Robert Beattie is Senior Partner of Toller Beattie LLP, based in North Devon.
A specialist in Business Law and very active in his local business community, he advises on most aspects of Commercial and Company Law, including Commercial Property, E-Commerce, and Partnership and Shareholder Agreements.
Robert has particular expertise in Buying and Selling Businesses, Charities and Employment Law and also in the property and construction sectors. He is also President of the North Devon Branch of the RSPCA.
What is something that not a lot of people know about you, but that you WISH more people could know?
What a tidy person I can be.
What qualities do you feel a successful Managing Partner should have?
To listen to and to consider what anyone in the firm has to say about the way we work and how we can improve, but to make decisions which you are most comfortable with irrespective of others' opinions.
My wife taught me years ago that you can’t please everyone so make sure you please yourself; and then make sure that everyone knows what your decision is. Be decisive at all times; it’s up to the managing partner to lead – even if, sometimes, in the wrong direction!
Tell us one surprising thing you've learned since becoming Managing Partner?
People like to be led.
If you hadn't chosen Law, what do you think you'd be doing with your life?
As those who know me will appreciate, I have the cricketing skills of Garry Sobers and the voice of Richard Burton so, after retiring from Test cricket aged 35, I would have become an actor and would just be entering the House of Lords, having been appointed for my contribution to the theatrical and cinematic arts.
And finally, if we looked in your desk's top drawer, what would we find?
Refills for my fountain pen.