Hello
Welcome to Strawberry Lane Consulting Limited
The design and innovation consultancy of Patrick Moloney
an award-winning product innovation leader, with a track record of turning bold ideas into market-winning products.
Providing fractional innovation services to help your business move faster, think bigger, and innovate more successfully
Award-winning work and personal achievements
Hi, I'm Patrick.
I'm a prolific innovator behind breakthrough products at Dyson, British American Tobacco, and Costa Coffee (a Coca-Cola company). With over 450 patent families (1,700+ publications) and 20+ years of experience in innovation leadership, I’ve led numerous commercially successful projects across domestic appliances, consumer electronics, FMCG, and food & beverage sectors.
I am proud to be recognised as one of the Top 10 most named inventors in the United Kingdom (Patenting Globally). Credit: https://insights.greyb.com/top-british-inventors/
As a product design and innovation consultant, I step in to offer fractional innovation expertise, transforming bold concepts into market-winning products. I am driven by creating environments where big thinking thrives and bold risks lead to exceptional product delivery. By specialising in consumer-centric design and building robust front-end capabilities, I help clients uncover opportunities in uncharted spaces.
Regardless of the industry, my goal constant: to secure the ‘next big thing’ that meets ambitious growth targets and provides a lasting competitive edge.
Some past successes include:
# Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer
# Dyson Airblade Tap
# Many anchor Dyson floorcare innovations
Awards:
🏆 Numerous International Design Awards
🏆 Awarded British American Tobacco Patent Filing of the Year 2020
🏆 Enterprise Ireland Student Enterprise Award 2004
🏆 Dyson Student Design Award Winner 2004
What I offer
Fractional Innovation & Design Leadership
I deliver fractional strategic, product design, and innovation leadership, giving you access to executive-level expertise without the commitment or cost of a full-time hire. I help accelerate product development, optimise resources, and improve innovation outcomes through practical, tailored solutions that deliver real momentum.
I don’t claim to know your industry better than you do. Instead, I bring a fresh, independent perspective shaped by decades of experience working with start-ups, scale-ups, and global organisations. I integrate seamlessly with your teams and ways of working, while introducing proven tools, processes, and creative approaches that help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Specialisms
- Concept, proposition, product, and service design.
- Product and technology road-mapping
- R and D consulting services
- Technical and creative problem-solving & innovation strategy
- Design, engineering & manufacture strategy (build vs buy)
- Intellectual property: patenting, war gaming, expert witness
- Impartial appraisal & prioritisation
- Technical due diligence for M&A and venturing
- Confidential engagements and scouting on behalf of clients.
What I Bring
- A passion for generating creative, technically sound solutions
- Proven success building and leading front-end innovation teams
- A record of finding opportunities in emerging or competitive markets
- Vast Intellectual Property experience (1700+ publications)
- Deep networks to unlock collaborative value
How I Support Your Business
- End-to-end product development support, from concept through to manufacture
- Identification of market opportunities and emerging commercial risks
- Building and leading high-impact innovation teams and projects
- Creating environments, cultures, and processes that enable innovation
- Facilitating ideation workshops, rapid prototyping, and MVP development
- Testing propositions for desirability, feasibility, and commercial viability
- Bridging technical teams and business stakeholders to drive alignment
- Developing and strengthening IP portfolios to support investment or acquisition
Recent Project Categories
- Food & Beverage
- Domestic Appliances
- FMCG (Tobacco, Nicotine, Cannabis)
- Environmental innovation
- Consumer Electronics
- Fem tech
Let’s explore how I can help your business move faster, think bigger, and innovate more intelligently.
RESEARCH & STRATEGY
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
Helping companies grow & sustain their competitive advantage by answering their toughest questions: What will their future customers likely need or desire?
Strategic innovation
Innovation strategy development & market and competitive analysis.
How will the market evolve, what is likely to remain constant? What emerging trends are likely to impact their current consumer or business models.
Identifying growth opportunities, anticipate change, and unlock new customer experiences.
Many years experience identifying the 'next big thing' from Dyson, BAT & Costa Coffee
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
Over 20 years experience leading the design and engineering of mass manufactured consumer centric products.
Product Design
Extensively experienced in frontend innovation and building MVP or proof of concept products or prototypes.
I can provide either turn-key product development support
or
Provide complementary support to your internal teams or third party partners to efficiently bring products to life.
Accustom to both in-house and outsourced design & engineering, I am well networked and can assist building the dream team
ENGINEERING
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
PROPOSITION & SERVICE DESIGN
Over 20 years experience leading the design and engineering of products from inception to working proof of concepts
Product Engineering
Calling on past experiences to come up with creative solutions to your technical problems. A natural-born problem solver and can transform compelling ideas into reality.
Experience in solving mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electronic challenges to invent new product concepts
Support partner selection
& commercial due diligence
Providing support from concept inception to mass manufacturable solutions
PROPOSITION & SERVICE DESIGN
PROPOSITION & SERVICE DESIGN
PROPOSITION & SERVICE DESIGN
Proposition, service design, and innovation to create meaningful, customer-centric solutions that drive value and differentiation
Customer Proposition Development
Defining a clear value proposition for a new or existing product/service based on customer needs, market insights, and competitive positioning.
New Service Concept Creation Designing entirely new services or business models to tap into emerging markets or customer segments.
Experience Prototyping & Testing Creating mock-ups or pilots of new propositions
Innovation Workshops
Facilitating sessions to generate, refine, and prioritise innovative ideas.
Providing tangible & actionable outcomes of commercial value
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
PROPOSITION & SERVICE DESIGN
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Comprehensive IP experience with over 450 patent families (1700+ publications)
Currently 6th most named inventor in the UK (Patenting Globally).
Intellectual Property Strategy
A systematic approach that to manage and leverage your intellectual property
Wargaming
Navigating third party intellectual property & providing technical solutions in heavily contested spaces.
Expert Witness
Delivering impartial and objective expertise to provide a thoroughly considered, unbiased opinion on specific matters in dispute, based solely on the facts and evidence presented.
TECHNICAL SERVICES
PROPOSITION & SERVICE DESIGN
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Leverage my industry experience to help solve your challenges
Start up Mentoring & Support
helping start-ups to meet their goals & help navigate pitfalls
Organisational Consulting &
Advisory Services
Advising on approach to innovation
Creating an innovative culture.
Supporting organisations with their innovation programmes
Confidential Scouting & Research
A confidential, behind-the-scenes research and technology-scouting service that anonymously explores new technologies, potential partners, and competitive developments on behalf of your organisation
Technical Due Diligence
Supporting M&A, venturing activities
Industry experience
Design Manager New Product Innovation Dyson
Senior Manager Strategic Sciences British American Tobacco
Senior Manager Strategic Sciences British American Tobacco
At Dyson my role was to identify new products and categories to enable the company to meet its ambitious growth targets.
In collaboration with several business functions - my team identified, created and mock up early concepts, vision specifications and product roadmaps - to enable critical assessment of the commercial potential of each p
At Dyson my role was to identify new products and categories to enable the company to meet its ambitious growth targets.
In collaboration with several business functions - my team identified, created and mock up early concepts, vision specifications and product roadmaps - to enable critical assessment of the commercial potential of each proposed new product or category.
Once commercially aligned - to manage the development of these product propositions both in how they look and technically how they work.
One such spin out the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer, widely considered one of the most successful Dyson products.
I am one of the most named inventors at Dyson.
I am either the sole or co-inventor for all fundamental Intellectual property for the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.
I also hold fundamental IP on many key features on the current range of hand dryers and vacuum cleaners.
Notable contributions at Dyson include...
Dyson supersonic hair dryer
The Dyson Airblade tap
ABDB (silenced hand dryer)
The self-righting vacuum cleaner
Shroud / hygienic bin emptying.
Senior Manager Strategic Sciences British American Tobacco
Senior Manager Strategic Sciences British American Tobacco
Senior Manager Strategic Sciences British American Tobacco
Responsible for identification and developing a pipeline of innovation for British American Tobacco's reduced risk product portfolio.
To achieve sustainable competitive advantage through meaningful proposition differentiation and performance superiority in BAT's New category products - (including e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products &
Responsible for identification and developing a pipeline of innovation for British American Tobacco's reduced risk product portfolio.
To achieve sustainable competitive advantage through meaningful proposition differentiation and performance superiority in BAT's New category products - (including e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products & beyond).
The challenge, to define & conceive new product propositions and where necessary qualify technologies that enabled these new to world concepts.
To create both 'works like' & 'looks like' consumer propositions - test them with the target consumer groups and iterate proposition if necessary. Using insights gained to secure stakeholder buy in.
Though a different industry, the challenges were familiar, having worked in a similar capacity during my 10+ years at Dyson.
In role, we pioneered & delivered an array of product concepts & fundamental technology for both THP & vapour products.
Patented in excess of 170+ unique concepts - equating to ~25% of the total BAT group patent fillings at the time.
In the areas of:
Novel nicotine delivery systems
Alternative nascent heating technology
Product intelligence (edge & cloud)
Connectivity & app ecosystems
FMCG & sustainability
Other enablers - THP & vapour systems
🏆 In recognition, received the accolade of Patent filing of the year 2020 at BAT.
Head of Innovation, Technology & Design at Costa Coffee
Senior Manager Strategic Sciences British American Tobacco
Head of Innovation, Technology & Design at Costa Coffee
Responsible for identifying & developing innovations to enable Costa Express to lead the industry and create a defendable sustainable advantage for the company.
The remit, to identification of technologies and innovations that may impact the coffee industry, to define & execute programs to bring technologies & innovations to maturity / r
Responsible for identifying & developing innovations to enable Costa Express to lead the industry and create a defendable sustainable advantage for the company.
The remit, to identification of technologies and innovations that may impact the coffee industry, to define & execute programs to bring technologies & innovations to maturity / readiness to be implemented in new to world or existing legacy equipment.
To aid the selection process, required opportunity sizing, building technology demonstrators, proposition assessment, multi stakeholder engagement – to propose go/no go on concepts beyond initial explorations.
Key responsibilities:
- Concept development & proposition refinement
- Leading development of early-stage concepts including rapid prototype & selection.
- Lead the design, engineering & manufacture strategy - make v buy.
- Open Innovation & assessment of candidates - technologies and partners
- Leading Industrial design activities for the Express platform & nurturing design-led innovation
StrawBerry Lane - Patent news
Top 50 British Inventors with the Most Patents
I’m truly delighted to be named the 6th most prolific UK-based inventors filing patents globally (between 01-2020 and 2025). It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most forward-thinking and innovative companies, that not only value new ideas but also recognise the importance of protecting them through patents.
Sept 2025
Innovation & Intellectual property
Dyson & British American Tobacco
I have extensive Intellectual Property experience, and whilst many of my past projects have been brought to market, many more are either still in development or waiting for the right conditions for the proposition to be commercially successful. Including (not limited to) consumer readiness, technology readiness, manufacture & scalability, profitability, perceived value, strategic alignment, support from stakeholders, risk propensity, category dynamics, market & regulatory pull factors.
Much or my work remains confidential - to get a flavour of some of my experience, please check out some of my patent filings.
Please visit https://worldwide.espacenet.com/
For published Dyson related patents
-search with the following general terms - "Dyson Technology Moloney"
For published British American Tobacco patents
-search with the following general terms - "British American Tobacco Moloney"
-search with the following general terms - "Nicoventures Moloney"
LinkedIn Recommendations
" Patrick is an inspiring innovator, so much passion and creativity, a force multiplier in discovering new business opportunities. He’s highly collaborative and thinks beyond point solutions towards full innovation ecosystems. His technical and consumer curiosity makes the world of innovation fun to be in! "
"Patrick is an exceptional individual whose intellectual sharpness, coupled with his remarkable empathy and outstanding design thinking, made him an invaluable colleague. Patrick’s ability to dissect complex problems with precision and clarity is truly impressive. His intellectual rigor ensured that every project he touched was approached with a strategic and analytical mindset, consistently delivering insightful solutions. Yet, what sets Patrick apart is his unusual empathy—an ability to deeply understand and connect with the needs of both colleagues and customers. This rare combination allowed him to create solutions that were not only technically sound but also deeply human-centered. His design thinking skills are equally noteworthy. Patrick has a natural talent for synthesizing ideas, iterating creatively, and crafting intuitive, impactful designs."
" Patrick is a delight to work with for a patent attorney! His energy, technical knowledge, passion to find solutions (and more solutions) to technical problems combined with the ability to express these solutions clearly makes him a strong serial innovator. His out of the box thinking is much appreciated by those seeking improvement. Looking forward to seeing his contributions to further innovations. "
September 2021
Sharon Godall
Senior Vice President R&D
British American Tobacco
" Patrick is a delight to work with for a patent attorney! His energy, technical knowledge, passion to find solutions (and more solutions) to technical problems combined with the ability to express these solutions clearly makes him a strong serial innovator. His out of the box thinking is much appreciated by those seeking improvement. Looking forward to seeing his contributions to further innovations. "
"Patrick is an exceptional individual whose intellectual sharpness, coupled with his remarkable empathy and outstanding design thinking, made him an invaluable colleague. Patrick’s ability to dissect complex problems with precision and clarity is truly impressive. His intellectual rigor ensured that every project he touched was approached with a strategic and analytical mindset, consistently delivering insightful solutions. Yet, what sets Patrick apart is his unusual empathy—an ability to deeply understand and connect with the needs of both colleagues and customers. This rare combination allowed him to create solutions that were not only technically sound but also deeply human-centered. His design thinking skills are equally noteworthy. Patrick has a natural talent for synthesizing ideas, iterating creatively, and crafting intuitive, impactful designs."
" Patrick is a delight to work with for a patent attorney! His energy, technical knowledge, passion to find solutions (and more solutions) to technical problems combined with the ability to express these solutions clearly makes him a strong serial innovator. His out of the box thinking is much appreciated by those seeking improvement. Looking forward to seeing his contributions to further innovations. "
July 2021
Gulben Karlidag
Senior Counsel Patents
British American Tobacco
"Patrick is an exceptional individual whose intellectual sharpness, coupled with his remarkable empathy and outstanding design thinking, made him an invaluable colleague. Patrick’s ability to dissect complex problems with precision and clarity is truly impressive. His intellectual rigor ensured that every project he touched was approached with a strategic and analytical mindset, consistently delivering insightful solutions. Yet, what sets Patrick apart is his unusual empathy—an ability to deeply understand and connect with the needs of both colleagues and customers. This rare combination allowed him to create solutions that were not only technically sound but also deeply human-centered. His design thinking skills are equally noteworthy. Patrick has a natural talent for synthesizing ideas, iterating creatively, and crafting intuitive, impactful designs."
"Patrick is an exceptional individual whose intellectual sharpness, coupled with his remarkable empathy and outstanding design thinking, made him an invaluable colleague. Patrick’s ability to dissect complex problems with precision and clarity is truly impressive. His intellectual rigor ensured that every project he touched was approached with a strategic and analytical mindset, consistently delivering insightful solutions. Yet, what sets Patrick apart is his unusual empathy—an ability to deeply understand and connect with the needs of both colleagues and customers. This rare combination allowed him to create solutions that were not only technically sound but also deeply human-centered. His design thinking skills are equally noteworthy. Patrick has a natural talent for synthesizing ideas, iterating creatively, and crafting intuitive, impactful designs."
"Patrick is an exceptional individual whose intellectual sharpness, coupled with his remarkable empathy and outstanding design thinking, made him an invaluable colleague. Patrick’s ability to dissect complex problems with precision and clarity is truly impressive. His intellectual rigor ensured that every project he touched was approached with a strategic and analytical mindset, consistently delivering insightful solutions. Yet, what sets Patrick apart is his unusual empathy—an ability to deeply understand and connect with the needs of both colleagues and customers. This rare combination allowed him to create solutions that were not only technically sound but also deeply human-centered. His design thinking skills are equally noteworthy. Patrick has a natural talent for synthesizing ideas, iterating creatively, and crafting intuitive, impactful designs."
July 2025
Marco Magatti
Director of Innovation
Costa Coffee
(part of the Coca-Cola company)
" I had the pleasure of working with Patrick on dozens of innovative new products over there last five years. He is one of the few people to have the vision to keep pushing the boundaries of technology. He has a fantastic ability to express deeply technical concepts and requirements with ease and routinely absorbs and comprehends the subtleties and nuances of an incredibly broad range of technical topics. In short he's a joy to work with! "
"Patrick is an exceptional individual whose intellectual sharpness, coupled with his remarkable empathy and outstanding design thinking, made him an invaluable colleague. Patrick’s ability to dissect complex problems with precision and clarity is truly impressive. His intellectual rigor ensured that every project he touched was approached with a strategic and analytical mindset, consistently delivering insightful solutions. Yet, what sets Patrick apart is his unusual empathy—an ability to deeply understand and connect with the needs of both colleagues and customers. This rare combination allowed him to create solutions that were not only technically sound but also deeply human-centered. His design thinking skills are equally noteworthy. Patrick has a natural talent for synthesizing ideas, iterating creatively, and crafting intuitive, impactful designs."
May 2021
Adam Collins
Associate Principal
Crux Product Design
" Patrick is an imaginative, stimulating and invariably creative thinker who brings his considerable engineering and technical skills to bear in identifying new ways of meeting consumer needs. He is also an extremely engaging and congenial individual spending time with whom is always a pleasure. He is untiringly in constant search of the “next best thing” in all the categories he has worked in unconstrained by the shibboleths of convention. But more importantly, there is absolutely no distinction between the thoroughly decent human being he is and his professional expertise."
" Patrick is an imaginative, stimulating and invariably creative thinker who brings his considerable engineering and technical skills to bear in identifying new ways of meeting consumer needs. He is also an extremely engaging and congenial individual spending time with whom is always a pleasure. He is untiringly in constant search of the “next best thing” in all the categories he has worked in unconstrained by the shibboleths of convention. But more importantly, there is absolutely no distinction between the thoroughly decent human being he is and his professional expertise."
September 2024
Ian Callow
Consumer Insight Specialist
Polyphony Consulting Limited
