30-SECOND CV
he sees great potential for his new territory due to their higher need for natural light and ventilation than in Spain. “For me it’s attractive because it’s a bigger market in which Velux can contribute more than [it can] in other markets.”
He sees a trend for renovation and expansion rather than moving, as consumers battle stifled spending power and, in Scotland, controversial land and buildings transaction tax felt most keenly at the top end of the housing market.
This is all set against the backdrop of economic uncertainty. “When people are uncertain about the future they’d rather stay where they are,” Poole says.
Velux is focusing on singlestorey extensions and loft conversions, he adds, also flagging innovation by the firm, saying ● Born: 1964 (but I look much younger), Bilbao, Spain ● Education: Law and business administration ● First job: Account executive for a merchant bank ● Ambition while at school: Be a magician ● What car do you drive: Audi A3 ● Favourite mode of transport: Sailing ● Music: Blues, salsa, bachata, Mozart, Beethoven, it is next year launching computerised products measuring factors like light levels and opening and closing windows and blinds when needed. Chopin, Cohen… ● Kindle or book: Kindle ● Reading material: Currently Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson ● Can’t live without: ipad ● What makes you angry: Hypocrisy ● What inspires you: Everyday life ● Favourite place: My bed ● Best thing about your job: Feeling proud about what we do and how we do it ● Best business advice you’ve ever been given: A business, or a job, is not good if it doesn’t make you happy
But he acknowledges the economic struggles in Scotland relative to the rest of the UK, as well as the shadow cast by the UK leaving Europe. In his view,