The latest IR Global event took place recently in one of the US’s most picturesque and exciting cities – Boston.
As well as a great social program that included opening cocktail reception at the Boston Public Library, evening dinner in the spectacular Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza, a boat cruise along the Boston harbour, and an optional excursion for a lesson in history at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, delegates also got a chance to make new connections and forge new partnerships and of course to attend a series of sessions and workshops covering areas from tax to visas, leadership to mentoring.
“Boston was great,” says Paul Beare, who was in attendance, having travelled from his base in New Zealand. “It was – as usual – a great opportunity to showcase our firm offering to a wide US audience on how we streamline our setup package and make the UK an attractive place for US businesses setting up and operating in the UK.”
Paul – who last year was voted Member of the Year after ten years of committed engagement with the IR Global network – reported that his practice was filling an increasingly important niche by partnering with other professional services firms to help a range of clients get set up in the UK. “Because most lawyers don’t register companies themselves (although they can), it’s not an effective use of their time,” he said.
So to have a resource like us – where we can take over the registration process and allow the other firm to focus on their core skills – is good for us, for our partners, and of course most of all, it’s good for the clients.” As a member of the Corporate Services, Ethics Committees, Paul was in the heart of the action, meeting contacts old and new, and recording a video showcasing my Member of the Year for 2023.
Paul was also able to build on the work he has done as a mentor in the IR Global Rising Stars programme, which pairs experienced members with those at the beginning of their careers. The aim is clear: to help support and develop the next generation of talent as they come through the ranks. And so far, Paul has already had a big impact on the careers of his three mentees.
“As a member of the Rising Star Program at IR Global, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by the incomparable Paul Beare,” Haley Legg, assurance division leader at CCK Strategies, posted after a productive meeting at the conference. “After several excellent sessions that have helped me grow as a member of IRG, a professional, leader and human, I finally got to spend some time with him in person in Boston.”
For Paul, putting something back has been a real pleasure. “I remember how tough it was for me starting out, so I know what these guys are up against in a competitive world where client expectations continue to build. So to help them with advice and support is important to me.”
As well as enjoying the social events, Paul took part in a strong session on leadership styles and growth mindset delivered by Edith Onderick-Harvey, who attempted to answer the question: How do you compete with other firms to attract, retain, and develop the best people?
At the end of a tiring but productive few days, Paul was able to reflect on another successful IR Global event spent in the company of fellow members: “As always, the main focus was on connecting with other like-minded people,” he said. “We’re all in this for the same thing – growing our businesses, making connections, serving our clients – and what better way to do that than by spending time together working hard and having fun?”