Martin was born in Manchester of an English mother and German father. After leaving secondary school at 14 he became an apprentice with a local engineering company. After ′serving his time′ for six years he became a toolroom fitter, but not long thereafter was promoted to become a draughtsman. He continued with night-school studies, eventually achieving the status of Chartered Engineer.

From his late teens on, Martin had an interest in politics. He joined the youth movement of a now almost extinct political party and has been involved in politics to varying extents in the different places he has lived. This includes having been selected as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Swindon constituency. His first elected position however was as a parish councillor in Yatton, Somerset. He has since served on Old Basing Parish Council and Chineham Parish Council, including a spell as chairman.

Martin has always had a keen interest in environmental, transport and international issues and has belonged to several bodies in those arenas. He has, however, always been particularly committed to community issues and this is thought to have played a big part in him being elected to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.