Experienced lawyer becomes 458th High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

Geldards’ dispute resolution partner Paul Southby has been named as the 458th High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.

The role is a royal appointment for 12 months and is made by the Queen on the recommendation of the Privy Council.

Southby has been active in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s business community for many years. He recently stood down as chair of Marketing Nottingham but remains on the board.

He is chair of Nottingham Partners, chair of Broadway Cinema and a member of the Nottingham Growth Board.

The origins of the Office of High Sheriff date back to Saxon times when the “Shire Reeve” was responsible for law and order and the collection of taxes due to the Crown. It remains the oldest royal appointment.

Southby has opted to support Nottingham Partners’ chosen charity of the year Switch Up as part of the role.

A declaration ceremony held at Broadway was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Sir John Peace, the recorder of Nottingham His Honour Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Craig Guildford, Marcellus Baz BEM of Switch Up, local political leaders – and Southby’s proud mum!

Southby said: “I am honoured to be taking on this historic role and am looking forward to supporting our City and County over the coming year through it. I am particularly pleased to lend my support to such a deserving and dynamic project as Switch Up which has real impact in improving the lives of young people in Nottinghamshire.

“My main focus will be on supporting local community crime prevention projects and on supporting the work of our county police force and court services. In addition, I intend to do what I can to support our local arts and cultural venues and projects in their recovery post-pandemic.”