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Speaker, inventor & innovation expert

Tom Lawton

Transform innovation culture with Tom Lawton, speaker and British inventor. Tom works with organisations to develop creative thinking, sustainable design, and product innovation, delivering award-winning solutions recognised internationally.

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Tom Lawton
Tom Lawton

Tom Lawton

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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Tom Lawton's biography

At a glance

  • Renowned British Inventor with international acclaim
  • Speaker on innovation, sustainability, and personal resilience
  • Holds numerous accolades for diverse and imaginative designs
Tom Lawton personifies the essence of the Great British Inventor, effortlessly combining creativity, skill, and determination to transform his innovative ideas into reality. With a degree in product design and numerous accolades under his belt, his diverse and imaginative designs have garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim, not only in the UK but also on an international scale. As a true polymath, Tom's creative potential knows no bounds as he constantly pushes the boundaries and explores uncharted territories, reveling in the thrill of discovery. His unwavering enthusiasm and unconventional perspective allow him to view challenges as opportunities, firmly believing that finding solutions is integral to the adventure. Tom's speaking repertoire spans a wide range of thought-provoking topics, from the art of lateral thinking and innovating on a limited budget to finding inspiration in the most mundane aspects of life and achieving sustainability in design. He also delves into personal resilience and emphasizes the significance of following one's passion and inner voice. Tom's approachable and captivating style captivates his audience, inspiring them to perceive the world of invention and creativity through his unique lens.

Tom's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

An Inventor's Tale
The Epic Adventure of a Life Lived with Imagination and the Pursuit of a Childhood Dream to Become a Great Inventor. What would it be like to follow your heart and to live a life with pure imagination – that’s the basis for an inventor’s tale, Tom’s life story and book in writing. To dream the impossible dream, to never give up and to see it through – against all the odds and with the courage of a tiger. From WakeYoo to Wonder, Tom’s tale inspires everyone to follow their intuition and to dare to dream of a world where everything can be made a little bit better, and we can all find joy together in balance.
Unleashing Creativity: Discover Inspiration All Around You
Even in the most mundane situations, inspiration stares at us, and good ideas are right there under our noses, waiting to be discovered. Every problem has a solution, and the path to a better world is just a daydream away. Whatever your resource, good ideas catalyse an emerging new world. It just takes a creative brain - and we can all nurture that if we follow our intuition and trust our unique perspective of life. With humility and passion, Tom shows how to unlock the power of creativity and the wonder in us all.
Designing For Endurance: Resilience Through Life, Design & Engineering
In 2015, Tom set his mission on providing an antidote to planned obsolescence with several original and durable designs that outlast their competitors and define a new category of product innovation that serves to be engineered for life. From the ingenious skateboard bike to Million Mile Light, the battery-free running light where you are the power source, to Honking Handlebars and Uplift, a solar-powered spiralling sculpture designed to soothe your soul. Tom tasks himself by thinking outside of short-term product lifecycles, and with the power of good design, he reminds us of how anything can be designed to last a very long time.
Doing The Right Thing: Sustainability & Compassion At The Heart Of Design
It's never too late to make a change, but we must envision the world we desire. Beyond government guidelines, there's a human need to unite and restore Earth's beauty and balance. Design, habits, and behaviors play crucial roles in this effort. Eco innovator Tom began developing sustainable products in 2003 and won the US Green Dot Award in 2009 for his invention, Firewinder, a wind-powered spiraling light. His talk will highlight his inspirations from nature and the challenges he faced before the world embraced sustainability. Attendees will learn about Tom's value-driven approach and the joy of 'doing the right thing.'

Why we recommend booking Tom

Tom Lawton offers your team insights into innovation, creativity, and resilience. His unique perspective and captivating storytelling will inspire your team to think laterally, embrace challenges as opportunities, and ignite a passion for sustainable and inventive solutions in your business practices.

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Testimonials

Tom Lawton is not just an inventor; he's a visionary who blends imagination, environmental consciousness, and technological innovation to create solutions that inspire others.

Andrew Hudson-Smith

Professor, UCL

You were so inspirational! You answered all of the questions that came into my mind that I wanted you to share in terms of how do I get beyond ‘writer’s block”….what can my idea be…how do I make the world a better place…how do I have fun with this? Thank you so much for your time today.

VelocityEHS

That was WONDERFUL Tom!! People were loving your stories and so much activity in the chat. At its peak we had nearly 250 in attendance, which is much higher than I was expecting. Thanks so much for your time, I think it really inspired our folks to wonder :)

VelocityEHS

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Tom Lawton for my next event?

What is Tom Lawton's speaking style like?

Tom Lawton structures his sessions around the narrative arc of his own invention journey, using specific product case studies — such as the Million Mile Light and the skateboard bike — as concrete illustrations of principles including lateral thinking, designing for longevity, and finding inspiration in everyday situations.

What topics does Tom Lawton specialise in?

Tom Lawton's sessions cover invention and personal narrative, unlocking creativity and finding inspiration, and designing for durability and resilience. He holds a degree in product design and has received international recognition for his product innovations, including the battery-free Million Mile Light and a range of designs built around the principle of engineering for longevity.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.