Stephen qualified from Royal Veterinary College, London in March 1979 and has nearly 40 years experience in poultry medicine and production. Following an early career in practice and the then State Veterinary Service, he set up Crowshall Veterinary Services with Claire Knott in 1995.
He is a Foundation Diplomate and Vice President of the European College of Poultry Veterinary Science and an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Poultry Medicine and Production.
He is Past President of the British Veterinary Poultry Association, the EU Poultry Veterinary Study Group and the Turkey Club of Great Britain. He is a member of a number of ad hoc advisory committees in relation to poultry welfare and notifiable disease. He has also served on the Farm Animal Welfare Council, British Veterinary Association Council, VMD Veterinary Residues Committee and Veterinary Products Committee.