Our in-house development team have built our market-leading technology; this high level of technology is designed to save you time and give you control over every transaction from start to finish. Our development team has worked and continues to work hard on our tech, designing elements that will make your life easier as an Estate Agent.
But how well do you know the team? This week we spent some time with our development team getting to know them on a more personal level.
We discussed everything from experience to what they enjoy most about working at Sort Group. Learn more about each team member below.
Samuel Dass - Web Developer
“I have a degree in computer games software development; however, this is my first fundamental programming role. Previously I’ve worked in more data analytical roles for blue-chip companies such as Rolls Royce and Capita Plc, analysing corporate trends/forecasts.
I love boxing and train down at the Burton Boxing club. I’ve participated in 2 white-collar events with a plan to participate in more. I play other sports like football, on rare occasions, I like to play tennis. I also have a passion for cooking and enjoy creating new recipes and learning about food in general.
I like the team dynamic we have at Sort Group, we all know our strengths and weaknesses and learn how to work off each other well, and the people in general at the company are friendly to work with.”
Liam Burgoyne - Senior Developer
“I previously worked for the NHS as a developer making compliance-focused mobile solutions for various trusts in the East Midlands.
I enjoy investigating new technologies and developing small projects in my spare time. Other than that, my family bring me the most enjoyment; I love a good Harry Potter'thon.
The best things about Sort Group are the team and people. Everyone is very easy to work with also the location is excellent for me. The existing product and the potential of new products are genuinely vivifying.”
James Price - Senior Developer
“I’m a full-stack developer with a BSc Hons in computer network management and design. Before joining Sort Group, I was writing multimillion-pound eCommerce platforms.
I’m an avid gamer and enjoy going for walks in the countryside in my spare time.
I enjoy the ever-changing nature and variety of projects here at Sort Group, as well as being given the time to research new technologies.”
Matt Ratliff - Chief Technology Officer
“I hold a combined Honours BSc in Computer Science and Biology. I have 20+ years in technology working for consultancies, bespoke software houses and large-scale corporations, including several multinationals with overseas teams.
In my spare time, you could say that I’m a chauffeur and banker to my kids. I’ve been an occasional DIY-er since we moved house this year. I’m also the British Swimming Association Official and attend events around the Midlands.
Sort Group is a leading brand in our marketplace with a history of high-quality service. The property market is undergoing massive change as technology provides new ways to buy and sell houses. Innovation is everywhere. Being at Sort Group allows us to be a part of this movement, providing services and partnerships which bring the customer to the heart of everything we do.”
Mark Haywood - Senior Developer
“I hold a Degree in Computer Science from Coventry University with a head start when I was 11 on a ZX81 using 1K of memory.
I like walking in my spare, and we’ve recently bought a canoe that we now use on Beeston Canal, hoping to take her onto the River Trent in the future.
Sort Group is a great group of hard-working people with an excellent stable product that is constantly improving.”
Rafal Kostorz - Senior Developer
“I have Bachelor of Engineering - Computer Networks. Previously I was a software developer in an eCommerce retailing company.
In my spare time, I am a vinyl records collector. My collection contains mostly titles between the '90s to 2010s. Besides that, I love spending time with my family and doing fun things.
Sort Group has a great atmosphere. It is excellent working alongside such passionate people. We get involved with many interesting projects, and we’re constantly learning new technologies. The job is never dull. It’s a brilliant feeling when we receive customer feedback and improve the market.”
Ben Anderton - Lead software developer
“I have 12 years commercial software development experience in a variety of roles across agency, in house and start-up – preceded by about 8 years hobbyist programming as a somewhat nerdy teenager (oh, and University, but that was a bit of a drunken blur!)
I’m currently playing co-shepherd with my partner to my daughter, and two stepsons. The amount of herding to get them out of the door on time is unreal. Besides that, I enjoy travelling when I get the chance and am quite partial to live music.
Sort Group gives me a lot of flexibility to use the right tool for the right job. I have near-complete autonomy within my duties, and when planning large applications, I feel like I can “be my boss”, so to speak, whilst still fitting into a larger team. Speaking of the team, I work with some great people, all of whom are passionate about technology and a friendly, sociable bunch to boot!”
Kashan Khan Product Owner
“I have a degree in Business Information Technology. I’ve worked in Product Management for about 8 years now. I’ve worked in various sectors in IT Roles – mainly healthcare.
In my spare time, you’ll find me mostly doing extra DIY around the house I built last year and when I get a moment - normally on the PlayStation or watching Netflix.
Sort Group is interesting; no two days are the same. Every day you have the chance to work on a different project or Product and get the opportunity to work with different people every day.”
Frank Howell - Software Development Manager
"I have a BA in Music, MSc in Computer Science, and more years in commercial software development than I’d like to admit.
I used to record and perform music in a band, travelling the world… now mostly child-rearing and DIY.
Here at Sort Group, we have a lot of variety in the work we do, different projects, different technologies… and getting to spend my daytime with fabulous people. It’s the best.”
Gerard Howell - Senior Developer
“I hold a MA (Oxon) in Law with German Law + my first career was as a corporate finance lawyer in London. I moved into software development just under 10 years ago in search of a more reasonable work/life balance!
I spend far too much of my free time programming, but I also love playing the piano and walking in the countryside.
One of the best things about Sort Group is Working in a team of genuinely interested people in what they do. It’s nice to bounce ideas off each other, and most days, bring something new.”
If you’d like to learn more about our teams or our Award-Winning Technology, you can do so by following the links below.
We hope you enjoyed this insight into our Development Team.