Allan was instrumental in setting up Glass Qualifications Authority within the then Glass NTO, Glass Training Limited, eventually overseeing the official split from the parent organisation in 2001, and running the Awarding Body as Chief Executive until his retirement in 2010. Allan continued to contribute to GQA beyond his retirement, first as a contracted External Verifier and then additionally as a Director of the Board.

Allan was very well respected, not only by his friends and colleagues at GQA, but also by Approved Centres and those within the wider realms of the glass and related industries and the Awarding Body community. Many of you will have a connection with Allan, whether directly as one of the centres he was EV for, or indirectly through his work in the early development of standards and qualifications or through his development of Glass Qualifications Authority as the glass industry’s specialist Awarding Body; and I am sure you will have had the benefit and influence of Allan’s experience, knowledge and fervour for learning.