Martin’s story begins with his return to the UK from Singapore at just eight years old. Sent back while his father served in the Royal Navy, he embarked on boarding life at Colston’s. While leaving home at such a young age posed challenges for many, Martin thrived in the inclusive and communal environment of Mortlake House.

“I think it was the ‘inclusiveness’ and feeling part of a group or club that I enjoyed”

These formative years helped forge a sense of loyalty and a natural ability to connect with others, qualities that would later shape his success in both his career and personal pursuits.

Reflecting on his decade at Colston’s, Martin fondly remembers friendships formed on the sports field. Names like Boyan Wells, John Uwins, and Richard and Roger Bartlett come to mind. However, it was the unbeatable hockey team under the guidance of Charles Thresher and the rugby camaraderie that stood out most. After school, Martin continued to play rugby for Stevenage and St Albans before transitioning to refereeing with the East Midland Referees Society. A move to Sardinia even saw him managing and coaching a rugby team for the Federation of Italian Rugby. Back in the UK, his love of sports translated into tennis, where he became a Level 2 instructor and served as Chairman of his local club.

While sports played a significant role, Martin’s passion for music became the defining theme of his professional journey. His career began with a role at Rose Morris, where his talent for sales quickly caught the eye of Casio Electronics. Joining during the 1980s boom of electronic keyboards, Martin helped cement Casio’s position as the UK’s largest musical instrument company.

Martin’s most notable achievements, however, came with Fender. Starting as European Sales Manager, his exceptional ability to connect with people and innovate distribution systems propelled him to the role of Managing Director. Under his leadership, Fender Europe became the company’s most profitable division. Reflecting on this period, Martin says, “Each employee in my office had a guitar that they could play at any time, so I also had a happy workforce.” His belief in nurturing creativity and fostering a sense of community made Fender a truly special place to work.

Among the many highlights of his career, organizing the 50th Anniversary Fender Stratocaster concert at Wembley Arena stands out as a crowning moment. Featuring legends like Brian May, David Gilmour, and Ronnie Wood, the event raised over £350,000 for Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy for children.

“Bringing together icons across generations was pure magic.”

The concert, which reached number one in the video charts, remains a shining example of his ability to unite people through music.

Parallel to his commercial success, Martin’s personal musical journey flourished. A guitarist since the age of 15, he played in numerous bands, including Men on Fire, which was signed to Atlantic Records in New York. With a style reminiscent of Go West, the band was produced by legendary producers Arif and Joe Mardin. Later, Martin opened a studio in Devon, where he produced and recorded music for local bands, gaining deep technical knowledge of sound and recording. Today, he continues to write and record music for film and television in his home studio, blending decades of experience with creative passion.

As Martin reflects on his life, he credits Colston’s School not only for its academic education but for teaching him invaluable social skills. This ability to understand, motivate, and communicate with people became the cornerstone of his success in music, business, and sports coaching.

From the sports fields of Colston’s to the stages of Wembley Arena, Martin’s life is a story of perseverance, connection, and a deep love for music. His journey, shaped by the values of his school days, stands as an inspiring reminder to alumni and current students alike of how far dedication and passion can take you.