articles.

Digital Design Work (The Side Hustle)

I originally studied art and design in the 1980's at Falmouth School of Art and North East London Polytechnic. Following this I worked in hospitality management and then in IT management. In recent years, I have gone back to my roots so to speak, and I have started doing design, support and training jobs to assist my clients with various digital design projects they have on the go. See below a few key areas of this work or go to the Design section of my website to see all of my digital design project areas.

Core Skills

Project Management and IT Strategy

  • Collaborate with clients and teams to identify IT challenges and deliver tailored solutions.
  • Plan and specify IT requirements and liaise with third-party vendors when needed.
  • Project manage implementation of new systems and procedures.
  • Oversee procurement of internet services, cloud-based hosting, and other tech solutions.
  • Setup and management of Google Workspace and other collaboration tools.
  • Develop and implement data backup and security protocols to protect key business data.
  • Plan and execute system upgrades and hardware replacements whilst minimising downtime.
  • Source and recommend hardware/software solutions that balance performance with budget requirements.
  • Manage new site openings, from initial planning and service provider coordination to network installation and WiFi setup.

IT Infrastructure and Network Management

  • Design, install, and manage LANs and cloud-based IT services to ensure robust, scalable infrastructure.
  • Implement secure WiFi systems, including guest networks with VLANs and third-party captive portals.
  • Configure and manage multi-WAN routers, LAN gateways, and network switches.
  • Manage UniFi Network controllers and monitor network performance to troubleshoot issues.
  • Oversee IP phone systems, specifying call flows, auto-attendants, and time-based routing.
  • Configure and maintain EPOS and stock management systems.
  • Terminate, test, label and document of Cat 5e and Cat6 Ethernet cabling systems.
  • Maintain IT cabinets, ensuring efficient space and system organisation.
  • Collaborate with external vendors, including CCTV and A/V engineers, to integrate systems seamlessly.
  • Troubleshooting, research new tech solutions, and resolve issues promptly to maintain operational efficiency.

Software and Hardware Proficiency

  • OSX
  • Unifi Network Controllers.
  • Omada Network Controllers.
  • Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator ,Adobe inDesign, Adobe Photoshop.
  • Microsoft Excel and VBA scripting.

Digital and Web Skills

  • Code and customise websites using HTML, CSS, and PHP, with a focus on responsive, user-friendly designs.
  • Maintain software version control with Git to track changes and ensure smooth development workflows.
  • Manage dynamic CMS platforms (WordPress, MODX) and static websites with HTML/CSS.
  • Optimise assets for fast-loading, high-performance websites.
  • Familiar with web hosting technologies, including shared hosting, VPS, and domain management.

Design and Creative

  • Create innovative design concepts for digital and print assets, including logos, posters, and web images.
  • Design layouts and social media visuals that align with brand identity and engage target audiences.
  • Plan, design, and develop small-scale websites that reflect brand goals and improve user experience.
  • Assist clients with CMS management, offering support to maintain and update website content.
  • Produce Design Style Guides to maintain brand consistency across digital and print materials.
  • Prepare visual IT Network Diagrams.
  • Prepare of Visual IT Documentation and run IT training sessions.
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IT and Project Management Articles

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Digital Design Work Examples