Derek spent a number of years working in the Software and Telecommunications industries, asking searching questions and being told 'that's the way we have always done things around here'.

Not satisfied with the answers, Derek created his unique innovation model that allows direct innovation potential measurement and encourages a holistic approach to Innovation.

Derek actively champions the use of creativity as a serious business tool to allow companies to realise their full potential and create the products and services that their customers want. His work encompasses speaking, consultancy, project management, idea generation, creativity workshops and facilitating continuous innovation.

Derek is the author of Creativity In Action, a handy reference guide to using Creativity in organisations of all sizes. One of his papers has been published by the ICFAI University Press in India as part of a reference book Ideas, Creativity and Innovation. He has also written a manifesto for the Change This organisation entitled 'Slow Innovation – a savoury way to success'. Derek's article on predicting the future 'Predicting the future and focusing your innovation program' was also published in October 2008 in the Asia Pacific Tech Monitor, a United Nations online journal. His articles appear both online and in diverse places such as the Hindustan Times and the Malawi Guardian.

Derek is a member of the mastermind group for the Design Interaction course at the Royal College of Art and Design in The Hague, speaking at their inaugural 2007 Mastermundo event and recently took part in the CNBC programme The Business of Innovation. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Social Innovation Creativity and Change and a Fellow of the RSA.

In 2009, Derek spoke at the British Council's Management Express forum in Malawi and his Creative Leadership programme was selected as the basis of their MEX Platinum programme for senior executives and politicians.

More recently Derek was appointed a visiting Professor at VIT University Business School, Chennai, India and he is also an award-winning radio presenter with his own weekly show on Iman FM, a Sheffield based radio station.

Derek is also a Launchpad Business Mentor, helping small businesses and start-ups within the Sheffield City Region.

Organisations in sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, local authorities and 'not for profit' have chosen Derek to help them with their Innovation projects.