Damian McMillan | Technology businesses and projects

Technology businesses, old computers, and hands-on projects.

I run Jaytag Computer and Nanodators, and I’m building Skanetic. My work covers IT strategy, infrastructure and security. I help businesses decide what they need and make it work in practice.

Outside work, I collect and restore vintage computers, build hardware and software projects, and write about what I learn along the way. I also run.

Selected projects

A few things I’ve built, explored and brought back to life.

Tetris title screen in a Master System emulator, with unmasked graphics outside the Game Boy display area

Software / AI

Game Boy to Master System

An AI-assisted recompiler running Tetris in a Master System emulator. Sound and wider game support are still in progress.

Read the write-up →

Greaseweazle floppy-imaging board connected to jumper wires on a cutting mat

Retro computing

Preserving an Amstrad PCW disk

Imaging an original Scrabble disk with a Greaseweazle, then playing it again in a PCW emulator.

Read the story →

Finished insulated bread-proofing box with a temperature controller fitted to the front

Hardware / Making

A bread-proofing box

A temperature-controlled box built to keep sourdough warm through cold nights.

Read the build notes →

Mains-powered prototype. Not a safety-reviewed construction guide.

What I work on

Technology strategy: roadmaps, budgets and independent advice, from day-to-day operations to board-level decisions.

Infrastructure and modernisation: reliable servers and networks, managing legacy systems and moving to newer platforms.

Security and organisational change: improving security, processes and policies, and coordinating technical projects across teams.

Current work

Director, SIA Nanodators (since 2015)
Outsourced IT helpdesk services for UK-based IT companies.

Director, Jaytag Computer (since 2007)
Bootstrapped an IT consultancy supporting UK businesses with procurement, budgeting, network design and technical support.

Past work

CTO, Quantum Financial Holdings (2020–2024)
Managed technology strategy across a group of businesses in finance, marketing and publishing.

Head of IT, Volopa Financial Services (2017–2020)
Managed the IT environment, including software development coordination, server infrastructure, networking and security.

IT Director and Cyber Lead, Valkyrie GB (2013–2020)
Built an in-house GPS vehicle tracking data system. Provided IT and technical support to teams carrying out investigations and counter-surveillance work.

Technical support roles (before 2007)
Supported UK businesses in finance, direct marketing and engineering.