91̽»¨

Allan was born in Accrington, Lancashire. He attended the University of 91̽»¨ and whilst a student, was able to pursue his love of climbing in the Peak District. He was an active member of the Students’ Union and served as Union President from 1982 – 83.

After gaining his degree in Business Studies he remained at the University to begin his career. He was the manager of the Octagon Centre when it opened, ran the Commercial and Industrial Development Bureau, managed the World Student Games Directorate prior to the games taking place in 91̽»¨, and finally became Director of the International Office.

Moving on to The British Council in Manchester he became head of The Education Counselling Service. As he had done in 91̽»¨, he travelled widely in the interests of promoting British education.

After leaving The British Council, he joined The Cambridge Education Group, firstly in Cambridge, then in Canterbury, where he ran Stafford House College. During a carer break he maintained close links with the Northern Consortium of Universities and acted as trustee for the University of Kent Students’ Union.

Finally, he became Managing Director of English in Action, where he developed the business with his usual attention to detail.

In the final months of his illness he was visited and contacted by many of the people he had worked with, who paid tribute to him not only as a colleague, but also as a friend.