Born in Battersea between the wars in 1929, Alan was the son of a Thames barge builder.
After a spell of national service Alan joined Ferry Developments in Stratford High Street as an engineer, becoming a plumbing supervisor after a few years.
Alan started the business in December 1957 with Jimmy Haden and Bert Chesterman.
The company started in the family house in St. Margaret’s Avenue in Cheam. After a few successful years the business moved to Balham in South London
When recalling the worst period in the companies history, Alan said, “we managed to survive the winter of 61/62. The freeze lasted 3 months. All building stopped except some London tower blocks for London County Council. We could claim materials on site, which just gave us enough cash flow to satisfy the banks, so we could survive”.
Alan was very active and worked until into his late 80s. His mind was a sharp as ever.
Alan passed away in March 2020.