With over twenty five years' experience in innovation, Neil has developed a noted ability to 'get inside' clients' problems. This has included projects from industries as diverse as automotive, aerospace, food, pharmaceutical, medical devices, chemical and the oil industry.
Neil's first introduction to TRIZ was in 1996 and came from being trained in innovation software from Invention Machine Corporation. Prior to this, Neil had completed an automotive biased Mechanical Engineering degree and worked as a design/development engineer - innovating the traditional way, but nonetheless creating a number of patentable solutions. He subsequently joined Invention Machine as a consultant.
Experienced in both training people in the TRIZ philosophy and tools, and in the application of those techniques to create breakthrough solutions, Neil now brings those skills to the Oxford Creativity team. A Chartered Engineer, Neil lives in the Midlands with Helena and their four children. He is a Scout Leader, who also tries to find the time to go sailing or canoeing/kayaking and is a qualified sailing instructor. He enjoys tinkering with old cars, and occasionally troubles the local community by ringing church bells - although more recently his weapon of choice has been a ukulele, which although not as loud as a bell is more portable.
