Paul Beare has built a successful career by helping others, staying true to himself, and constantly pushing the boundaries he sets for himself and his firm. As the founder of Paul Beare Ltd., he specialises in helping clients establish their businesses in the UK.
“I describe myself as working in financial services, but actually the official line is that we’re an accounting firm providing corporate services and financial solutions to our clients setting up in the UK…and I enjoy a glass of wine or two together with a decent meal by the river or the sea.” Having been thrust into professional settings from an early age, Paul is a leading example of the benefits of building strong relationships and never judging a book by its cover.
Founding the firm
Paul’s career began in a family business, which was successfully sold over a decade ago. Choosing not to work for the acquiring firm, he pursued his passion for helping others through the foundation of his own firm, providing solutions to make setting up in the UK simple and easy. “I took on the role of being my own startup. I started it from my kitchen counter, and here we are now with a team of 40. We partner with almost 15 different providers to open bank accounts depending on our clients’ needs.” He believes in growing alongside his clients, stating, “I’ve always had the ethos that if our clients grow and succeed in the UK, then we grow with them.”
Interpersonal connections
Paul prides himself on his ability to connect on an interpersonal level with people of all ages and responsibilities. His approach to networking is open-minded and focused on building relationships rather than seeking immediate work.“I meet people with the mentality that I’m not looking for work, I’m looking at the bigger picture. You’ve got to go into it with an open mind because what you put into it, you get out of it.” This strategy has allowed him to create a vast network of professional relationships that have supported his business and personal growth. Paul’s professional life allows him to split his time between London and Auckland, giving him the opportunity to connect with a wide range of clients and cultures across the globe. “The New Zealand culture is very different…coffee shops shut in the afternoon because who wants a coffee after 3pm?
Crazy,” he laughs.
Never judge a book by its cover One significant challenge Paul has faced is age. Starting young, he often encountered scepticism from older, more experienced professionals. “At the age of 14, I was very fortunate to be given an opportunity to go to the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall in London, and network there. But the opportunities that came attached to that were challenging because no one wanted to talk to a 14 year old, right? Why would you?”
Exposure to these situations from an early age enabled Paul to quickly learn how to connect with different stakeholders. He quickly realised that confidence is not necessarily linked to age or experience, but is a skill that can be developed with practice and the right mindset. “There’s a level of confidence that’s associated with going into a room and starting networking, introducing yourself to someone. I still see people who are older, far more experienced in their careers than I am, that haven’t got the self-confidence to do that.”
He is also proud of building a fully remote team from the beginning, a forward-thinking move that proved resilient during the pandemic. “10 years ago, it was a big, big deal to have an entirely home-based team,” he reflects. But any doubts were quickly laid to rest. “I fondly remember a client – just as the pandemic started – asking about our safety measures and we just calmly and politely explained that actually the team are all home-based already.”
Pushing the envelope
Much of Paul’s success can be attributed to his authenticity and unique approach. He asserts, “There’s no point in being the same as everyone else,” and emphasises the importance of providing tailored solutions to clients. This innovation and individuality permeates all aspects of his work. “I’ve never been one to do things in a standardised way. I call it pushing the envelope.” This willingness to push boundaries and explore unconventional methods has set him apart in the industry. His approach involves looking at
problems from different perspectives. “Although I’m not a lawyer, I typically look at things through a legal lens,” he explains.
“When it comes to the solutions that we provide to our clients, it’s not just a case of ‘here’s a company, off you go’. It’s ‘OK, here’s a company. Now, what are you going to do with it?’”
A long, impactful journey with IR Global Paul has been an IR Global member since 2013 and has seen the network grow significantly in that time.
“I think back to the early infancy of the network and now, here I sit surrounded by something like fourteen hundred odd members, many of whom I call friends or family,” he smiles. He leverages the network to support his clients’ international needs, whether setting up in the US, Saudi Arabia, or New Zealand. “When we talk to our clients, we understand their growth plans and leverage the network accordingly,” he explains. “We partner with other firms like RPGCC to handle and deliver our audits, and together with other firms like Mirkwood Evans Vincent to provide some legal support for our clients when required.”
Paul co-founded the Corporate Services Group within IR Global, a niche but fundamental practice area, and also sits on the Ethics Committee. In 2023, he was honoured as the IR Global Member of the Year, a recognition he found heartwarming.“The crowning title was touching,” he reflects. “It was an acknowledgment from my peers, which made it even more special. I am the youngest non-accountant, non-legal member to win member of the year.”
“But in the coming weeks after, I sat and thought: this is great and an incredible achievement, but what does it mean?”
Mentoring and giving back
Inspired by his award, Paul has initiated a mentoring program for Rising Stars within IR Global, aiming to support their development and career growth. “I pitched this forward and said that this should be a responsibility for the member of the year going forward, becoming their responsibility for
the next 12 months.”
“The mentees will approach me with different types of objectives from the beginning, that could be wanting to step up from a senior role into an equity partner. Others will have sensitive problems with colleagues and may discuss certain situations”, Paul explains. The program has seen significant success, with mentees achieving notable improvements in their professional and personal lives. “I’ve seen some incredible results just six months in,” Paul shares enthusiastically.
He finds the process incredibly fulfilling: “It’s rewarding to see how a little guidance can make such a big difference.” He is also certain that this year’s member of the year can continue the legacy he has begun.
“I am friendly with all three finalists and I wish them all the very best. Whoever is crowned member of the year, I know that all three of them will do a wonderful job with continuing the scheme.”
Advice for junior professionals
Paul advises younger professionals to trust their gut instincts and avoid overthinking. He encourages simplifying complex problems and looking at them logically. “You can spend a huge amount of time worrying or deliberating an outcome, most of which is wasteful and can’t be utilised. Sometimes you need to bring it back to the basics, keep it simple, think about it logically without overthinking it.”
He also emphasises the importance of managing anxiety and finding coping mechanisms, such as taking breaks, walking, or practising yoga. “I’ve been there, done that with my own anxiety and still do. So it’s about managing and coping through that and finding the tools that work.” Furthermore, he
encourages embracing individuality. “Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to take risks.”
Future plans and hobbies
Despite being approached for a buyout, Paul decided against it, as he isn’t ready for retirement. “I’d get bored very quickly,” he admits. He believes that staying engaged and active in his field is crucial for his well-being.
“I still enjoy my work.” Outside of work, Paul could be described as an ‘avid Amex points collector’,
enjoying travelling and shopping. “I call it going out shopping for things we don’t need,” he quips. His extensive travel schedule, which just this year has included frequent trips to cities like Sydney, Singapore, London, and various locations in the US, reflects his love for exploration and new experiences. “Travelling keeps me energised and gives me new perspectives,” he says, “but I also know that shortly there will be a time when I’ve had enough of it,
so I’m embracing it.”
