Success of Morpeth Flag Man whose designs few with NASA
Simon Walker, who owns The Flag Man, a flag-making business based in Morpeth, said the space agency found his company online in the early days of the internet.
He was commissioned to make custom regional flags to be taken aboard a space shuttle mission.
The flags travelled to space and returned with certificates of authenticity.
Simon Walker and Lottie Thompson of Sanderson Arcade (Image: Steve Brock Photography)
Mr Walker said: “Our flags aren’t just about fabric and stitching; they represent heritage, loyalty, and pride.
“Unlike mass-produced flags available online, ours are crafted with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they last for years.”
The Flag Man was established 32 years ago in Longhorsley by Mr Walker’s father, who was inspired by a trip to America where he saw car flags displaying team loyalty.
Starting with custom car flags for football clubs such as Newcastle United and Manchester United, the business expanded into corporate and bespoke flag-making.
Today, The Flag Man specialises in producing ‘high-quality, durable flags’ for businesses, clubs, and organisations.
Some of Mr Walker’s latest commissions have included supplying flags and installing flagpoles for Northumberland County Council, Quorum Business Park and Piramal Pharmaceuticals.
In September 2008, Morpeth was devastated by one of the worst floods in its history.
The River Wansbeck burst its banks, submerging hundreds of homes and businesses, including The Flag Man’s previous premises.
The catastrophic flooding caused immense damage, leaving the town reeling in its aftermath.
While dealing with the painstaking process of restoring his own business, Mr Walker encountered first-hand the challenges of post-flood clean-up.
Frustrated by delays and unsatisfactory workmanship from insurance-appointed contractors, he identified a crucial gap in the market.
Determined to make a difference, he trained in flood restoration and established Anytime Flood Restoration, specialising in professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, with a particular focus on flood recovery.
Recently Clean-Ex carpet and upholstery cleaning was added to the portfolio.
Mr Walker said: “Our cleaning services cater to both domestic and commercial clients.
“After the devastation of the Morpeth floods, I saw how vital it was to have a reliable, high-quality restoration service.
“We work with homeowners, landlords, student accommodations, offices, and even pubs and clubs to restore their carpets and upholstery to pristine condition.”
One of AFR Clean-Ex’s most prestigious achievements is securing the contract to provide cleaning services to the Sanderson Arcade shopping centre in Morpeth.
In addition to maintaining the shopping centre’s ‘pristine condition’, Mr Walker’s company also provides flags for the Arcade.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr Walker said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with The Flag Man and AFR Clean-Ex.
“From crafting flags that symbolise pride and unity to restoring homes and businesses after devastating floods, our work is all about quality and service.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.”