Martin and his wife Jo moved to Whitley in 2013 being the perfect mid-point between their family homes near Bath and Chippenham.
Their two children have since progressed through the Reading Rooms Toddler Group, Beeches Pre-School, and Shaw Primary School.
Having worked from home on occasion in the past, and far more frequently in recent times, he has strengthened his view that a local shop and community hub are essential parts of village life.
Outside of work Martin can often be seen running or cycling the lanes and trails around the village, although he says this is mainly to justify indulgence at the Pear Tree rather than for the enjoyment of keeping fit