BIG thanks to all for input on this issue. Did an EC flight yesterday and had to shut down and start up again immediately. Used the techniques you passed on and all went well. Carefully monitored battery voltage which never dipped below 20V and start settled nicely at 700 degrees.
Going on Eurocopter's own ground school shortly so hopefully confidence will grow in this machine.
Probably hot start next I fly but I guess I'll have no excuse now...