Alan joined Shirlaws in 2007, having previously developed his own consultancy and coaching practice.  He specialises in working with B2B service and manufacturing businesses on their growth strategies. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve sustainable success and increased shareholder value. Having trained originally as a computer programmer, he has a high level of I.T. literacy. He particularly enjoys working with technically-minded or creative people. He likes to think of himself as a "Wingman" to his clients - an experienced pilot who supports another in a challenging and potentially dangerous flying environment!

Prior to Shirlaws, Alan gained over 25 years' business experience at a senior level nationally and internationally. He founded, co-founded or invested in four businesses, each of which was sold or turned around successfully. While he was MD with professional audio manufacturing company Turbosound, he lived and worked in the USA and Japan, setting up and growing national distribution networks. As a result, the company won the Queen's Award for Export Achievement. He was Joint MD at Scher International, which worked with hospitality and leisure companies such as Hilton, Marriott, Pret A Manger and Whitbread to improve their customer service quality. While there, he developed the UK's first Customer Service Benchmark for Hotels.

Alan lives in London with his wife and family. He plays the drums, is an avid football fan (modesty forbids him mentioning which team), and he enjoys hiking, skiing and scuba diving.

Contact Alan