Brothers in arms as Formby siblings make university life a real family affair

Following in the footsteps of your sibling can be a daunting prospect. But that’s the situation Sam and Ben Roby have faced head-on as both enrolled at BPP University for qualifications in Law and Accountancy respectively.

It’s a real family affair with the brothers who hail from Formby, however, when it comes to sibling rivalry, the Merseysiders have in fact spurred each other on in their studies rather than locked horns.

If anything, Law student Sam urged older brother Ben to join BPP University’s Liverpool base to study the AAT in accountancy – the same centre Sam studied for his Legal Practice Course.

“I got on well with a few of the accountancy lecturers, particularly when we’d shoot the breeze about Liverpool FC. I knew Ben was interested in accountancy and so I enquired about the course on his behalf and told him all about BPP University’s Liverpool base, its great location and the excellent social side that the city offers,” said Sam, 24.

Ben, aged 27, added: “I had great feedback from both Sam and my girlfriend, who is also with BPP University studying the ACCA in accountancy.

“I think the fact that I knew people who had already enrolled at BPP University really became the deciding factor in me joining.”

Unfortunately the paths of the brothers – who also have two other siblings in Jack, 18, and 16-year-old Joe – didn’t cross during university because Sam completed his LPC before Ben joined his AAT accountancy programme.

However, Ben admits to there being a little bit of competition despite Sam explaining that there ‘wasn’t any because we were on different courses’.

“Well Sam would say that as he’s managed to get a higher qualification degree than me!” joked Ben, “I actually think I set the benchmark and then Sam tries to beat me.”

When it comes to having drive and determination for their chosen career paths, the former Crosby-based Merchant Taylors’ School pupils are certainly on the same page.

Sam is preparing to start a training contract with legal firm DWF in September at its Liverpool office.

Ben wants to get more involved in the family’s Knowsley-based business, Florence Roby Ltd, one of the major suppliers of uniforms to the beauty, hair and spa industry. He is working towards an ACCA qualification.

Story and Photo Source: OTS News