Derek Liddle,

Founding Director

 
 

Derek is an experienced engineer and technical leader, expert in new product development, particularly in the field of sensors and secure connected products. With three decades of experience, Derek has held leadership positions in renowned companies such as Honeywell and Zumtobel, where he successfully introduced portfolios of new products across global manufacturing sites using lean product development and design for six sigma methodologies. 

  

Derek is a pragmatic and strategic thinker who is passionate about supporting development teams with best practices and mentoring, enabling them to create successful new products in a fast and effective manner. Some career highlights include: 

  

  • Creating the ALIS Sense and ALIS barn lamp, enhancing their robustness and suitability for use in agriculture, while establishing a cost-effective supply chain through China.  

  • Conceiving the IoT Demo Centre at CENSIS, where Derek recruited a technical team to support innovative companies on their new product journey. He also established project management practices for TRL3-TRL7 sponsored projects.  

  • Introducing lean product development and agile practices at Thorn Lighting, facilitating culture change during their rapid transition from fluorescent to LED lighting.   

  • Implementing lean manufacturing practices, sustaining profitable growth throughout the 2008 recession.  

  

Derek has a proven track record of introducing groundbreaking new products, including but not limited to: 

  •  Worlds only inductively powered agricultural light & sensor  

  • 1st Digital Humidity Sensor Platform  

  • 1st Environment Agency approved digital river / borehole sensor  

  • 1st Mobile Phone with Integrated, LiPol Battery - T65  

  • 1st Bluetooth headset in the UK  

  • 1st CANOpen, Engine Test Bed Sensor  

 

Invent Design Build, is driven by the mission to  

 

"Create sustainable, smart, manufacturable products that simply work and are easy to use. Supporting manufacturers with creative innovation and reliable development execution during their product development journey." 

  

Overall, Derek's extensive experience, leadership skills, and innovation-driven approach make him an invaluable asset in driving successful new product development initiatives.