Nick Roberts' input to the FPRA has been enormous and his commitment much appreciated. With his slightly lilting Welsh accent, it is not surprising to learn that he grew up in South Wales. From about the age of 11 he knew that he wanted to be a lawyer, possibly because he had an older cousin who was one. He went to Cambridge to read law and while at university he was, he says,too serious. After doing his articles in the Isle of Wight he then moved across the water to Southampton where he set up his own practice. This work was quite lonely but it provided time for him to study more - for a part-time LL.M. which he has now finished. His move to FPRA gave him the opportunity to fit yet more into his busy life.

He still lives in Southampton and retains his practice there. But he travels up to London twice a week and the hours now spent on the trains give him plenty of time to read - particularly useful and valuable as he has now embarked on a Ph.D. at Southampton University carrying out research into Commonhold - how it operates abroad and how it could operate in the UK. He is perhaps, one of the few commuters who does not complain about train delays! He also spends a few hours a week at the University teaching the English legal system to young lawyers.

Since he arrived at FPRA, Nick has dealt with a steady stream of queries from member associations. He says he very much enjoys this work, and that it provides him with plenty of experience of the real life problems suffered by leaseholders and tenants.

For relaxation, Nick listens to music and occasionally goes to the opera and cinema. He admits to not having a good singing voice, but I feel sure that the lilt could be trained if ever he had the time or inclination to do so.