A Fabrication Engineer, Allan started his own company with his wife Rose in 1968. Allan has several business interests mainly in the mechanical engineering field. Believing in a strong UK manufacturing industry Allan has served for the past 20 years as a Director, the last 14 years as Chairman of charity that provides work based learning and education for young people in West Yorkshire.

Allan joined the Rotary Club of Elland in1983, and served as District Governor 1040 (the best part of Yorkshire) in 1999/2000. Totally committed to The Rotary Foundation Allan's ambition is to encourage every Rotarian in RIBI to financially support their charity. Chairman of the RIBI Foundation Committee 2001-03, Rotary Regional Foundation Co-ordinator for 2001-3 and from 2001 to present day has been the Host Area Co-ordinator at Bradford University for the Rotary Peace Centre. Allan was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2003-04. Allan has served RI as a past committee chairman, and presently serves on the RI Leadership Development and Training Committee, the Permanent Fund Committee for Europe and RIBI, Rotary Centre Host Area Liaisons Committee and RI Training Leader 2005 and 2006. Rose and Allan are Major Donors and members of The Bequest Society.

Allan and Rose have three married children and eight grandchildren. Rose is a Past President of the Inner Wheel Club of Elland. Allan enjoys Caravaning, learning computer skills, Gardening and Travel with Rose. Allan has been a lifelong supporter of the Scout Movement and is the President of the West Yorkshire County Scouts. Allan's Achilles heel is that he is a fanatical supporter of Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club.