Alan originally studied engineering but took his masters degree in Development Economics, and managed to fit in becoming a Chartered Accountant along the way. His first job in 1976 was working for E F Schumacher at Intermediate Technology, now Practical Action.  He spent 28 years in economic consultancy in the private sector, specialising in the economics and finance of the small business sector both in the North and the South. That involved short research field trips to many countries.

Alan's written a book, and had a number of reports published. He also founded, and for 20 years ran, his own small firm producing market information for large food and drink companies.

He's been with Oxfam GB for 8 years, and is currently supporting the Enterprise Development Programme, advising for programmes on all aspects of financial services work for enterprises and households, and working with the Director of Strategy and Innovation on strategic initiatives in development finance, including the new Small Enterprise Impact Investing Fund (SEIIF), where Oxfam GB is the Impact Adviser.  Alan is vice-chair of the SEIIF Investment Committee and leads on the Fund's Impact Support Facility.  He also sits on the Investment Committee of Oxfam America's new WISE fund - Women into Small Enterprise.