Next Step Squared
Stop Wasting Hours on Manual Data Work
I help businesses in London automate spreadsheets, reports, and manual data processes — saving time, reducing errors, and cutting admin costs.With over 20 years of investment banking technology experience, I specialise in small fund managers, financial services firms, and investment management businesses — while also working with SMEs across professional services, accountancy, and operations-heavy industries.
Free 30-minute call to understand your process and determine if a discovery session is appropriate.
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What I Do
If your team is copying data between spreadsheets, fixing errors, or building reports manually — you’re losing time and money. I build simple, reliable automations that do the work for you.
Services• Data automation (reports, imports, exports)• Data cleaning and fixing messy files• Spreadsheet → automated system conversions• Data mapping between systems• Scheduled scripts and pipelines
Typical Results✔ Reporting reduced from hours → minutes✔ Fewer manual errors✔ Staff freed for real work✔ Clear, reliable data
Ways We Can Work Together
1-Day Discovery – £600 (Fixed)Includes process review, recommendations report, and tailored project plan.
Automation ImplementationCustom quoted after your discovery day, so you only pay for what you actually need.Typical projects:£1,500 – £5,000
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Why Work With Me• Over 20 years of technical experience• Background in high-precision financial systems• Fast delivery• Plain English communication• Fixed-price options available
About
Next Step Squared was founded by Paul Beard, a data automation consultant, technical business analyst and developer with over 20 years of experience in investment banking.Paul holds an MSc in Advanced Computing Technologies and an MSc in Statistics & Financial Modelling.He now helps small and medium-sized businesses automate data, clean spreadsheets, and streamline reporting.
Locations: London | Remote
Next Step Squared Ltd
Company number: 16820912Belmont Suite
Paragon Business Park
Chorley New Road
Bolton
Lancashire
BL6 6HG
PRIVACY POLICYNext Step Squared Ltd
Effective Date: 25th February 2026
Last Updated: 25th February 20261. Who We AreNext Step Squared Ltd ("we", "us", "our") is a UK-based data automation consultancy providing spreadsheet automation, reporting solutions, database cleaning, workflow optimisation, and related data services to small and medium-sized businesses.For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we act as a Data Controller when processing personal data relating to enquiries, marketing, and our own business operations.Contact:
You may contact us via the contact form available on our website. Our registered office address is listed on the Home page.You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been breached.2. Personal Data We CollectWe may collect the following personal data:NameEmail addressTelephone numberCompany nameJob titleInformation submitted via contact formsNewsletter subscription dataTechnical data (IP address, browser type, usage data where analytics are enabled)We do not intentionally collect special category data unless explicitly provided as part of a client dataset.3. How We Collect DataWe collect personal data via:Website forms hosted by TallyNewsletter sign-up forms managed by BeehiivWebsite hosting infrastructure provided by CarrdDirect email correspondenceService agreements and project onboarding4. Lawful Basis for ProcessingWe process personal data under the following lawful bases:Consent – newsletter subscriptionsContract – delivering consulting servicesLegitimate Interest – responding to enquiries and improving servicesLegal Obligation – tax, accounting, and regulatory complianceYou may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us or using unsubscribe links in marketing emails.5. How We Use Your DataWe use personal data to:Respond to enquiriesDeliver contracted servicesSend newsletters (where consent given)Manage client relationshipsMaintain internal recordsImprove website performance and servicesWe do not sell personal data.6. Data SharingWe may share personal data with:IT and hosting providersAccounting providersLegal or regulatory authorities (where legally required)All third parties are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security.7. International TransfersSome third-party providers may store or process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards such as:UK-approved Standard Contractual ClausesAdequacy decisionsEquivalent legal safeguards8. Data RetentionWe retain personal data as follows:Enquiries: up to 24 monthsClient records: 6 years (legal and tax purposes)Newsletter data: until you unsubscribeContractual data: duration of agreement plus statutory retention period9. Your RightsUnder UK GDPR, you have the right to:Access your dataCorrect inaccuraciesRequest erasureRestrict processingObject to processingData portabilityWithdraw consentTo exercise your rights, contact us via the contact form available on our website10. Security MeasuresWe implement appropriate technical and organisational safeguards, including:Secure cloud storageAccess controlsEncryption where appropriateConfidentiality obligations11. CookiesIf cookies are used, they may include:Essential website functionality cookiesAnalytics cookies (if enabled)Users can manage cookies via browser settings.12. UpdatesWe may update this policy periodically. The current version will always appear on our website.
TERMS & CONDITIONSNext Step Squared Ltd1. ServicesNext Step Squared Ltd provides data automation, reporting development, spreadsheet engineering, and consulting services as agreed in writing before work begins.2. Fees & PaymentFees will be agreed in writing.
Invoices must be paid within agreed terms. Late payments may incur statutory interest under UK legislation.3. Intellectual PropertyClients retain ownership of their raw data.Deliverables are licensed for internal business use once full payment is received.Reusable frameworks, templates, and methodologies remain our intellectual property unless otherwise agreed.4. ConfidentialityAll client information is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed without written consent unless required by law.5. Limitation of LiabilityTo the maximum extent permitted by law:We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses.Liability is capped at the total fees paid for the relevant project.Nothing excludes liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by negligence.6. Governing LawThese Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
DATA PROCESSING ADDENDUM (DPA)Next Step Squared LtdThis Data Processing Addendum forms part of any agreement between Next Step Squared Ltd ("Processor") and the Client ("Controller") where personal data is processed on behalf of the Client.1. RolesWhere Next Step Squared Ltd processes personal data on behalf of a Client:The Client acts as the Data ControllerNext Step Squared Ltd acts as the Data Processor2. Subject Matter & DurationProcessing relates to the provision of:Data automationSpreadsheet processingReporting solutionsData cleaning and transformationProcessing duration is limited to the term of the service agreement.3. Nature & Purpose of ProcessingProcessing may include:CollectionStructuringOrganisationStorageAnalysisTransformationReportingPurpose: To deliver contracted data services.4. Types of Personal DataMay include:NamesEmail addressesContact detailsFinancial dataEmployment dataCustomer recordsAs determined by the Client dataset.5. Processor ObligationsNext Step Squared Ltd shall:Process data only on documented instructions from the ClientEnsure confidentiality of authorised personnelImplement appropriate technical and organisational security measuresNot engage sub-processors without appropriate safeguardsAssist the Client with data subject rights requestsNotify the Client without undue delay of any personal data breachDelete or return personal data upon termination of services6. Security MeasuresMeasures may include:Encrypted storageSecure cloud servicesRestricted access controlsPassword-protected systemsSecure data transfer methods7. Sub-ProcessorsWe may use secure third-party providers where necessary. Where sub-processors process Client personal data, we ensure:Written agreementsGDPR-compliant safeguardsEquivalent security standards8. International TransfersWhere personal data is transferred outside the UK, appropriate legal safeguards will be implemented.9. Audit RightsUpon reasonable notice, the Client may request information demonstrating compliance with this Addendum.10. Data DeletionUpon termination of services, personal data will be:Returned to the Client, orSecurely deletedUnless retention is required by law.