Alan was awarded his degrees from the Chemistry department at the University of Manchester.  Afterwards Alan spent 8 years with the Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory before joining Burgoynes in 1981 and became a partner in 1987.

Alan has investigated a large number of incidents which have occurred both at sea and on land.  These investigations have mainly involved determining the causes of fires and explosions and have included incidents caused by ignition sources ranging from chemical spontaneous combustion to electrical faults.  The incidents have also occurred at a wide range of locations including chemical works and other industrial premises, warehouses, hotels, “clean rooms”/computer chip manufacturing installations, refineries, cargo ships, passenger ships, tankers, yachts and domestic properties.

In addition Alan has also provided advice to marine clients on:

• The chemical analysis of a wide range of materials.
• The cause and origin of the off-specification of products and marine cargoes such as whether the problem related to manufacturing, shore transportation and handling or subsequent contamination.
• The toxic, flammable and explosive hazards associated with chemicals and petroleum products.

Many of the investigations have been carried out in the U.K, but he has also undertaken a substantial number in other European countries including Ireland, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy and Spain. Some investigations have also been carried out in countries in Africa, the Americas and the Far East.  As a result his reports have been used in legal proceedings taking place in the U.K., other European Countries and in other parts of the World.  He has also testified to Courts and Arbitrations both in the U.K. and overseas.

Alan has also acted as a consultant to:

• Major ship owners on the prevention of fires and explosions on their fleets of ships. 
• A major offshore operator about the prevention of fires and explosions on a new offshore oil storage facility.
• A major passenger ship operator on the fire precautions required during the building of new passenger ships. 
• A  major passenger ship operator about the prevention of fires in specified parts of their ships
• A commercial vehicle fleet operator about the prevention of fires in their vehicles

Alan has lectured to the Insurance Industry, Law Firms and at International conferences on the investigation of fires, explosions and incidents involving the contamination of marine cargoes and the release of chemicals and other dangerous goods.