Kevin LAU
Senior backend engineer with 20 years building and shipping the web and mobile applications businesses run on. I specialise in Laravel/PHP — from designing and migrating backends (including a full legacy Laminas-to-Laravel rebuild) to API integrations, security, and the Linux/AWS infrastructure behind them. I also build with AI coding agents (Claude Code) as part of my daily workflow, while staying fully accountable for what ships. I'm now looking for a team lead role where I can pair deep backend experience with responsibility for people, standards and delivery.
Work Experiences
Senior Backend Developer
Drewberry provides financial advice services to individuals and businesses throughout the UK, from protecting personal finances and managing wealth to setting up Employee Benefits for large UK companies. Drewberry was acquired by Brown & Brown in March 2025.
- Initiated and delivered a full backend migration from a legacy Laminas (Zend) framework to modern Laravel — re-architecting around Eloquent ORM for a cleaner, more maintainable platform.
- Build and maintain the backend's Salesforce integration — consuming the Salesforce REST API from Laravel to sync and validate data.
- Drove backend security and authentication, including migrating the API to stateless auth (Sanctum) and adding Microsoft Entra ID (OAuth).
- Introduced AI-assisted development — using Claude Code agents and custom skills that help read, refine, suggest and resolve tickets, reviewing and owning every output.
Freelance Full-stack Developer
Lead client projects end-to-end — scoping requirements, making the architecture calls, and delivering solo from first conversation to live product.
- Build web and mobile apps with Laravel/PHP and React / React Native.
- Own the infrastructure — provisioning and administering Linux servers and AWS (EC2, S3), migrations, SSL and security remediation.
- Keep client apps current and stable — PHP and framework upgrades (e.g. PHP 8.4, Laravel/Filament v4) and test-suite fixes.
- Set up engineering practices per project — CI, Git migration playbooks (Bitbucket → GitLab) and source-control standards.
- Use AI coding agents (Claude Code) to deliver faster, reviewing and owning every output.
Mid Level Developer
Scorchsoft is a Birmingham-based mobile app, web app and online portal development company with over ten years of experience working with hundreds of small, medium and large-sized businesses in the UK and abroad.
Worked in the team on web app and mobile app projects ranging from innovative start-ups looking to launch market-changing new products, through to established businesses seeking to grow, or make process improvements, by implementing new, digital app-strategies.
Developer
CASETiFY is a global tech accessories brand which sells online and offline.
I worked in the technical team to support CASETiFY's daily operations, including bug fix and development of new features. Also enhanced operations of teams with automation systems for efficiency, including
- Content Management System
- Influencer Relationship Management System
- Production System
Assistant System Analyst
Open Creative is a digital consultancy integrating technology from developing web and mobile applications.
I analysed and documented project requirements, and also set up and maintained Linux Server on AWS, with Automation Tool and Container Technology.
Assistant Manager, Digital Content
Version 2 is a sole agent of several IT products and also the founder of an e-book platform (24Reader) in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
I led a team of 5-7 focusing on digital content of 24Reader, responsible for
- managing communications with publishers
- converting book content from publishers into e-books
- uploading e-books to 24Reader platform
I also worked as a system analyst working with programmers for system design and problem solving.
Web Programmer
I developed and maintained websites and web applications.
Student Internship
I worked in the digital content team for e-book conversion and data entry.
Projects
Alternative Commercial Finance
ACF are a solutions focused funding organisation with significant experience in developing and implementing Operating Leases, Managed Services Programmes, and Bespoke Funding Solutions in a range of market places.
it develop and administer vendor programmes with market leading partners requiring alternative funding solutions to the current go to market strategy.
ISS Fleet Clear
ISS Fleet Clear is an all-in-one fleetwide, vehicle safety and fleet management solution
It combines ISS vehicle safety hardware with the cutting-edge fleet management software to create a single standardised system to manage, safeguard, monitor and track every aspect of a fleet’s operation. The system integrates with all ISS products and is applicable to every size, make and model of vehicle.
Majesty Professional Photo
Created an accounting system to systemize and automize businesses.
St. Stephen's College Preparatory School
Created an admission system to handle student admission for Primary 1 (Year 1) & in-year admission for Primary 2-6 (Year 2-6), including a responsive application form and a backend system.
New Town Plaza
Designed and created applications to promote the shopping mall with different types of games, such as lucky draws, QR code coupons wallet and mini puzzle games.
The Aisle
Set up a wedding information platform with event booking and a mini e-store.
Kanata Sports
Built a roller skating application that allows users to book training courses or reserve skating area.
Openball
Created a badminton application that allows users to arrange a match or hire a coach.
Mindmad
Built an internal application for event management, including guest management, guest check-in, mini games and lucky draws.
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
Built systems including 2 websites and 3 CMS for the biggest consumer wine and gourmet event in Hong Kong:
- Application form for exhibitors
- Gourmet finder for public
- Administrator CMS
- Exhibitor CMS
- Wine scoring CMS
Champimom
Built a parental platform with responsive design and content management system.