Richard Hall

Richard is the founder of Pd-m, responsible for strategy, business growth and delivering exceptional service to clients.

Richard Hall, Founder and CEO of Pd-m

He began his career at 16 as an Engineering Apprentice with Rolls-Royce Plc (Aerospace), achieving an ONC and HNC in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering before completing a Degree in Industrial Design.

Richard’s industry experience involved leading design, manufacturing, quality and regulatory activities across the UK, Europe, the US and China.

In 2005, Richard founded Pd-m in response to a clear market gap for an end-to-end consultancy capable of taking ideas from early-stage research through to manufacture.

Richard holds an MSc in Leadership and is a strong advocate for the belief that innovation does not succeed in isolation. His master’s thesis, From Founder to Leader, explored start-ups and the critical interdependence between effective leadership and successful innovation.

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Design Council Expert

Richard has been selected as a Design Council Expert, contributing to programmes that use design to improve prosperity and wellbeing. His work focuses on tackling major challenges such as sustainability and climate change, sharing knowledge, influencing policy and championing design as a driver of real-world impact.

Innovate UK Assessor

Richard is an Expert Assessor for Innovate UK, providing independent, applied expertise to support robust, evidence-based funding decisions across sectors and technologies.

NIHR Funding Commitee

Richard is a Funding Committee Member for the National Institute for Health and Care Research, reviewing grant applications for the Invention for Innovation programme and advising the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure high-quality research delivers meaningful patient benefit.

WYCA Board

Richard serves on the Business Board of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, advising on regional economic strategy and bringing a business perspective informed by design, innovation, manufacturing and sustainability.

Watch Richard’s story here

Speaking engagements for 2026

Richard is a recognised voice in design-led innovation and sustainability, frequently speaking at industry events and conferences. This year he will be speaking at:

  • 27th January - Hosting a panel session at the Innovative Entrepreneurs programme close, Leeds

  • 29th January - Masterclass on innovation for Propel HealthTech, Leeds

  • 12th February - Masterclass on Design Innovation at York St John’s University, York

  • 25th February - Masterclass on Sustainable Design at the York Biotech Campus, York

    More dates to be confirmed.

Previous speaking engagements

  • Design Council – Why Health Tech Needs to Move Fast to Adopt Sustainability

  • Imperial College London – Effective Product Design and Prototyping

  • Royal College of Art – Commercialising Innovation

  • Shanghai Institute of Design – Adopting Frugal Innovation for Global Health

  • British Design Fund – Accelerating the journey of a start up

  • Innovate UK – Product Design, Why It’s Important to Consider Early

  • Royal College of Surgeons – Product Design and Prototyping for Surgery

  • Health Innovation Network - Accelerating Innovation

  • Innovation Festival - 10 Things You Need to Know When Commercialising Innovation

  • National Institute of Health and Care Research – Design Led Sustainable Innovation in Healthcare

  • Med Tech Expo – The Fog of Uncertainty and How to Embrace It

  • Leeds Digital Festival – The Benefits of a Fail fast, Fail Cheap Mindset

  • University of Nottingham – The Value of Good Design in Society

  • Mediwales – How to Innovate to Zero and Align with the NHS Sustainability Road Map