31/07/2019
Biography
Martyn Allen picked up his first house brick at the tender age of 6 when he did what most little boys do at that age; copy their father. At that time the family had moved into a Victorian property in need of full renovation and as Martyn’s father worked tirelessly on each of the rooms, so Martyn followed with his miniature plastic toolkit. Watching, learning and “helping” as only 6 year olds do.
Years later in 1987, and with 3 generations fully entrenched within all aspects of the building industry, it was no surprise that Martyn started life as an apprentice bricklayer, working for a large firm. It was here he learnt old school methodologies and proudly completed his apprenticeship with a plethora of distinctions and The Golden Trowel Award for construction.
The firm covered multiple aspects of the building trade with Martyn gaining experience on alterations, extensions and new builds. And if there was ever a man short, Martyn would be invited to assist and quickly become equally proficient in both Carpentry and Plastering. His skills were perfect for the companies’ renovation work and Martyn found himself working on specialist buildings such as Rectories and those with Grade 1 status.
After a few years, Martyn had built up a large personal portfolio of new builds, extensions and renovations and moved companies to become Site Manager running multiple sites, both Residential and Commercial. Having had a taste of the management position and although he was good at it, Martyn’s heart was on the tools, so in 2008 he set up on his own as a self-employed builder.
His multi-traded abilities are a blessing to any project as is his attention to detail, which is second to none, earning him a reputation for high-end kitchen and bathroom installations. In fact the only jobs Martyn won’t undertake are shortcuts, bodges and working with people who don’t know what they’re doing.
Forty years later from picking up his first brick and Martyn now owns his own Victorian Property in need of renovation. Built in the 1860’s and with listed status in a conservation area, its idiosyncrasies probably earn its title of “his most challenging project to date”. That and the fact he shares it with a member of the opposite s*x, and he’s still studying that manual!
