Product & Tech Strategist — Build the right thing first
I help growing companies validate ideas, build the right products and implement technology that drives real outcomes.
Most founders build too much, too soon
You've got an idea. Maybe even a pitch deck. But turning that into something real — something investors take seriously and users actually want — is where most projects go wrong.
Common mistakes I see:
- Spending months on features nobody asked for
- Hiring a dev team before validating the concept
- Getting a quote that doubles halfway through
- Building "v1" when you needed a prototype
I take a different approach. We start with the problem, not the solution. We test before we build. And you know exactly what it costs before you commit.
Three ways to work together
MVP & Product Development
Build the right thing first. Validation before building, with 20+ years as an operator. From idea to testable prototype with fixed pricing.
Fractional CTO Services
Strategic technology leadership for growing companies. Team building, architecture decisions, and vendor management.
AI Implementation
For businesses adopting AI. I help you find the right use cases and embed tools your team will use.
What makes this different
Real experience, not theory
20+ years building products and running businesses. I know what works because I've done it.
Honest advice, even if it's "don't build"
I'll push back if something isn't worth the cost. That honesty saves you time and money.
Total cost clarity upfront
No scope creep. No surprise invoices. You know what it costs before we start.
"After a few rubbish encounters, meeting Martin was such a relief. He was easy to contact and responsive, and from the moment we connected he seemed genuinely interested in what I wanted to develop. We hit it off instantly and I knew he was the right person to work with to grow my business."— Dr. Claire Mann, CEO of ChangeXtra
Frequently asked questions
I work best with founders who have an idea but no technical co-founder, internal innovation teams with budget but no clear build path, CEOs or ops leaders who know AI matters but don't know where to start, and anyone who needs senior tech guidance but can't justify a full-time hire.
This probably isn't the right fit if you want someone to just "build what I say" without questions, you're looking for the cheapest option, or you need an agency with 50 developers on standby. I'm hands-on and opinionated — that's the value I bring.
It depends on scope, but most projects I work on range from £10k–£50k. I'll give you a clear estimate before we start — no surprises.
Most MVPs take 4–8 weeks. AI implementation projects are usually 2–4 weeks. Fractional CTO engagements are ongoing, typically 1–2 days per week.
Yes, when needed. I also work with a small network of trusted developers for larger builds. Either way, I stay hands-on and accountable for quality.
That's fine — most founders aren't. Book a free call and we'll figure it out together. No pitch, no pressure.
I'm based in Nottingham, UK. I work with clients across the UK and internationally, mostly remotely with occasional in-person sessions.
Latest thinking
View all posts →
UK Business
Q1 2026 Tech Roadmap: 3 Initiatives to Launch Now
Most strategy decks die by February. Here are three unglamorous but high-leverage tech initiatives that will actually compound through 2026.
Product Development
2025 Retrospective: Lessons from Building UK Tech Products
Looking back on 2025 UK tech projects, the teams that shipped weren't the ones with the fanciest AI—they were the ones who did discovery, governance, and sustainable pace.
UK Business
The FinOps Revolution: How to Audit Your Cloud Bill Before 2026
Cloud bills creep up by default. FinOps brings finance, engineering, and product together to make cloud spend intentional—not a mystery tax.
Ready to talk?
If you've got a product idea, an AI challenge, or just want to think through your options — let's have a conversation. No pitch, no pressure.
