Martin, a barrister in private practice, began his life in Tower Hamlets studying at Queen Mary College in 1977 where he was a law undergraduate finally moving to Cubitt Town in 1987. He served as a local councillor for the former Millwall Ward between 1994 and 2002 and chose to continue active involvement with a number of local voluntary organisations and charities, including Docklands Sailing Centre Trust. Ensuring access to sport and leisure for all in the community at a properly run, a well-funded DSWC continues to motivate Martin in his work for the Trust.