Flagman News

Entrepreneur Flags Two Businesses Helping to Keep Region Flying High and Spotless

Mar 10, 2025 – Original Article Highlights PR

Simon Walker, a dedicated businessman with a passion for craftsmanship, cleanliness and quality, is the owner of two successful enterprises: The Flag Man, a flag-making business based in Morpeth, and Clean-Ex, a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning company operating in Newcastle and covering the whole of the North East.

The Flag Man was established 32 years ago in Longhorsley by Simon’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 local organisations.

“Our flags aren’t just about fabric and stitching; they represent heritage, loyalty, and pride,” says Simon. “Unlike mass-produced flags available online, ours are crafted with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they last for years.”

One of The Flag Man’s most prestigious projects was for NASA. In the early days of the internet, NASA found The Flag Man online and commissioned custom regional flags to be taken aboard a space shuttle mission. These flags travelled to space and returned with certificates of authenticity—an incredible milestone for the small Morpeth business. Some of Simon’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. For many, recovery was slow, hindered by inefficient insurance processes and poor restoration efforts.

While dealing with the painstaking process of restoring his own business, Simon encountered at 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 & Upholstery Cleaning was added to the portfolio.

“Our cleaning services cater to both domestic and commercial clients,” explains Simon. “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.”

Simon remains committed to serving the local community. Whether it’s providing top-quality flags for Hotels, Golf Clubs and Local Authorities or ensuring carpets stay spotless in the region’s businesses and homes, his approach is always centred on quality and customer satisfaction. AFR Clean-Ex has since become a trusted name in the North East, helping residents and businesses recover from water damage and maintain clean, hygienic spaces.

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. This high-profile contract reflects the company’s outstanding reputation for excellence and reliability. In addition to maintaining the shopping centre’s pristine condition, Simon’s company also provides high-quality flags for the Arcade, reinforcing its strong community ties and commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on his journey, Simon says, “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.”