Alan has been a Growth Hub adviser since the service was set up, and before that worked as an adviser with the Government’s Business Link network.

He is a chartered engineer and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers who started his career at Vickers in Barrow and worked in industry for 25 years, mostly in R&D, before moving into business support.

I work with a huge range of businesses. A lot of them face the same issues, even though they are doing different things.

“I work with all types of businesses from those just starting out to large, established, businesses.

“In general, I advise on business strategy and funding, and get involved in grant applications to help businesses with capital when they’re growing. A specialism is new product development and R&D.

“The job satisfaction is high because I’m working with businesses who are taking steps to develop.”

His clients include C N Metalworks in Kendal, who he helped obtain a grant towards a new factory and equipment, Barrnon of Appleby, who secured an Innovus grant to develop a nuclear sludge removal system.

Alan also runs his own consultancy business.

“I work with a huge range of businesses. A lot of them face the same issues, even though they are doing different things.
“The most important question I ask of people is what the business is delivering to them and what they want from life.

“Sometimes you find people trapped by their business. If that’s the case, it’s not succeeding in its purpose and you have to see how you can change it.”