Ken's interest in computing began at an early age whilst watching the first landings on the moon by man. He was inspired by the people working in mission control and how they were able to monitor and control most aspects of the mission from their computer terminals back on Earth. Back in those days, there were no opportunities to learn computer skills in school, but he was able to take up computer studies when moving on to college.
From college he went to work initially as an application programmer then system programmer for International Harvesters (now part of Case International) for four years, before moving to Asda Stores in 1982 and working on IBM mainframes as systems programmer, quickly rising to a senior position within the team. He was outsourced to IBM (UK) Ltd where he performed several roles in the IBM mainframe arena for the next seven years to 2005.
At this point Ken decided the time was right in his career to go self employed and started up his KenKode company, through which he provided customers with the many skills he has acquired over the years, specializing in creating bespoke REXX/ISPF applications and calling on his many years of systems programming on IBM mainframes. Contracts have also introduced him to the mainframe security area, expanding his skill base further.
Since 1995 Ken has designed, built and maintained web sites for people and small companies as a hobby which started when he first went "on-line". He continues to educate himself further in this field to this day. In 2010 Ken decided the time was right for a change in direction and started working in a professional web design design company, turning his long time hobby into a professional role, where he gained more invaluable experiance of how the professionals "do it". More information on my web site design offering can be found on the Web Design pages. These days Ken divides his time between contact roles on the IBM mainframe and web design work.
Ken is married to Diane and has a son, Alan, from a previous marriage. His interests include web site building, computing, archery, listening to music, stunt kite flying, travel, and playing the occasional game of badminton.
In February 2021 Ken retired from full-time work in the z/OS mainframe field and now spend more time volunteering by providing archery caoching and education at Targeting Archery which he runs with his archery partner Karen Dales, as well continuing to shoot archery himself with his original acrhery club, Bowmen of Leeds. He continues to provide website solutions work in any spare time after spending time and holidayong with his wife, Diane.