Now the largest fishing retailer in the UK, Angling Direct was originally set up by Martyn Page (seen above) and William Hill when they purchased their first fishing store in Wroxham in 1986.
Company Chairman and co-founder, Martyn Page CTA, TEP is generally regarded as the visionary behind Angling Direct’s culture and strategy. As a keen and successful fisherman he wanted to provide a modern and more experiential retail offering to the angling community and this purpose coupled with both his and his fellow co founder, William Hill’s, professional experience have guided the company from start up to floatation on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
Martyn is and William was, until he retired this year, a partner with M+A Partners, Norfolk Accountants and Business advisers.
“Apart from my desire to improve and inspire the angling lifestyle, William and I could see a commercial opportunity and we were keen to roll up our sleeves and experience the real problems and challenges faced by businesses both daily and as they grow. M+A Partners advises businesses from owner managed start ups to multi-million pound plus groups on growth, strategy, taxation, succession etc. Whilst I strongly believe that professional advisers generally have excellent technical knowledge, the added practical experience of running and growing ones own business is invaluable to our clients; I think clients regard me as different to the usual accountant and see me more of their entrepreneurial adviser.” Said Martyn
