Robert Webb was born and educated in Belfast, read Business Studies in London, and came to Lancashire in 1976, when he took responsibility for the business interests of his family company in the North West. The main business was Oil Distribution, which covered the whole of the county. In time these interests expanded to include the manufacture of chemicals for the world-wide petroleum industry, specialist travel services, an advertising agency and activities in the leisure and IT fields. Robert now continues his involvement in a non-executive capacity.

Robert has been involved in many strands of life in Lancashire. As a Magistrate he sat on the Lancaster Bench for twenty years, and was also a General Commissioner for Tax, attached to the Lancaster Branch, for fifteen years. When the family moved to Arkholme, Robert became a Governor of the local Primary School, chairing the Board for ten years. Recently he has joined the Board of the Multi-Academy Trust connected to Ripley St Thomas School in Lancaster. Last year Robert retired from the Board of CancerCare North Lancashire and South Lakeland after twenty five years as a Trustee, the last seven as Chairman.

Robert and his wife, Carole, brought up their three children (Joanna, William and Harriet) in the rural north of the county. Two of the children are married and, last year, they were delighted with the arrival of their first grandchild – Aria. They feel very fortunate to have settled in such beautiful surroundings and over the years have developed a great love of Lancashire.

“It is a great honour to be nominated as High Sheriff of any county, but particularly special when it is Lancashire. In this county we have a very rich history, long-lasting traditions and strong ties to the Monarchy. I hope in the year ahead to give maximum support to those working in the Criminal Justice system, where the pressure people are under is severe. In addition I am looking forward to highlighting and encouraging all the excellent work that goes on around the county in the Voluntary and Charitable sectors.”

 Robert and Carole Webb.