Andy completed his MSc under a Special Training Award at the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyons. His first post, under the mentorship of Sheila Bird (MRC Biostatistics Unit), was a national cohort study of corneal transplant outcome based at the UK Transplant Service in Bristol. This was followed by seven years at the University of Leeds Institute of Epidemiology & Health Services Research, where he developed a portfolio of collaborative research in gynaecology, obstetrics & midwifery.
In 1999 Andy crossed the Pennines to join Graham Dunn's Biostatistics Group. He developed and expanded a statistical team at Salford Royal using funding raised through successful research bids. His research collaborations have focused on clinical neuroscience, and stroke in particular.