uProfile February 2026 - Jenny Bradshaw

From "Um-WHAT?" to Umbraco MVP

I’ve worked in digital marketing and development for 20+ years, and first came across Umbraco just over ten years ago, having stepped back into web development after a period working with a native mobile app specialist. Before that, the web developers I'd worked with were all building fully custom CMS solutions for almost every web project — it seems crazy looking back how inefficient that was!

I had some limited experience with open-source platforms, especially WordPress, but being introduced to Umbraco was a brave new world. I was immediately impressed with the editor experience (yes, even back in the V6/V7 days!), the flexibility and the intuitive approach. I spent eight years working with an agency that exclusively used Umbraco, and I went from "Um-WHAT?" to building a good understanding of the platform's power pretty rapidly.

Ten-plus years in, I've enjoyed the journey from V6, through the big changes in upgrade cadences, and into the now settled rhythm of two major upgrades a year, with the platform having matured and extended phenomenally during this time. It's been quite the ride!

What I do at Moriyama

I’m Managing Director at Moriyama, an Umbraco Platinum Contributing Partner, and no two days are the same — I can be working on our corporate strategy, or new business proposals, supporting with clients, coaching the team, reviewing systems and operational processes, and of course looking after our numbers and projections. But my main priority is making sure everyone has what they need, whatever position they're in, to be happy and productive. When we keep our team happy and our clients happy, good results follow, and I’m so lucky to work with a really lovely, very talented bunch of people - they’re my reason to keep showing up.

We're a small but mighty team of Umbraco experts, and I've always said we punch above our weight: in terms of the clients we partner with, the quality of our work, and our reputation within the community. We have three current MVPs and one of our team applying for this year, and we've just had our Platinum Contributing Partner status renewed (again! Thank you Umbraco!). These accolades really speak to the calibre of the team and make me immensely proud. Protecting time for our team to work on community initiatives is key — we make sure colleagues have opportunities to contribute to the open source platform and travel to Umbraco events.

What I love about Umbraco

There are so many things I love about Umbraco: the flexibility for developers and editors is phenomenal, the customisation options are endless, commercially it stacks up and the ease of use for CMS editors is something I never get tired of talking to people about. But something that really sets Umbraco apart is the deep connection between HQ, the partner network and the community — it all feels like one ecosystem working together. We get a huge amount of support from Umbraco HQ and from our connections in the community: it really is the friendly CMS.

If anything frustrates me, it's hearing when businesses are turned off Umbraco through a poor implementation. We've seen some shockers over the years! It goes to show the importance of partnering with a great implementation team to harness and realise Umbraco's potential.

Getting out into the community

The community is so inclusive, welcoming and supportive - everyone wants everyone to succeed and that’s really palpable in every space, every event and every interaction.

Since joining Moriyama two years ago, I've been really fortunate to attend plenty of Umbraco events: from local meetups to larger conferences like In The City, Spark, USFest in Chicago, supporting the US team in New York, and of course the inimitable Codegarden.

I've been lucky to travel and make so many great connections - the level of warmth, heart and openness in this community is remarkable, and I now pitch up at events knowing there will be plenty of friendly faces to catch up with.

I've also had the opportunity to contribute and collaborate through panel sessions and talks — taking to the stage at Codegarden 2025 was a nerve-wracking but exhilarating experience! And being named an Umbraco MVP in 2025 is definitely a standout moment and something I feel really proud of. It feels like joining a very exclusive club.

If anyone’s on the fence about getting more involved with Umbraco, I would say just go for it! Our team and our work are richer for being involved, and I’ve found it personally so rewarding making so many new friends from all around the world.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

More travel, learn Italian, start playing the cello again, take more group selfies at Umbraco events!

Most unforgettable meal?

Codegarden Bingo 2025 was pretty unforgettable, not least because one of my Moriyama team mates, Jordan, was presented with the leftover “wedding cake” from the night’s celebrations! It was a really fun night.

Aside from that, my favourite meals all seem to have been on trips to Italy… an incredible crab gnocchi in Jesolo last year, and a very special spaghetti alle vongole in a tiny restaurant in Venice 15 years ago are pretty high on my all-time favourite meals list!

What’s on repeat in your headphones?

I make no apologies for my music taste being firmly stuck in the 90s/00s - golden age Hip Hop, De la Soul, Beastie Boys, plus Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Daft Punk, The Cure all on regular repeat. BBC6 Music is always on the radio in our house, which caters very nicely to my aged tastes! On the new music side, I love Charlie xcx’s soundtrack for Wuthering Heights. My last live concert was Goldie Looking Chain just before Christmas - absolutely hilarious, loads of fun and they’ve still really got it!

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I’m always envious of my cats’ lifestyle… their ability to lounge and maximise their comfort in any situation is a power I don’t always possess! Plus their enviable sleep skills… I could definitely do with more sleep!

New obsession: I started weight training last year and wasn't expecting to love it as much as I do. Lifting heavy gives me a huge buzz in the moment but also helps me feel calmer overall — a great counterpoint to laptop/Teams life. Honestly, it makes me feel like a superhero!

Travel: I love Italy and have had many happy holidays there — the landscapes, culture, people, food and wine are all bellissima! I love travel and exploring different places, and have just come back from Marrakech. For a short-haul flight, there aren't many places that feel so entirely different to the UK, but Morocco really scratches that itch. I’d love to get to Japan one day… that’s on the bucket list!

Hidden talent: I used to play the cello, but stopped as a teenager. One day I'd love to pick it up again — it's the most beautiful instrument.

Karaoke: Given the opportunity and the right conditions, I am a bit of a karaoke fiend (as some people from November's In The City event can attest!). Zero skill but bags of enthusiasm, just don’t let me hog the mic!