Mr Zen Ltd

Mr Zen was set up in early 2008 to provide websites and online marketing advice to all industries. The directors have been responsible for creating some of the largest websites in the specialist holiday sector and have an intimate knowledge of the requirements of these companies because of the range of companies that we have been exposed to.

We are fast growing, dynamic development company with a passion for the latest technologies and techniques which make our systems both innovative and award winning. Our portfolio of clients benefit from us being able to provide services from the front end right through to the back.

Our experience of managing and running websites directly helps us to understand the challenges facing many companies, and also spot the things that really do make a difference to your business without getting distracted by those things that won't. We believe that this makes us different and enjoy talking to people about their requirements.

Our development work doesn't stop at the front end of the website, we have also produced many XML integrations, both outbound, inbound and transactional for specialist travel availability, pricing, product information, imagery, bookings, brochure requests and more.

Our Directors

Matt Illston - Managing Director

Matt began his career in travel in 1998 at Explore Worldwide. After spending 2 years contracting and costing adventure tours, he assisted the IT department create a new costing system in the capacity of User Interface Designer. After qualifying as a project manager, Matt managed the build of the first dynamic website for Explore. Eventually, he moved to the marketing department where he became responsible for eCommerce.

A spell of 3 years at First Choice Activity Sector saw Matt rise rapidly through the ranks to the position of ‘Head of eCommerce’ for the £150m turnover ‘Fixed Asset Group’. This included companies such as Sunsail, the Inland Waterways Division, Flexiski, Trek America, Le Boat, Luxury Mountain Hotels and more.

Matt has a deep understanding of website development, eCommerce and Online Marketing in multi lingual, multi channel travel companies, both large and small. He been instrumental in winning 3 Wanderlust Awards for best website, a Travolution nomination for best use of social media and numerous marine industry awards for websites in the yacht charter and inland waterways sectors.

David Havard - Technical Director

David also began his career at Explore Worldwide in 1995, working in the Operations Department. He quickly caught the ‘technical’ bug and has been developing applications and websites ever since.

After a spell as a Director at the First Choice Adventure Sector, David co-founded and developed the large travel community portal ‘AddictedToTravel.com’.

A keen traveller and family man, David brings cutting-edge development to Mr Zen, giving us a solid technical platform for our online marketing, SEO and website development.