Opportunity Peterborough’s company secretary Paul Tate feels an “almost personal
responsibility” for the future success of his home city.
His family has lived in Peterborough for several generations and has run a number
of businesses going back as far as horse drawn coaches operating from stables in
Cavendish Street. He attended St Mark's and Deacon's schools in Peterborough and
during his almost 30 years as a local solicitor has acted for many household names
around the country.
He is now a Partner with Roythorne & Co Solicitors and head of the Company Commercial team, specialising in
commercial law, and is a representative of the European Law group UNILAW and a former
president and secretary of the local Law Society.
Paul says: “My life is really anchored in Peterborough and my family history perhaps
means I feel a certain sense of responsibility for the place. My role on the Opportunity
Peterborough board allows me to make some contribution to the success of the city,
both now and for the future.”
His legal expertise is of considerable value to our board. He ensures that we successfully
operate within the complexities created by the fact that we have detailed agreements
with the city council, EEDA and English Partnerships – all governing the way in
which we must do certain things and all, of course, slightly different!
Paul says: “The key legal aspect of my role at Opportunity Peterborough is ensuring
that the ‘decision dynamic’ does not get suffocated by the complexities of formalities
and compliance while at the same time steering the board through the paperwork.”