API & Backend Development

14+ years building APIs and backend systems that power modern applications. From third-party integrations to custom REST APIs - I help UK businesses connect, automate, and scale.

APIs Are Your Business Infrastructure

Every modern application depends on APIs - connecting your website to payment processors, syncing data with accounting software, or exposing your services to partners. With 18+ years of development experience, I build APIs that are secure, documented, and built to last.

API & Backend Services

From simple integrations to complex distributed systems, I help businesses build the backend infrastructure they need.

REST API Development

Clean, well-documented REST APIs that power web and mobile applications. Built with proper versioning, pagination, filtering, and error handling.

Third-Party Integrations

Connect your systems to payment gateways, accounting software, CRMs, shipping carriers, and any service with an API. Seamless data flow between platforms.

Webhook Systems

Real-time event notifications that keep your systems in sync. Payment confirmations, inventory updates, status changes - automated and reliable.

GraphQL APIs

Flexible query-based APIs perfect for complex data relationships. Reduce over-fetching, improve mobile performance, and simplify frontend development.

Authentication & Security

OAuth 2.0, JWT tokens, API keys, rate limiting - secure your APIs against abuse while providing smooth access for legitimate users.

Legacy System Integration

Bridge old systems with modern applications. Extract data from legacy databases, wrap outdated APIs, and modernise without rebuilding everything.

Integration Experience

I've integrated with dozens of third-party services. Here are some of the platforms I work with regularly.

Payment Gateways

  • Stripe
  • PayPal
  • GoCardless
  • Square

Accounting Software

  • QuickBooks
  • Xero
  • Sage
  • FreeAgent

CRM & Marketing

  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot
  • Mailchimp
  • SendGrid

Shipping & Logistics

  • Royal Mail
  • DPD
  • UPS
  • FedEx

Don't see what you need? If it has an API, I can integrate it.

Technology Stack

I choose the right tool for each project, with deep expertise across modern backend technologies.

Languages

PHP Node.js Python

Frameworks

Laravel Express FastAPI

Databases & Caching

MySQL PostgreSQL MongoDB Redis

Infrastructure

Docker AWS Queue Systems API Gateways

Security & Performance Built In

APIs are critical infrastructure. Every API I build includes security best practices and performance optimisation from day one.

Authentication

OAuth 2.0, JWT, API keys with proper scoping and expiration

Rate Limiting

Protect against abuse and ensure fair usage across clients

Input Validation

Strict validation to prevent injection and data corruption

Encryption

TLS everywhere, encrypted sensitive data at rest

Audit Logging

Track all API access for compliance and debugging

Error Handling

Informative errors without leaking implementation details

API Projects in Action

See how well-built APIs have helped real businesses automate, integrate, and scale.

Laura's Confectionery

QuickBooks integration syncing orders, customers, and invoices automatically. REST API powering Vue.js frontend for B2B e-commerce.

QuickBooks API Stripe REST API Laravel
Automated accounting workflow View project →

Fantasy Formula 1

RESTful API with JWT authentication powering a Vue.js prediction league. Real-time scoring and season-long competition tracking.

REST API JWT Auth Laravel Vue.js
Scalable prediction platform View project →
View all case studies →

Frequently Asked Questions

I build integrations with payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot), shipping carriers (Royal Mail, DPD), email services (Mailchimp, SendGrid), and many more. If there's an API, I can integrate it into your system.
REST is ideal for most applications - it's simpler, widely understood, and excellent for straightforward CRUD operations. GraphQL shines when you have complex data relationships, mobile apps needing minimal data transfer, or multiple frontends consuming the same API. I'll recommend the right approach based on your specific needs.
Security is built in from the start: OAuth 2.0 or JWT authentication, rate limiting to prevent abuse, input validation to block injection attacks, HTTPS everywhere, and proper error handling that doesn't leak sensitive information. I also implement audit logging so you can track API usage and detect suspicious activity.
Absolutely. I provide OpenAPI (Swagger) specifications for all APIs, which can generate interactive documentation, client SDKs, and testing tools. Good documentation isn't optional - it's essential for APIs that other developers or partners will consume.
I design APIs to scale from day one using caching strategies (Redis), database query optimisation, connection pooling, and queue systems for heavy operations. For high-traffic APIs, I can implement horizontal scaling with load balancing. Performance monitoring is included so you can identify bottlenecks before they become problems.
Yes, I offer ongoing maintenance including monitoring, security patches, performance optimisation, and adding new endpoints as your needs evolve. Many clients prefer a retainer arrangement for peace of mind and priority support.

Need an API Built or an Integration Connected?

Whether you need a custom REST API, third-party integration, or help with backend architecture - let's discuss your project. No obligation, no jargon, just practical advice.

Discuss Your Project Laravel Services