Young, who was 37, was injured in an incident involving a forklift truck at Precision North’s Sunderland factory on 17 February. He was taken to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary following the accident but died of his injuries.

In a statement released last Friday (24 February), Peeling described Young as a “true innovator”.

Young founded First2Print in 2010, which was acquired by Peeling’s Precision Printing in 2014 after the two met at a Dscoop event in the early part of that year.  

“Martyn was highly admired among the business community in the North East, which has been rocked by this sudden loss,” said Peeling.

“Always happy to step up and help anyone, he understood more than anyone that what you put into things is what you get out of them.

“His impact was not just local, on Tuesday the news spread throughout the industry. A print business as far as Sydney, Australia, stopped its operations for a moment as the director shared this unforeseen news with the team.

“His family and colleagues have been overwhelmed by the support from customers, suppliers and equipment manufacturers, all of whom identified the unique passion and enthusiasm which Martyn conducted himself with.”

Peeling concluded: “In 2014 Martyn picked up the phone and I gained a brilliant new business partner. In 2017 I lost a brother. I think that says it all…”

Young’s funeral will take place on Thursday 2 March at St Cuthbert’s Church, North Road, Durham, DN1 4NH at 2.15pm. Refreshments will then be available from 3.30pm at the Sunderland Stadium of Light (Business Lounge).

A JustGiving page has been created in Young’s memory, with donations going to ARC Adoption, Foundation of Light and Great North Air Ambulance Service. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martynyoung.