Allan set up The Media Network in 1989 following six years with EMAP (now Ascential) where, in his latter role as the publisher of two TV industry magazines, he had direct responsibility for recruiting and directing a 22-strong team across editorial, marketing and advertising sales. Originally renting office space on London's Oxford Street, in 1999, The Media Network acquired a lease on offices at 28 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7RD.
In 2013, following a sabbatical, Allan remodelled the business to focus solely on executive search assignments. This allowed him to operate from his home in Brighton. It proved a successful way of combining work with other personal projects. In 2016, after 27 years in media recruitment, Allan took the decision to step away from the business entirely. Following a year tasting the joys of retirement, he has recently accepted the offer to work part-time with a leading firm of mental health lawyers which supports clients appealing their detention under the Mental Health Act.
In 2013, following a sabbatical, Allan remodelled the business to focus solely on executive search assignments. This allowed him to operate from his home in Brighton. It proved a successful way of combining work with other personal projects. In 2016, after 27 years in media recruitment, Allan took the decision to step away from the business entirely. Following a year tasting the joys of retirement, he has recently accepted the offer to work part-time with a leading firm of mental health lawyers which supports clients appealing their detention under the Mental Health Act.