Martin Wardle (he/him) is a Director at Robson Laidler, an award-winning accountancy, business advisory and wealth management firm in Newcastle and Durham that operates globally. Martin specialises in helping clients to grow and manage their businesses/portfolios.

He has sat as Branch Chair for the National Landlords Association in the North East, is on the committee of the Gateshead Private Landlords Association and a founding member of North East Landlords, which helps private landlords and property developers to stay up to date with legislation and maximise their returns from property investments.

Martin was inspired to join Newcastle Creates to champion the themes of prosperity and opportunity. He is passionate about countering negative stereotypes about the city, and encouraging young people from low-income backgrounds to achieve their potential.

“I could have easily been a “thick” Geordie. I managed to break away from that trajectory and know many that have. I was fortunate enough to have a few good roles models early in life that inspired me to not just turn up and do a shift but to be inquisitive and open to new things.

“Sport is the major player in the region and we idolise players, often for good reason, but I’d like to reset the conversation and give local kids new idols to inspire them from the business world.”