Alan Reynard
Engineering and Business Leader | Testing, Inspection & Certification Specialist
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About
An accomplished engineering and business leader with over 25 years' experience managing accredited testing laboratories and certification services within the testing, inspection and certification industry. Holding a Master's degree specialising in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) together with a BSc (Hons) in Physics, I combine deep technical expertise with extensive commercial and operational leadership experience.
As Business
Manager at Intertek, I was responsible for the UK EMC, Radio and Life Safety Systems (LSS) testing laboratories, with full accountability for operational performance, customer satisfaction, financial performance and continuous improvement. In addition, I served as Head of UK Certification, leading certification activities covering EMC, Radio, Life Safety Systems, Machinery, Noise, ASTA, BEAB, G Mark and the IECEE CB Scheme. I have extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing laboratory operations, developing technical staff, overseeing complex customer projects and driving business growth through operational excellence and strong commercial leadership.
Throughout my career I have worked closely with manufacturers, regulators and certification bodies to deliver technically robust, commercially successful and internationally recognised certification and testing services. My leadership style is collaborative, data-driven and focused on developing high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, driving business growth and delivering exceptional customer service. I am passionate about engineering, innovation and continuous improvement and enjoy helping both people and businesses achieve their full potential.
Experience
Maths Tutor - Grace College - Gateshead
(2023-01)
Provide targeted GCSE Mathematics intervention through both one-to-one tuition and small-group sessions of up to six students. Support students of varying abilities, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and students for whom English is an additional language (EAL), adapting teaching strategies to improve mathematical understanding, confidence, and examination performance.
- Deliver tailored GCSE Mathematics intervention on both a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
- Identify individual learning needs and adapt teaching methods, pace, and resources to suit each student's preferred learning style.
- Break complex mathematical concepts into manageable steps using clear, practical, and accessible explanations.
- Support students with SEND by using patient, flexible, and encouraging teaching approaches to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Reinforce key mathematical concepts, problem-solving techniques, and effective revision and examination strategies.
- Monitor individual progress and provide feedback to teaching staff where appropriate.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, resilience, and independent learning.
- Create a calm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions and achieve their potential.
- Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to help students achieve their individual learning and GCSE targets.
- Delivered effective one-to-one and small-group intervention, helping students improve confidence, engagement, and mathematical understanding.
- Supported students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and EAL needs by adapting teaching approaches to meet individual requirements.
- Helped students make measurable progress towards their GCSE Mathematics target grades.
- Built strong, positive relationships with students, encouraging motivation, resilience, and a more positive attitude towards mathematics.
Owner - Reynard Rentals - North East England
(2010-01)
Own and manage a portfolio of six residential rental properties, taking responsibility for all aspects of property management, tenant liaison, financial administration, and legal compliance. This role has strengthened my organisational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Market properties and manage the full tenant recruitment and referencing process.
- Assess prospective tenants by reviewing references, affordability, and suitability.
- Coordinate maintenance and repairs through effective management of contractors and tradespeople.
- Build positive relationships with tenants, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
- Ensure compliance with landlord legislation and property safety requirements.
- Manage tenancy agreements, inspections, property handovers, and renewals.
- Maintain accurate financial records, monitor budgets, and complete annual tax returns.
- Oversee rental income and expenditure to ensure the effective management of the property portfolio.
Business Manager - Intertek - Surrey
(2016-03 - 2022-08)
Held dual leadership responsibility as Business Manager for the UK EMC, Radio and Life Safety Systems (LSS) testing laboratories and Head of UK Certification for certification activities covering EMC, Radio, Life Safety Systems, Machinery, Noise, ASTA, BEAB, G Mark and the IECEE CB Scheme. Accountable for operational performance, commercial success, technical excellence and the leadership of multidisciplinary engineering and certification teams within a UKAS-accredited environment.
- Business Manager responsible for the UK EMC, Radio and Life Safety Systems (LSS) testing laboratories.
- Head of UK Certification responsible for certification activities covering EMC, Radio, Life Safety Systems, Machinery, Noise, ASTA, BEAB, G Mark and the IECEE CB Scheme.
- Full P&L responsibility for a business with annual revenue of approximately £6 million.
- Increased revenue by 43% over four years while maintaining 48% operating margin.
- Led multidisciplinary teams across testing, certification and technical support functions.
- Worked closely with customers on technical requirements, quotations, certification programmes and commercial proposals.
- Maintained UKAS accreditation and ensured compliance with international standards and certification requirements.
- Drove operational improvements, resource planning and business performance through data-driven decision-making.
- Led and supported technical and administrative teams, promoting high performance and continuous improvement.
- Planned workloads, allocated resources, and ensured projects were delivered on time and to quality standards.
- Managed compliance with UKAS accreditation and international certification schemes.
- Developed staff through coaching, mentoring, and technical training.
- Worked closely with customers and stakeholders to resolve complex technical and operational issues.
- Maintained quality management systems and ensured compliance with industry regulations.
- Led the highest-performing large business unit within Intertek UK in 2019.
- Successfully maintained multiple national and international accreditations through effective leadership and quality management.
Technical Manager - SGS - Durham
(1994-08 - 2016-02)
Responsible for the day-to-day management of the EMC, Radio and Electrical Safety laboratories, ensuring the efficient delivery of customer projects while maintaining the highest standards of technical quality, operational performance and UKAS compliance. I also acted as UKAS Quality Manager, maintaining the laboratory quality management system and ensuring ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements. In addition, I was responsible for Notified Body and certification activities covering EMC, Radio, Noise and OFGEM, working closely with customers, regulatory bodies and engineering teams to deliver compliant and commercially successful testing and certification services.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the EMC, Radio and Electrical Safety laboratories.
- Led and developed multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technicians.
- Acted as UKAS Quality Manager, maintaining the quality management system and supporting successful accreditation assessments.
- Responsible for Notified Body activities for EMC, Radio, Noise and OFGEM.
- Maintained UKAS accreditation and ensured compliance with national and international standards.
- Managed laboratory resources, workload planning and project delivery to meet customer deadlines.
- Worked closely with customers to resolve technical issues and provide practical compliance solutions.
- Supported commercial teams with quotations, technical proposals and customer presentations.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
- Produced technical reports and management information to support operational decision-making.
- Established SGS UK's first EMC testing capability for television products, leading the specification and procurement of specialist test equipment, developing laboratory procedures, creating test methods and training engineering staff.
- Established SGS UK's first EMC testing capability for lighting products, expanding the laboratory's technical capability and creating a new commercial testing service.
- Led the establishment of VCA automotive EMC testing capabilities, including laboratory design, equipment procurement, development of test procedures, staff training and implementation of automotive compliance testing.
- Successfully maintained UKAS accreditation through external assessments by developing and maintaining robust quality management systems.
- Led and developed multidisciplinary engineering teams across the EMC, Radio and Electrical Safety laboratories, providing technical leadership, mentoring and professional development.
- Managed Notified Body activities for EMC, Radio, Noise, OFGEM and the IECEE CB Scheme, ensuring compliance with UK and international regulatory requirements.
- Delivered technically complex testing and certification programmes for UK and international manufacturers across a wide range of industry sectors.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced laboratory efficiency, technical capability, quality and customer satisfaction.
Education
MSc - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - University of York (1994-06)
BSc (Hons) - Physics - Durham University (1992-06)
A Levels - Wetherby High School (1989)
O Levels - Wetherby High School (1987)