A person with short gray hair and a beard is smiling, standing in front of a brick wall. They are wearing a checkered shirt.

Paul Halfpenny

CTO & Founder

Having worked in agencies since he left university, Paul drives both the technical output at Filter, as well as being responsible for planning. His key strengths are quickly understanding client briefs and being able to communicate complex solutions in a clear and simple manner.

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AI

How We Connected WordPress to AI Using the Abilities API and MCP

We connected WordPress to AI using the new Abilities API and our open-source plugin, Filter Abilities. This integration allows AI assistants to directly manage content, audit SEO, and analyse visitor data, transforming your site into a conversational platform engineered for growth through data-driven insights.

Two browser windows on a blue background, one displaying the WordPress logo and the other showing a chat interface with message bubbles. A central icon cluster suggests data exchange or integration between the two platforms.

How We Connected WordPress to AI Using the Abilities API and MCP

Our open-source Filter Abilities plugin uses the new WordPress Abilities API to give AI assistants direct access to your site. This unlocks conversational commands to manage content, audit SEO, and analyze visitor data, transforming how you interact with your digital platform.

Introducing Filter’s Free LLM AI Search Optimisation Audit

We’re simplifying GEO/AIO optimisation, allowing everyone to identify simple changes to improve visibility across major AI search platforms such as ChatGTP, Gemini and Claude. What is the LLM AI Optimisation Audit? More business decisions now start with a question typed into ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity than ever before. Buyers research suppliers. Professionals seek recommendations. Decision-makers...

UK Digital Excellence Awards 2026 Finalist graphic. The text is displayed on a dark purple background featuring large, stylized yellow and teal arrows pointing in opposite directions.

Filter Shortlisted at the 2026 UK Digital Excellence Awards

We’re delighted to share that Filter has been shortlisted in the Standout Platform / Technology / Tool category at the 2026 UK Digital Excellence Awards, recognising our work building PersonalizeWP and Filter AI, our two free, open-source WordPress plugins. Recognition for Our WordPress Plugin Work The UK Digital Excellence Awards celebrate the agencies, brands and...

The Filter Team prepare to take part in an AI Battle at #WPLDN, December 2025

Taking on the AI Build Battle at #WPLDN

Last week, four of us from Filter (Paul Halfpenny, Ian Harris, Natalie Smith and Allie Tupper) headed to the final #WPLDN of 2025 to take part in an AI build battle. The concept was simple enough: use Telex, Automattic’s AI tool, to create festive-themed WordPress blocks. Our opponent was maker Mark Westguard, and with five...

Check Grammar feature on the Filter AI plugin

Filter AI 1.5: AI-Powered Summaries, Grammar Checking, and More Control Over Your Content

Filter AI 1.5 introduces a new Summary block for AI-optimised content, intelligent grammar checking, and gives you more choice when generating titles and rewriting text. This release focuses on giving you more control and helping you create content that performs well with both human readers and AI-powered search engines. We’ve continued to build on user...

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Inspiring the Next Generation: Filter Visits Highfield School Sixth Form

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting The Highfield School Sixth Form in Letchworth to talk with students about careers in the digital agency world. It’s always energising to step away from client work and share what we do with young people who are just starting to think about their futures. Around 30-40 sixth...

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Six Tips to Strengthen Website Security and Increase Resilience

This article discusses the importance of website security in light of growing cyber threats and provides six practical tips for enhancing website security. Introduction Cyber security concerns continue to rise for businesses of all sizes, across every sector. The more reliant on technology your organisation becomes, the more likely you are to fall victim to...

Two screens depict search results. One shows local furniture stores on a map and in a list. The other displays a general search results page.

How to Optimise Your Content for AI Search: A Practical Guide

AI-powered search demands content structured for easy processing. Use clear titles, schema, lists, and Q&A formats. Write precisely, focusing on intent and context. Avoid text walls and hidden content. Filter AI tools help optimise alt text and FAQ schema. We help businesses get found.

The image shows a software interface for generating SEO titles, featuring options for title selection and a progress screen titled "Generating Title."

Introducing Filter AI Version 1.2: Smarter SEO, ALT Text and Brand Control

This update brings smarter automation, better SEO tools and more control over your content, discover everything new in Filter AI version 1.2.

Image collage showcasing various web content tips and tricks, including keywords, content identity, and optimization strategies. Prominent text reads "Content for Web: Tips & Tricks" on a light blue background, suggesting methods to enhance online content effectiveness.

Optimise Your Website Content

Download our guide to improve your website content. We explain how to define objectives, structure content for better UX, and apply key principles from keyword research to meta descriptions.

A webpage displays a recommendation for fitness smartwatches compatible with Android. Three models are shown: Garmin Venu 3, Amazfit Cheetah R, and Garmin Venu 3 Plus. Each watch is highlighted with its features and availability status. A "Recommended" badge appears at the top.

Why Brands Must Prioritise GEO in an AI-Driven Shopping Landscape

As AI reshapes how consumers shop, from search to seamless recommendations, brands must pivot to Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) or risk disappearing from the digital shelf.

A computer screen displays the ChatGPT interface with a web browser layout. On the left, the ChatGPT logo is visible. The interface shows a list and images of buildings, indicating a conversation or query related to architecture or real estate.

Hotel Content Optimisation for AI: Why Your Digital Strategy Must Evolve in 2025

As AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini revolutionise how travellers plan their trips, hotel brands must rethink their content strategies or risk disappearing from the conversation.

An interface screen displays options for rewriting, expanding, condensing, summarizing, and changing the tone of text. The highlighted section shows "rewrite." A hand cursor hovers over the drop-down menu. The background is a gradient of light green to blue.

Introducing Filter AI: Our Free WordPress Plugin for AI-Powered Content Creation

Say hello to Filter AI - our powerful (and free!) WordPress plugin that puts the full potential of AI content creation right at your fingertips.

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4 Reasons Personalisation Should Be Included in WordPress Core

In this article, we explore why personalisation should be included in the WordPress core by looking at four key reasons. WordPress is the leading content management system (CMS) online today, currently powering over 40% of all websites. Its user friendly interface, extensive plugin ecosystem and robust features make it an excellent choice for businesses. However,...

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Top 10 Personalisation Plugins For WordPress

Discover the top 10 WordPress plugins for personalisation that empower website owners to deliver tailored experiences, boost conversions and drive engagement. Introduction Personalisation has become an essential component for modern businesses, and incorporating it into websites is crucial. By offering tailored experiences, businesses can create deeper connections with their audience and achieve various benefits, such...

"The image features 'The Marketer’s Guide to Personalisation' cover and several content pages with text and images, presented as a digital essentials guide by Filter and Personalize."

Guide to Personalisation

Our guide explains how personalisation builds meaningful customer experiences. We show you how to apply data-driven insights from user behaviour to tailor content and strategy.

Cover and pages from "The Marketer's Guide to Web Accessibility," featuring text and graphics. The guide is produced by Filter and WebUsability.

Guide to Web Accessibility

Download our Marketer's Guide to Web Accessibility, created with industry experts. Learn to build customer loyalty, and achieve measurable business results through universal accessibility standards.

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How WooCommerce Could Elevate Your WordPress Website to the Next Level

A customer data platform (CDP) is an exciting new category of technology that has gained a lot of attention in recent years.

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Digital Experience Platform (DXP) vs CMS – Which Technology is Best for Your Business?

A customer data platform (CDP) is an exciting new category of technology that has gained a lot of attention in recent years.

React Native

The Importance Of Search To Your Digital Platform

If your business is in need of a mobile app, you’ll likely agree that cost and time-to-market are two of the most important factors when deciding what approach to take in getting it built. This article explains why using React Native to develop a cross-platform mobile app can provide a wealth of advantages for your business over the alternative options.

WordPress vs Sitecore CMS

WordPress vs Sitecore: Which CMS Is Right for You?

We compare WordPress and Sitecore across pricing, usability, security, and scalability to help you choose the right platform for your business needs.

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Your New WordPress Block Editor AI Assistant

OpenAI has recently launched the GPT store which helps users to find popular custom versions of ChatGPT. In this article, we’re exploring how this could help WordPress admins to build innovative and dynamic websites.

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Introducing PersonalizeWP: The Ultimate WordPress Personalisation Plugin

Say hello to PersonalizeWP, an essential plugin to enable personalisation features within WordPress core.

Two men are side by side against a split blue and pink background. One wears headphones and speaks into a microphone, while the other looks forward. Text above them reads "Unfiltered" with arrows pointing to their names, "Nathan Wrigley & Paul Halfpenny."

UnFILTERed: Two Must-Listen Podcast Episodes for Enterprise Businesses

In case you missed it, we recently started a video podcast called UnFILTERed where we explore the most important topics in the digital space. In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, keeping pace with industry trends and innovations is paramount for businesses striving for success. Here at Filter, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of UnFILTERed,...

Three friends at a restaurant table, each focused on their smartphones. They are surrounded by drinks, burgers, and small tin buckets. The setting is cozy with warm lighting, creating a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Consumer Insights: Technology in Hospitality

In this article, we’ll be exploring the key findings from the hospitality sector from the Zonal GO Technology Report. As an experienced digital technical partner to a variety of different businesses, it’s always important to us that we keep up with the latest industry developments, insights and findings. With this in mind, we wanted to...

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Revolutionise Your WordPress Experience with PersonalizeWP 1.6 (formerly WP-DXP)

Filter unveilsPersonalizeWP 1.6, featuring a host of enhanced functionalities and an informative new website, empowering WordPress users to optimise their websites and elevate user experiences. Edit: Please note that WP-DXP is now known as PersonalizeWP. We are excited to announce our newest update for our personalisation plugin, WP-DXP. Version 1.6 introduces a range of exciting...

A group of eight people stands in front of a colorful backdrop at WordCamp Europe, Athens 2023. They are casually dressed, with some wearing event t-shirts, and are smiling at the camera.

Our Experience At WordCamp Europe 2023

Our team had a great time at WordCamp Europe this year, keep reading to find out what they got up to and their key takeaways from the conference!

A group of people wearing matching shirts stands together in a trade show booth for Emilia Capital. A table displays promotional materials and a QR code. The backdrop features the company’s logo and text about their services.

Emilia Capital Recognises PersonalizeWP’s Potential at WordCamp Europe 2023

This year, we attended WordCamp Europe with our biggest team yet and pitched to Emilia Capital for funding during our attendance, keep reading to find out what happened.

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Eurovision 2023: Was It Fixed?

There are a few conspiracy theories being thrown around our virtual workplace surrounding Eurovision this year...

"Blue graphic celebrating WordPress's 20th anniversary, featuring the WordPress logo integrated into the number 20. Background shows a faint image of people working in an office setting."

20 Years of WordPress

We’re proud to be part of the vibrant WordPress community, keep reading to find out more about its 20th birthday. 2023 marks the 20th year of WordPress, the most popular CMS used by millions of businesses and individuals across the globe. According to colorlib ‘810 million websites use WordPress’ which accounts for a whopping ‘43%...

A person working at a desk looks at a computer screen displaying a detailed spreadsheet or data analysis. There are office supplies and documents nearby, and the person appears focused on the task.

New Update For PersonalizeWP (1.5)

We’re excited to announce our latest update to the PersonalizeWP plugin, keep reading to find out more. Edit: please note PersonalizeWP was formerly known as WP-DXP. As a WordPress VIP agency partner, it’s important to us that we continually make strong contributions within the WordPress community. For this reason, we are very proud of our...

A man in a blue checked shirt stands against a gray wall, looking ahead. Beside him, the text "WPTavern" appears with an icon of a beer mug and an "On Air" button indicating a broadcast is live.

Should Personalisation Be Added To WordPress Core?

You may be hearing more from our founders Oliver Morrison & Paul Halfpenny in 2023, starting with an appearance on the WP Tavern Jukebox Podcast! We’re excited to announce that our very own CTO Paul Halfpenny, recently made an appearance on the WP Tavern Jukebox Podcast! If you’re not familiar with WP Tavern, it’s a...

A modern office workspace with a desktop computer displaying a webpage about WordPress 6.1 “Misha.” The room features a second computer screen, potted plants, books, and glasses on the desk, with a brick wall and large window in the background.

Hot Off The Press, Introducing WordPress 6.1

The last major WordPress release of 2022 is now available to download. The new upgrade features a new default theme, new templates, tools and lots more. The last WordPress release of 2022 is now live, and it’s a big one. WordPress 6.1 is available to download now and has been titled ‘Misha’ after renowned jazz...

"The WP Awards 2022 logo with three rising bar charts and stars. Includes text: 'The Best of WordPress for & by users!' and 'Vote for WP-DXP' on a purple button."

We’ve Been Nominated In The WP Awards!

We’ve been nominated in this years WP Awards for our very own WordPress personalisation plugin, WP-DXP. Keep reading to find out more about WP Weekly and the 2022 WP Awards. Edit: WP-DXP is now known as PersonalizeWP. The WP Awards is organised each year by WP Weekly, which is an esteemed weekly newsletter for WordPress...

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WCUS 2022 Speaker Spotlight: Beka Rice

Following on from WordCamp US 2022, we asked our CTO Paul Halfpenny to tell us about his favourite speaker from the event. Photo via Paul Clark – 2022 WCUS Community Album. Paul attended this years sold-out WordCamp US event, in San Diego, which took place from the 9th to the 11th of September. You can...

A person with short gray hair and a beard stands in front of a light background featuring a colorful logo with waves and a sun. They are wearing a red shirt and lanyard.

Paul’s Experience At WordCamp US 2022

Our CTO, Paul Halfpenny, attended WordCamp US last weekend. This was the first in-person WCUS event since 2019. Paul attended this years sold-out WordCamp US event, in San Diego, from the 9th to the 11th of September. WordCamp events take place throughout each year, in many different countries around the world. They are a community-led...

WordCamp US Paul's Top Picks

WordCamp US 2022: Paul’s Top Picks

Our CTO, Paul Halfpenny, is heading off to San Diego later this month to attend WordCamp US. Ahead of the event, we asked Paul for his top picks from this years schedule. Our CTO, Paul Halfpenny, will be attending this years WordCamp US conference in San Diego from the 9th to 11th of September. This...

A person sits at a desk, looking at a computer screen displaying a financial dashboard with tables and data. A notebook and folders are neatly arranged beside the monitor. The setting appears to be a modern office workspace.

5 New Rules Added To Free WordPress Personalisation Plugin

As a respected digital technical partner to a wide variety of businesses, we are committed to the digital community. As part of our commitment, we continue to improve and develop our very own WordPress plugin, PersonalizeWP. As part of their ongoing commitment to the WordPress community, respected digital technical agency Filter have published an update...

WordPress vs Episerver CMS

WordPress vs Optimizely: Which CMS Fits Your Business?

We compare WordPress and Optimizely across cost, usability, and security to help mid-market and enterprise businesses choose the right CMS foundation for sustainable digital growth.

Medivet Custom Reminders Platform

Medivet is one of the largest chains of vet clinics in the UK, and are growing rapidly year on year. With 18 24-hour centres and 300 veterinary practices around the UK, Medivet are a community of passionate veterinary professionals committed to providing truly exceptional care.

Babbo-Restaurant

New website for leading Mayfair restaurant Babbo

The restaurant was launched by Brazilian international football players Willian Borges and David Luiz, inspired by family and rooted in tradition. The vibrant Italian restaurant has grown quite a following serving old-style cocktails, traditional Italian dishes and classic desserts. With a successful year behind them, the team at Babbo wanted to ensure the website reflected...

Selhurst-Park

Selhurst Park brand refresh

Filter worked collaboratively with the Crystal Palace F.C team to ensure that the updated colour palette was carried across to the website as part of an overall re-launch of the marketing brand, ready for the new season and the 19/20 events programme. Selecting the right colours is central to presenting an appealing presence, conveying emotions,...

gdpr-data-news-item

Filter Insight: Turning GDPR frustrations into competitive advantage

For well over a year in the lead-up to May 2018, we at Filter were advising our clients to start their preparations to mitigate the impact of the incoming GDPR legislation, and ensure that their data collection practices were robust, secure, and met the key criteria demanded by the new laws. From our perspective, it...

WordCampEU

We’re attending WordCamp Europe 2019 in Berlin

Now in its sixth year, WordCamp Europe has established itself as a major event, not to be missed amongst the WordPress community. WordCamp Europe brings together developers, techies and newbies from all over the world into a single place. This year, that place is Berlin! And Berlin is the perfect host, in part due to...

Medivet-Dog-Blanket

Medivet launch new brand and new website

Medivet is one of the largest chains of vet clinics in the UK, and they are growing rapidly, year on year. With 18 24-hour centres and over 280 veterinary practices around the UK, Medivet are a community of veterinary professionals committed to providing truly exceptional care. With such growth, Medivet were acutely aware that it...