‘Edward is absolutely right. We are shy of our achievements. It took the Japanese trade ministry to recognise that 70% of the world’s most significant inventions had come from the UK. Stories about brilliant products being invented here but made a success elsewhere are legion - think of the train, television, liquid crystal displays, even the computer.

‘We just don’t like to show off, which is probably due to our characteristically reserved national character. Unfortunately this doesn’t do you any favours if you’re trying to succeed in business. This why the Design Council has launched initiatives like Millennium Products - to celebrate and promote the best of British innovation.’

The next tranche of Millennium Products will be announced at 11am next Monday, 6 September, at the Lighthouse building in Glasgow.