Mark Vallins grew up in Saltash, Cornwall and was educated at Devonport High School for Boys in Plymouth, Devon.

He is educated to a post-graduate level and has an academic background in both physics and engineering. He currently works as an engineer and has worked on a number of large projects in both the defence and oil and gas sectors.

His interests include travelling, sailing and taking the family dog 'Clay' out for long walks in an attempt to tire him.