Derrick Barker BA Hons - Personal Profile
Following a degree in Product Design, I worked in Industry for about 10 years. From 1986 to 1991 working freelance as a Product Design Consultant. In 1991 I formed JMDA (John Martin Design Associates Ltd – (www.jmdadesign.com) and recently transferred the ownership to the management team in March 2023. I was a Midland Export Champion for a couple of years, supporting business with practical exporting advice. I am also a trained mentor and a member of the Association of British Mentors
I spent over 45 years in the design industry, working within R&D for large and small companies in my early career, then 35 years growing an award winning global consultancy JMDA Design (John Martin Design Associates Ltd). With an office in Shanghai and Italy. Winning many awards for business and design, including Queens Award, , Chamber of Commerce, Red Dot and many others.
Since doing an MBO in 2023 I have been mentoring businesses. Sharing my experience in design and innovation, international trade and growing a small business. I have been the mentor for Betaden Incubation Program in Worcestershire. There were four cohorts of about ten founders, through 2024-2025. A variety of business concepts and ideas. I run workshops for the design and innovation process and had 1-1 discussions and reviews with each founder. I also mentor in the Worcestershire County Council Business Support Program, supporting local companies with their growth challenges.
I am a registered mentor on the Enterprise Nation, Help to Grow national business support scheme, supporting various businesses with their challenges.
I take a very practical approach drawn from practical experience. Support and advice will inform choices and decisions so that the business plan outcomes are more successful.
Through support and advice, there is the opportunity to explore all aspects of aims, aspirations and goals. Looking at Risks, Rewards, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Strategies, Sales and Marketing, Securing and Growing business, Facing and Managing difficulties.
Topics include:
- Advice to inventors, investors and SME’s.
- Product development to deliver results.
- International trade and growing markets.
- Scaling up and growing income.
- Manufacturing in China risks and rewards.
- Business Diversification, risks and rewards.
- Terms and conditions of trading.
- Business strategic planning.
- Resources planning.
- Navigating Intellectual Property and protecting your interests.

TESTIMONIALS

Haughton Design (MD)
“Working with Aston University and Mentor Derrick Baker through the Help to Grow scheme has been really useful to the business. Having an external advisor combined with the education/training element of the course has worked well for Haughton Design. We were very lucky to have been aligned with Derrick as his past experience has been a major benefit we weren’t expecting from the course.
Derricks thorough approach and engaging mentoring style, ensured that all the challenges Haughton faced were explored and addressed. We now have a much clearer direction for the future and look forward to implementing the knowledge gained from Derrick and the course.” (2024)
Prime Mix Marketing (Owner)
“Scaling up a business always has its challenges, but Derrick quickly understood what our priorities should be and how to manage our growth in a productive way.
Because Derrick has got so much knowledge and experience from running his own business, he has practical advice that has given Prime Mix Marketing Ltd a real advantage in the marketplace and a clear vision for the future. Derrick has an engaging and relaxed mentoring style, encouraging a natural and open dialogue with good direction and a productive process.
I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending Derrick to a business that is looking to succeed from strategic mentoring.”(2025)
Bottld Ltd (managing Director)
“Bottld was fortunate to get mentoring support from Worcestershire Mentoring Program, to help us develop a route to market with our new technology.

Derrick Barker was appointed as our mentor. His background in the design and manufacturing industry was crucial in understanding our challenges and aspirations.
Having his input was so insightful and significantly helped in being able to step back and see things with more clarity.
His relaxed and open communication style was a major factor in helping to break down the project into manageable steps and for Bottld to establish overall control of the delivery.

Derrick’s vast experience, lateral thinking and friendly approach ensured that Bottld got the most out of the support. He comes highly recommended.”