The way the world is going, it's technology driven. And it isn't just driven by the old super powers, it's driven by the far east and new emerging economies.

I've fought court battles over my inventions before.

The important thing is to learn from mistakes - something graduates are adept at. Our graduate engineers are working on new technology - from uncharted applications for our digital motor, to a new take on the hand dryer. With an unhindered mind, nothing is off limits.

Life is a mountain of solvable problems and I enjoy that.

Design and technology should be the subject where mathematical brainboxes and science whizzkids turn their bright ideas into useful products.

Manufacturing is more than just putting parts together. It's coming up with ideas, testing principles and perfecting the engineering, as well as final assembly.

Britain's great strength is its innovative, design and engineering natural ability and we're not using it.