[2] Burgan was born in Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England to Harry (an engineer) and Lilian (a dress maker).

He was educated at Thornbridge Grammar School, leaving with 7 O-levels and 3 A-levels to study pharmacy at the University of Bradford, graduating with a 2:1 in 1973.

After this Burgan was head-hunted to become the Managing Director of Coopers Chemists in 1985 where head gained experience in raising finance and dealing with merchant bankers.

[10] In 2013 Burgan came out of retirement to compete in the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge endurance rally event,[11] with the hope of raising £100,000 for the Prince's Trust.

[13] Burgan's company Maria Mallaband Care Group are supporters of the Make a Dream charity for terminally ill children.