Building web based software for business
James Galley is an accomplished web application developer and technology consultant with over 15 years of experience in building and delivering high-quality digital solutions. As one of the co-founders of Si Novi, a UK-based web development and cloud consultancy, James has played an integral role in helping businesses architect, develop, deploy, maintain, and secure enterprise and line-of-business web applications in the AWS cloud.
Founding Si Novi: A New Era in Cloud Consultancy
James began his web technology career in the late 2000's as a freelance web developer before establishing and growing a digital agency, where he lead software development teams with a focus on business operations, developing web-based software systems for PLC's and SME's around the UK.
James first started using AWS in 2014 and was immediately captivated by the potential of automated, scalable services and the innovative concept of serverless infrastructure. This early fascination sparked his deep dive into infrastructure as code (IaC), which has since become a cornerstone of his and Si Novi's approach to building efficient, maintainable cloud-based solutions.
In 2018, James co-founded Si Novi with Martin Hicks, with the vision of creating a specialised agency focused on AWS cloud infrastructure behind modern cloud-native web applications. Together, they built Si Novi to harness the power of cloud technology, delivering scalable, secure, and efficient solutions to clients seeking expert guidance and cutting-edge implementation of modern cloud architectures.
His passion lies in developing robust, performant, and secure web-based software that streamlines and digitses business processes and creates new opportunities and revenue streams.
Technical expertise and innovation
At Si Novi, James has extensive experience in automating manual business processes and building secure B2B and B2C web applications. Whether it's transforming spreadsheet-based prototypes into fully functional web applications, or developing API's for system connectivity, James loves to use technology to defeat inefficiencies and improve data consistency for clients.
James's deep expertise in PHP, particularly with the Yii framework (which he has used since 2010), makes him an invaluable resource for modernising legacy PHP applications or developing new solutions using this trusted web server language. This expertise enables clients to enhance the performance and longevity of their existing systems or create new applications that scale with their business needs.
As a certified AWS Developer at Associate level, James ensures that the solutions he architects fully leverage AWS cloud technologies. He has implemented serverless systems using AWS Lambda and DynamoDB, as well as scalable hosting environments on Elastic Beanstalk and EC2. These systems deliver enhanced performance, cost efficiency, and reliability for businesses of all sizes.
Project management and agile mastery
Beyond development, James is a seasoned project manager, skilled in balancing technical delivery with strategic business goals. As a certified Scrum Product Owner, he integrates Agile methodologies into Si Novi workflows to keep collaborators aligned and projects on track, ensuring the on-time delivery of high-value products that meet client expectations.
Academic Background with a unique edge
James holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Manchester, where he explored human-machine interaction and the study of human error. This background informs his approach to software design and infrastructure management, bringing in core human error concepts such as: person vs system - designing systems that are resilient to human error; active vs latent errors - identifying and mitigating both immediate and hidden risks; and the Swiss Cheese Model of causation - Understanding how layered defenses can prevent accidents and system failures.This unique expertise allows James to design systems that minimise user error, improve security, and comply with data protection standards such as GDPR.
Outside the home office
When he's not focused on development or project management, James is an avid outdoorsman with a love for hiking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Having escaped to the country from Manchester he enjoys developing his patch of Cumbria and cultivating his kitchen garden to use home-grown ingredients in creating culinary delights.
