From being one of the very first tenants at the Digital Jersey Hub to marking a decade in business this year, Codentia has been quietly shaping Jersey’s tech scene with its expert software solutions and collaborative mindset. We caught up with Managing Director Matt Chatterley to hear more about their journey, exciting upcoming projects, and the people-first culture behind their success.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role
I’m Matt – and sometimes feel like I’ve worked in software engineering for a very long time! I’m the MD of Codentia Ltd. My role is very varied and ranges from “business” activities like defining our long term strategies and plans through to project management and the day-to-day of keeping the team motivated and ensuring we look after our clients to the best of our abilities..
How long have you been a member of Digital Jersey?
We/I have been a member of Digital Jersey literally forever – I rented one of the first desks in the hub (when it had a fake grass wall and the DJ team sat in the middle where the booths are now) – there was actually a more informal “Digital Jersey” group before this from which the idea for the organisation originally emerged.
What do you like most about being a member? Have you collaborated with other Digital Jersey members?
Digital Jersey membership offers us a number of key benefits – but personally I most enjoy the opportunities to meet other members and learn about what they’re currently doing both on and off island.
For anyone who doesn’t know, what does Codentia do?
We are a software development agency specialising in product (and app) development, process automation and digital transformation through tools and integration.
What exciting projects have you/your team been working on recently? Have you got anything coming up you can talk about?
We’re fortunate enough to always have exciting projects going on – but we can’t always say what they are! We do have something particularly fun coming up around Liberation day that should be making an appearance in an “EVie near you” – so keep an eye out for that!
The one I love talking about is Clearmind – an ambitious business looking to make real change in the online mental health space through delivery of Practice Management tooling for Therapists.
What’s been a highlight for Codentia so far?
2025 marks 10 years for us – so that’s probably the first thing to come to mind! Otherwise there are likely too many to name – it sounds trite but we work with so many great clients and on so many exciting projects that there are a lot of stand out moments.
Any tips or advice for new Digital Jersey members?
Take full advantage of the kindness of others – I’m sure I speak for a lot of members when I say it’s always a pleasure to talk to others and we’ll always try to help where we can.
If Codentia could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
Whoever is reading this! More seriously though, we’ve worked with so many great collaborators. If I could pick any company anywhere, having worked with the .NET ecosystem since the beta releases of the first framework in 2001, it’d probably be Microsoft.
What does the Codentia team get up to outside of work?
We’re generally a fairly shy and retiring bunch, but we do socialise sometimes in groups – games, movies, and the obligatory Christmas do!
How does the team stay energised and motivated during long-term projects?
This might be one of my favourite questions I’ve been asked recently – it’s a feeling anyone who has worked in the delivery of a project will be familiar with, right? That “end phase fatigue” – it can kick in right at the end when you’re trying to finalise delivery, or even mid flow at the end of a challenging sprint.
It’s important to keep clarity on the goals for the current work – and the expectations surrounding the delivery of those – but more over its important to avoid feeling worn down and tired by not working under too much pressure when not crucial.
If every deadline feels like a push, you might need to plan in a little more contingency!
We encourage a relaxed working atmosphere and operate a flexible working policy which definitely helps take the edge off – but it’s important to celebrate small successes within projects, not just the overall success at the end.
How does the team celebrate the successful completion of a project?
There’s not often a huge fanfare, as our projects tend to be agile rather than waterfall – and also rarely are “complete” – we’ll deliver a phase or a set of objectives, but we work with our clients over long periods of time – and their projects tend to run for years.
Cake is always good too.
How would you describe Codentia’s workplace culture?
Not quite horizontal, but certainly reclined! As a leader I think it’s crucial to acknowledge how much of our lives is invested in our work – time certainly, but also energy – both mental and physical.
Traditionally we’ve frowned on laid back working practices such as no-fuss dress codes, flexi-time and work from home options – even recently we’ve seen some employers pushing for ‘back to the office’ – but realistically these things can supplement our comfort and happiness and have no bearing on our professionalism – we’re judged on the work we do, not the shoes we wear while we do it.
What emerging technology are you most excited about exploring or incorporating into your services?
The big focus for 2025 seems likely to be on ‘Agentic AI’, but we’re already working with clients who are doing exciting things in that space – for me it’s Quantum Computing and its implications for computing that are most fascinating – that’s more exploratory than something we’re likely to work with this year, though!
Many of your team members, like Perry and Tiago, came through the Digital Jersey Coding Programme. How has this shaped Codentia’s approach to talent development?
I’ve always believed the best approach is to find the right people and teach them anything they don’t already know – and that’s always been our approach. Many of our team members came up through the DJCP and others have joined us early in their careers. Hopefully we’ll be able to create a further apprenticeship later this year as well.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to kick start their career in technology?
Don’t cut too many corners – get a good understanding of how computers work (as a logical system and in architectural terms) – learning how to code on its own is one thing, but understanding how systems operate and interact underpins the ability to learn how to build them. Ask lots of questions – and seek to work with as many people as possible who know more than you do!
