Martin graduated from Edge Hill in 2007 with a BA (Hons) Business with Law degree and secured a graduate position with a Times Top 100 company in Manchester. He stayed there for two years before moving to Bristol to start his own digital marketing business, Search Convert.
After building a career helping businesses grow online, Martin has moved back up North and taken on a new challenge, acquiring and developing an established product business while continuing to run his own digital marketing consultancy.
Martin is the owner and director of Omneco Group, which includes Search Convert Ltd and Diamond Edge Ltd. Based in Formby, Merseyside, he is applying the experience gained through years of digital marketing to developing both businesses.
Martin subsequently acquired Diamond Edge, a professional equipment supplier established in 1919. Now operating from Halsall Business Park near Ormskirk, the business supplies equipment for dog grooming, hairdressing and shaving.
The acquisition marks a new chapter in Martin’s entrepreneurial journey. Rather than concentrating solely on providing services to clients, he is now applying his digital marketing knowledge directly to an established product business.
His responsibilities extend beyond the website and online marketing to include stock, suppliers and the day-to-day running of the business. This combination allows him to put his experience into practice while learning new aspects of business ownership.
Martin believes the lessons he learnt at Edge Hill have helped him navigate the complexities of the acquisition and the challenges that come with taking a business forward.
Martin said: “I definitely called on some of the lessons I learnt at Edge Hill when going through this complicated process.”
His approach to business was shaped by his time at Edge Hill, the Business with Law degree offered the combination he was looking for. He was also encouraged by the personal approach of his lecturers.
Martin explained: “What stood out was the personal interest the tutors took in me. My lecturers knew me by name and were there when I needed advice or support.”
His personal tutor was particularly clear about what he needed to do to achieve the 2:1 he wanted. Martin describes this as a turning point that changed his approach to learning and working towards his goals.
Martin said: “Taking responsibility for my own development was the biggest lesson. I realised that I had to take responsibility, act on advice and put the work in.”
Martin’s university experience extended beyond his degree. He worked in both the Human Resources and Admissions departments gaining valuable experience in an office environment. He also completed a six-week football coaching course, which led to a part-time role coaching an after-school club. Alongside this, he took advantage of a free first aid course and attended a presentation skills workshop.
Martin also remembers the support he received towards the end of his degree, when serious illness left him struggling to complete his exams and dissertation. He credits the University and his tutors with providing the encouragement and support he needed to finish his course.
For students considering their own career paths, Martin encourages them to make the most of the opportunities available at university, seek advice and take responsibility for their development.
Martin’s advice: “You don’t need your whole career mapped out before you start, but you do need to put the effort in and explore what interests you. “I’m grateful for the support I had at Edge Hill and the way it helped me find a career that suited me.”
He also recommends gaining practical experience in areas that interest you, whether through a small project, a blog or other opportunities to demonstrate your skills.
Above all, Martin encourages students to get involved and make the most of their time at university.
Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University.
November 6, 2026
