Aycliffe Business founder Martin Walker in his beloved hometown.
A mini history lesson on the beginnings of Aycliffe Business and its founder Martin Walker
BACKGROUND
Martin Walker brings a wealth of media, communications and business experience to his role as founder-director of Mantis Media, publishers of Aycliffe Business magazine.
A skilled journalist and public relations professional, Martin’ s early career included key roles in sports communications, including time with both Middlesbrough Football Club and Sunderland AFC.
His work within top-level football gave him invaluable experience in managing highpressure communications and navigating the demands of fans, the media and stakeholders.
After stepping away from the football world, Martin turned his attention to business journalism and community engagement.
He founded Aycliffe Today – a local online news platform for Newton Aycliffe and its surrounding areas – in January 2012, followed by the launch of Aycliffe Business in November the same year.
His work with Aycliffe Business and Aycliffe Business Park Community, spending six years
Aycliffe Business magazine – first launched in November 2012 Tees Business – launched in March 2015 as an ABPC director up to May 2023, has been particularly impactful, helping to promote and support the North-East’ s largest business park through regular magazines, events and digital media.
His understanding of what makes a business community thrive has made him a respected voice not only in Aycliffe but across the wider region.
In 2015, Martin joined forces with Dave Allan to launch Tees Business.
Together, they have grown it into the leading business publication for the Tees Valley, producing high-quality magazines, and running professional networking events and hugely-popular awards events that bring the region’ s business community together.
£ 400,000 +
The amount invested in freelance writers, photographers, designers and filmmakers since 2015.
Tees Business celebrated 10 years of‘ Talking Up Teesside’ in March 2025. Their impact on the Tees region includes promoting more than 1,200 businesses in print and online and raising more than £ 50,000 for local charities. They have also employed the services of local suppliers, investing more than £ 400,000 in freelance writers, photographers, designers and filmmakers over the last decade.
Martin oversees operations, advertising and commercial growth, ensuring the brand
Martin Walker and Dave Allan have now delivered 26 business awards events over the last eight years. They’ re pictured here with the late, great Jane Turner OBE at the 2018 Tees Businesswomen Awards.
£ 52,000
Raised for local charities
continues to develop in a fast-changing media landscape.
Known for his energy, creativity and deep-rooted passion for the region, Martin continues to play a key role in highlighting business success across County Durham and Teesside.
His ability to connect with people and champion local enterprise is central to the ongoing growth of the Aycliffe Business and Tees Business brands.
1,200
Businesses promoted in 10 years
34 | Aycliffe Business