David Patheyjohns
Qualified heating engineer and plumber. Web developer since 2009.
I run a heating and plumbing business in Exeter and have built its websites myself since 2009. Over the years I took the time to learn HTML and CSS properly, then JavaScript, React and Next.js. Now I build the same kind of site, and the software behind it, for other trades and local businesses across Devon and Somerset.
How we build
One person, modern tools, and nothing goes live without being checked.
Exeter Digital Agency is one developer, not a team of account managers. You deal with me from the first call to the day the site goes live, and afterwards.
I build with AI coding tools, openly. They do the typing, I do the thinking: what the site needs to say, how it should work on a phone, what your customers will search for. Every change is reviewed by me and tested in a real browser before it is published. That is why a tradesperson's site that used to take a month and cost thousands can now be built in days for a fixed price.
The same approach built our own software: TrainKit, a booking system for training centres, and Nebula, an instrument plug-in for music producers. They are real products in daily use, not demos.
Hosting, security updates and small changes are included in the care plan, so the site stays fast and keeps working after launch.
Fast to build
Most trade sites are live within two weeks of the brief.
Checked by a person
Every page reviewed and tested on a phone before it goes live.
Looked after
Hosting, updates and small changes covered by the care plan.
Areas of Expertise
Comprehensive full-stack development services from frontend to deployment and beyond.
Full Stack Development
Expert in React 19, Next.js 15, Vue 3, TypeScript, and modern JavaScript. Building high-performance, scalable web applications from the ground up.
DevOps & Infrastructure
Complete VPS deployment, Nginx configuration, PM2 process management, SSL certificates, and automated CI/CD pipelines for reliable production systems.
SEO & Digital Marketing
Technical SEO expert with deep knowledge of Schema.org structured data, local SEO strategies, and Core Web Vitals optimization for top search rankings.
Performance Optimization
Obsessed with speed and performance. Every site is optimized for Core Web Vitals, fast load times, and exceptional user experience.
Technology Stack
Modern, cutting-edge technologies for building scalable, performant applications.
Frontend
- React 19
- Next.js 15
- Vue 3
- Nuxt.js 3
- TypeScript
- Tailwind CSS 4
- Framer Motion
Backend & APIs
- Node.js
- RESTful APIs
- Nodemailer
- Resend
- Stripe Integration
- Server Actions
DevOps
- VPS Deployment
- Nginx
- PM2
- Git/GitHub
- Let's Encrypt SSL
- Automated Deployment
SEO & Analytics
- Google Analytics 4
- Schema.org
- Sitemap Generation
- Meta Optimization
- Local SEO
Featured Projects
Live production websites serving businesses across Southwest England.
Multi-Tenant SaaS Platform
Complete multi-tenant SaaS platform enabling businesses to manage students, courses, bookings, and payments through branded portals. Features automated tenant provisioning, 14-day free trials, and webhook-driven subscription lifecycle management.
- Multi-Tenant Architecture
- Stripe Subscription Billing
- Self-Service Onboarding
- Role-Based Access Control
- Automated Email Systems
- Playwright Test Suite
Exeter Digital Agency
Comprehensive digital agency platform with 15+ location-specific pages, dynamic blog system with categories, business directory with Stripe upgrades, and custom Core Web Vitals monitoring dashboard.
- 15+ Location Pages
- Dynamic Blog System
- Business Directory
- Payment Integration
- Performance Monitoring
- 90+ Lighthouse Scores
World X Digital
Professional web design agency serving Exeter, Dartmoor and Southwest UK. Modern responsive design with animated elements and accessibility features.
- Responsive Design
- Modern UI/UX
- Gradient Effects
- Mobile-First
- Professional Branding
PC Rescue Devon
WCAG 2.1 AA compliant website achieving perfect accessibility scores on WAVE and aXe tools. strong local Google visibility, sub-2-second page loads and 95+ Lighthouse scores.
- WCAG AA Compliant
- Strong Local SEO
- Interactive Service Maps
- 95+ Lighthouse Scores
- Schema.org Markup
Absolute Plumbing & Heating
Gas Safe registered (565047) plumbing service website with 24/7 emergency callout features, thermal imaging leak detection showcase, and comprehensive local SEO for East Devon coverage.
- Local SEO Optimization
- Emergency Booking
- Service Area Coverage
- Google Reviews (4.9 stars)
- Schema.org LocalBusiness
Heating Hot Water & Plumbing
Modern service website with beautiful Framer Motion animations, seamless contact forms, and optimized for local search rankings.
- Modern Animations
- Contact Forms
- Mobile Responsive
- SEO Optimized
Core Values & Approach
The principles that guide every project and client relationship.
Quality-First Development
Every line of code is crafted with attention to detail, performance, accessibility, and maintainability. No shortcuts, no templates - just clean, professional code.
Modern Technology Stack
Using the latest versions of React, Next.js, and Vue with cutting-edge practices. Your website is built with technology that will last for years to come.
SEO & Performance Built In
Every website is optimised for search engines and Core Web Vitals from day one — fast load times, clean code and a great experience on every device.
Direct Communication
Work directly with me - no project managers, no middlemen. You get my full attention and expertise on every aspect of your project.
Professional Journey
Seventeen years of building websites for my own trade business, then for other people's.
First site, for my own business
Needed a website for the heating and plumbing firm. The agencies I spoke to did not understand what makes a tradesperson's phone ring, so I learnt HTML and CSS and built it myself.
Learning the craft between jobs
Kept the trade sites earning while learning JavaScript, then React and Next.js, search optimisation and hosting. Each site rebuilt as the skills improved.
Exeter Digital Agency
Started building for other businesses: trades, a computer repair shop, a training centre booking system and more.
Software as well as sites
TrainKit, a booking system for training centres, and audio software, now under the World X Digital name, alongside the trade and local business websites built as Exeter Digital Agency. Every site hosted and looked after in-house.
Qualifications & Skills
Trade qualifications first, then the web skills learnt over seventeen years of building for my own business.
Qualified Heating Engineer
Trade qualified, still on the tools
Qualified Plumber
Runs Absolute Plumbing & Heating
HTML, CSS & JavaScript
Hand-built sites since 2009
React, Next.js & TypeScript
Web apps and this site
Hosting & Deployment
Cloudflare, VPS, SSL, backups
Local SEO
Trade sites ranking in Exeter
Ready to Start Your Project?
Let's build something exceptional together. Get in touch to discuss your project and see how I can help bring your vision to life.