Martyn Hobbs: "We pride ourselves on being able to source just about any autograph in the world.”
Published: April 30, 2021 | Updated: 1st May 2021
Perhaps it’s a 2019 Masters Golf flag signed by Tiger Woods…
…or an autographed boot from footballer Lionel Messi?
Politics more your bag?
Then how about the only complete set of signatures in the world from every British Prime Minister from 1721 to 2020, valued at more than £100,000?
They’re just three of the items of rare memorabilia offered by Martyn Hobbs, Founder and Managing Director of Bournemouth-based LUSSO.
The 34-year-old has partnered with his uncle, Hamilton Bland, who has been dealing in memorabilia for more than two decades.
It means Martyn has access to some of the world’s most sought-after items, hand signed by the planet’s biggest names.
“We pride ourselves on being able to source just about any autograph in the world,” he said.
The key to his confident assertion is Hamilton.
At one time he was the Founder, Chairman and major shareholder of Europe’s largest memorabilia retailer with 19 stores and a turnover of £5m per annum.
He subsequently founded – and then sold – Autographs of the World.
Eight years ago Hamilton secured a business deal worth an estimated £4.2m with former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, pictured left with Hamilton.
He was appointed sole worldwide agent to market items of limited edition memorabilia signed by the cricketing legend marking his 100th international century, including bats and platinum prints.
These days Hamilton – who was known as the ‘Voice of Swimming’ for 23 years while a swimming commentator for the BBC – owns and operates Rare Memorabilia.
Clients include the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Chelsea Football Club.
“He has the most amazing contacts all over the world and can secure hand signed memorabilia which cannot be found anywhere else,” said Martyn.
“It means I can provide my clients with exclusive access and rates to the most incredible items of memorabilia, not just in sport but also music, film, history and art.
“The service has already been a huge success with our clients.
“Hand signed NBA (National Basketball Association) jerseys sourced from our networks in the United States have been extremely popular.
“Other purchases which have been popular include hand signed shirts and boots from global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé, Diego Maradona and an extremely rare painting detailing George Best’s life, hand signed by the man himself [pictured left].
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support so far and have received requests for gifts to surprise loved ones on special occasions.
“They’ve ranged from parents wanting to surprise their children with their favourite players and athletes to those whose partners have been obsessed with the Kardashians.
“These really are unique and luxury gifts that will create memories which last a lifetime.”
The memorabilia, which can cost from £250 upwards, is accompanied by definitively worded Certificates of Authenticity (COAs).
They include unique reference numbers which provides the origin and provenance of the particular item.
Martyn, who attended Winton Boy’s School and then studied Media Studies and IT at Bournemouth & Poole College, is well-known on the resort’s nightclub scene.
He was District Sales Manager at The Lost Paradise Bar having been initially bitten by the sales and marketing bug while working in Greece.
He landed his job with Benjamin Reynolds, Owner of The Lost Paradise, after badgering him for work week after week.
Martyn said: “He used to work on the door and every time I’d say: ‘You need to employ me.’
“Eventually he asked me to organise a gig for him.
“I managed to get 250 to 300 people along and he obviously thought it was worth taking me on.”
For the next ten years Martyn worked alongside Benjamin, managing sales across all events.
Then came Covid.
He said: “It destroyed everything we did.
“I wasn’t entitled to any grants or furlough so it was a case of surviving on Universal Credit.”
But Martyn’s work over the years involved looking after footballers and other high net worth individuals.
And it gave him the idea of launching LUSSO, Italian for luxury and described as an exclusive global luxury concierge and lifestyle management service.
Services offered include:
…and last, but by no means least, rare memorabilia.
Martyn said: “We work with luxury brands across the world to provide a concierge service and have boxes at pretty much every venue in the U.K. available for hire.
“Obviously the pandemic has put paid to that for the time being, giving me the opportunity to really concentrate on the rare memorabilia side.”
Martyn’s future plans include bringing a number of auction events, both charity and sporting, to Bournemouth later this year.
Talks are underway with some of the town’s most successful entrepreneurs and business owners.
Once again Hamilton will be key.
He’s the Owner and MD of Charity Fundraising Auctions which assists charities and other good causes to raise additional funds by staging silent and live auctions.
Children’s charity the NSPCC and Chelsea Football Club are among his auction clients.
As for the rare memorabilia, Martyn said: “Seeing the reaction of people when they secure something rare and unique is amazing.
“It’s very rewarding and satisfying.
“We’re very busy and can I only see things getting busier.”
