Teapots, espresso makers, kettles, milk jugs, kitchen scales, spice grinders, clocks, and more, Oliver says he has made millions of products since he started crafting items in 1982.

"When it comes to design, I'm definitely a purist. Things have to excite me, and they have to be well made. So many products these days are badly made, and there's really no excuse for it, especially when it's often cheaper to make things well," said the Briton who was born in Nairobi, Kenya.

He prides himself on designing products that are accessible to everyone, although don't expect to find one of his creations in bargain basement shops. Boutiques and design-led websites are the places to go for Oliver Hemming products, including his award winning NIO collection of tea and coffee makers.

There is also his unique spice grinder, SpiceBoy. With a great mixing bowl, it's a bit like a mechanical pestle and mortar. It's a "great grind", he says about it, and it also won him a best product award at the New York International Gift Show in 2002!

It is making things well, and quickly, that prompted Oliver to move his operation to Hong Kong. "It's simply not possible to do things as well and at the same speed in Britain," he says. He also admits his love of Asia and his strong relationships with factories on the mainland were also decisive factors in the move.

So too was the Chinese work ethic that makes almost anything possible in the end. "I've been working with these factories for years and I love pushing them to try new ideas. Sometimes they'll say to me 'it's not possible' but usually it is. So I'll push them and after a couple of goes, we'll get it right. I know they think I'm difficult, but they've come to expect it of me!"