Allen Jackson first entered a signal box at the age of six and that fascination has lasted until the present day. He joined the Royal Air Force as an apprentice and worked for some years on Cold War aircraft. He later qualified as a teacher and taught Maths, Physics and Mechanical Engineering Science at an apprentice training school. Later, in industry, he taught bespoke computer systems all over the world. In 2004 he established his own business, supporting UK fire and rescue services' 999 computer systems.