Myles Bates is the visionary founder of Bates Product Design, bringing a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and medical device design, along with a Master’s in Engineering. With a passion for transforming ideas into market-ready products, Myles specializes in accelerated product development that combines efficiency, creativity, and cost-effectiveness. His expertise spans design, CAD, concept development, and in-house prototyping—empowering startups and businesses to bring their innovations to life. Under his leadership, Bates Product Design has become known for its agile, collaborative, and sustainable approach. Recognized by The Fortune Magazine as one of The Most Innovative Leaders in Engineering and Design Services in 2025, Myles continues to set new standards in the industry.
Inside the Interview
Can you briefly share your professional journey and what inspired you to enter the engineering and design services field?
Bates Product Design Ltd was born from a passion for turning ideas into tangible, meaningful products that improve lives. Our founder, Myles Bates, began as a mechanical engineer with a deep curiosity about how everyday objects are made. After gaining experience across industries—from medical devices to consumer electronics—he noticed a recurring problem: many brilliant product ideas from startups and small businesses never reached the market. The prohibitive cost of design services, coupled with inflexible, cookie-cutter agency models, made it difficult for SMEs to move forward. Myles saw an opportunity to do things differently. By offering a flexible, collaborative model—supported by a network of trusted experts without the overheads of a large agency—Bates Product Design was created to make high-quality design accessible and tailored to each unique project.
What do you believe sets your organization apart in terms of innovation and client impact?
At Bates Product Design, we don’t just design products—we design partnerships. Our client-centred approach sets us apart. We work hand-in-hand with inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses to truly understand their vision and constraints. This collaborative spirit allows us to offer an agile, transparent, and emotionally intelligent development process. We invest heavily in prototyping and micro-manufacturing capabilities in-house, giving our clients rapid, cost-effective iterations that accelerate development and reduce risk. Our innovation isn’t limited to flashy tech—it’s about solving problems creatively, efficiently, and with lasting impact for our clients.
How do you stay ahead of technological trends and integrate them into your services or solutions?
Staying ahead of the curve is part of our DNA. We actively invest in emerging technologies, including high-speed 3D printing, micro-injection moulding, and digital simulation tools. Our team regularly participates in industry events, webinars, and technology showcases to ensure we’re not only aware of trends but ready to implement them effectively. By integrating these technologies into our workflow—such as using AI-assisted CAD tools or automating parts of our prototyping process—we improve speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency for our clients.
What has been one of your most challenging projects, and how did you overcome it?
One of our most rewarding and challenging projects to date has been the development of Tidelight, a sustainably designed, UK-made ambient light. The vision was ambitious: design and manufacture the entire product within the UK using local suppliers and eco-friendly materials. We collaborated closely with trusted partners—including PCB manufacturers, traditional wood turners, and 3D printing experts—to develop the product. Every detail was thoughtfully sourced and tested locally, ensuring the design stayed true to its sustainable ethos. Thanks to this collaborative, community-driven approach, Tidelight successfully raised over £22,000 in pre-sales and is now available for pre-order at tidelight.co.uk. It’s a testament to what’s possible when sustainability and local innovation are at the heart of product development.
Sustainability and efficiency are key concerns today. How do your engineering/design solutions address these issues?
We embed sustainability into every phase of our development process. From material selection to manufacturing methods, we prioritise solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. We often guide our clients towards using recycled or recyclable materials and design for disassembly where possible, allowing for easier repair or recycling. Efficiency is also key—optimising part counts, simplifying geometries, and choosing local manufacturing options help us cut down lead times and reduce the carbon footprint of our designs. We also collaborate with several environmentally focused manufacturers who help thrive at brining our environmentally friendly products to life.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and creativity within your team or organization?
Our team thrives on openness, experimentation, and continuous learning. We encourage all team members, regardless of role, to contribute ideas and explore new approaches. Regular design sprints, collaborative sketching sessions, and technology demos keep our creative energy flowing. We’ve built a psychologically safe environment where ‘failing fast’ is seen as a valuable step in the innovation process. This culture allows us to maintain a high level of engagement and creativity across everything we do.
In what ways have client demands evolved over the past few years, and how have you adapted to meet them?
Clients today are more design-aware and environmentally conscious. There’s growing demand for end-to-end support, from idea validation to full-scale production. Many are asking for sustainable materials, rapid development, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. Crucially, we’ve seen an increase in clients wanting UK-based design and manufacturing. In response, we’ve built strong partnerships with local manufacturers to streamline development. This allows us to test products live on-site, shorten production lead times, and ensure a seamless transition from prototype to market—all while supporting local industry and reducing environmental impact.
What emerging trends or technologies do you believe will significantly impact engineering and design services in the next five years?
We anticipate that AI-assisted design tools, generative design, and digital twins will become standard in the industry. These technologies allow for faster iteration, performance forecasting, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the growth of decentralised, small-batch, and on-demand manufacturing will revolutionise product development for startups and SMEs. The integration of emotional and behavioural insights into design will also continue to gain traction, helping brands deliver more human-centred, emotionally resonant products.
What advice would you give to future engineers and design leaders who aspire to lead with innovation and integrity?
Stay curious, stay humble, and always listen—especially to the people who will use your products. Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about empathy, practicality, and impact. Integrity means being honest about what’s feasible, guiding clients with care, and making decisions that benefit both people and the planet. Surround yourself with diverse voices, embrace iterative learning, and don’t be afraid to challenge convention. Real leadership in design means being bold enough to do things differently—and kind enough to bring others along with you.
- 📌 Visit Myles Bates 👉 – LinkedIn Profile
- 🌐 Explore Bates Product Design👉 – Company Website
