Paul Ainscough, head of the Northern Rural team at Savills

A former pupil at Ampleforth, Paul has covered rural estates in the northern region for about 20 years. He joined Savills eight years ago when the firm bought Smith Woolley, where he was a partner.

He has moved to the York office, and relocated to the village of Coxwold, with his two boys now attending school in Ampleforth.

Paul said the team is helping rural estates tackle the challenges of fluctuating commodity prices and changes to the Common Agricultural Policy.

He said: “We are growing and strengthening the team and see Yorkshire as a positive area for the future growth of the business.”

Business Press monthly put the following questions to Paul:

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

I cannot think of anything more rewarding than creating a spark for learning in the younger generation, so it would be to be a teacher. I still remember those teachers that managed to instil an enthusiasm for learning in me. Sadly, there were several who did not.

Greatest achievement

I manage rural estates, many of which are family owned, so helping those families to develop their business over several years is far more rewarding than individual deals. The job also brings great satisfaction when you look back in time and I am lucky to have a number of clients for whom I have worked for over 20 years.

Biggest mistake

In this job relationships with people are fundamental. The few regrets I have are where relationships have become broken.

What makes you most angry?

Apathy. “Good men (and women) doing nothing”, or however the saying goes.

What do you need to make life complete?

Having plenty of time to practise my “short game”. Any fellow hackers on the golf course out there will know what I mean.

Why do you make a difference?

If I stick up my hand up for a job, I’ll do my best, and I expect the same from others.

Epitaph

Far too early for the final chapter, but I like Spike Milligan’s “I told you I was ill”.