Meet the Team – Chris Howe, Managing Director
Chris Howe’s career path combines a lifelong passion for flying with a deep interest in hands-on engineering and problem-solving. He was initially going to start in engineering at university, but things didn’t go quite as planned, so he ended up studying physics. However, flying was his first true passion, leading to a 16-year full-time career in the Royal Air Force.
After his time in the RAF ended, he could have carried on flying commercially, but he decided he wanted to do something completely different. He wanted to do something that would challenge him in new ways and allow him to explore his interest in engineering.
Route to Polytec
When Chris decided to leave the RAF, he spotted a job advert from the University of Leicester that immediately caught his attention: it said, “Come and work with lasers and robots," and the inner geek in him was hooked. Chris took the opportunity, running a specialist laboratory that supported the automotive, space, and wider engineering industries.
Using Polytec’s laser vibrometers daily, he developed a technical knowledge of the equipment and a strong appreciation for the technology’s capabilities. When the facility closed, Chris approached Polytec directly with the idea that he and a colleague could offer better support from within the company. Polytec agreed, and Chris initially joined the international side of the business before soon stepping up to manage Polytec’s UK operation.
A varied and customer-focused role
Today, as Managing Director, Chris balances office-based and customer-facing work. Around 70% of his time is spent managing, developing the business, and supporting the UK team. The remaining 30% is dedicated to visiting customers, understanding their challenges, and demonstrating how Polytec’s non-contact vibration measurement technology can help.
Chris explains that education is often a key part of the customer journey. While some engineers are familiar with laser vibrometry, many are exploring it for the first time. His approach is to help customers choose the right system for their needs, ensuring they get the maximum benefit and value from their investment.
One of Chris's most rewarding parts of the role is helping customers solve what might seem like impossible vibration measurement problems. He enjoys visiting sites, seeing a challenge firsthand, and figuring out how laser non-contact vibrometry can offer a solution.
A collaborative international approach
Chris highlights how Polytec’s global network benefits customers. Although Polytec UK is a small and agile team, it operates as part of a strong international family. The UK team frequently collaborates with colleagues in Germany, the US, and beyond to support complex projects, wherever they may be based.
He also points out that understanding cultural differences is key to Polytec UK's success. Drawing on lessons from both German flexibility and American process-driven approaches, the UK team adapts its style to suit customers across the UK, blending structure with a personal, consultative touch.
Building an adaptable team
Chris is proud of the team he leads. Despite being relatively young in terms of experience, everyone at Polytec UK has embraced the steep learning curve of working with specialist technology. The technical team members are trained not only in their own roles but also to cover for each other when needed, making the team resilient and responsive. Chris believes that it is not about knowing everything; it’s about asking the right people the right questions and using the strong support network across Polytec worldwide.
Outside of work
When Chris isn’t at work, he volunteers with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), helping young cadets experience flying and supporting training at local squadrons. He also enjoys target shooting with wild-west style black powder rifles and pistols.
Reflecting on his career, Chris describes his time at Polytec as a "second career" built on curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for innovative technology.