"We have found that constant networking, and collaboration with the international partners has guided our research and expanded our knowledge base. This is a long process and one that has enabled us to assemble a Pivotal/Hydrogen Demonstrations board of leading organizations and corporations in Europe with an interest in promoting the hydrogen economy."

"We are at the stage now where we have completed the bulk of the fundamental research. The challenge now is to focus our attention to commercialising our product."

"We have learnt that research and development is as much about understanding ancillary technologies that compete or compliment your technology, as it is about your own core technology. Understanding this has been an essential part of the development and directing the commercial focus for the Pivotal Engine."

What are the key issues that affect your company's growth?

"During the core product development phase New Zealand, and Christchurch in particular has been the perfect location. Now that we have moved to a point where we need to commercialise the product, distance from markets is our largest problem."

"Geographical isolation means that we are a long way from opportunities. To mitigate this we need to lift ourselves to a scale where we have an off shore infrastructure, in Europe for example. This requires a challenging level of financial investment."

What do you think can be done to ease the downturn?

"Change brings opportunity. I think many opportunities come out of economic downturn, for those companies ready and willing to identify them and act."

What is your philosophy for success?

"Be prepared to question yourself and to doubt yourself. When you have won that debate then it just comes down to plain perseverance. And you always need a little luck!"