S&W accelerates North West growth with acquisition of Shepherd Private Clients

The deal continues a period of strong momentum for S&W in the region, following the firm's move in May 2026 to expanded Manchester offices at Pall Mall on King Street, which doubled its footprint in the city and underlined its long-term commitment to investing in one of the UK's most dynamic regional markets.

Founded in 2018 by Andrew Shepherd, Shepherd Private Clients has established a strong reputation for advising high net worth individuals, families, entrepreneurs and their business interests, trusts and charities. The firm's experienced team, which includes Executive Director Rebecca Hunt, advises clients across the North West, throughout the UK and internationally.

The transaction will further enhance S&W's specialist private client tax capabilities in the North West, and expands S&W's ability to support clients across the region with integrated tax, audit, advisory, business outsourcing and consulting services.

Chris Shepard, Head of Private Client Tax Services at S&W, said:

“Andrew, Rebecca and their team are an excellent addition to our private client tax services practice and represent an important step in the continued growth of our business. They bring a wealth of experience advising high net worth individuals, families and entrepreneurs.

“I am delighted to welcome the team to S&W. The addition of Shepherd Private Clients strengthens our offering, broadens our reach and creates exciting opportunities for both our clients and our people as we continue to grow.”

Donna Bulmer, Regional Managing Partner at S&W, said:

“The North West is an important market for S&W, and this acquisition further strengthens our presence and capabilities in the region following our investment in a larger Manchester office earlier this year.

“Andrew, Rebecca and the team have built an excellent reputation in the market and are a fantastic addition to our business. Their arrival adds further depth to our local expertise, creates new opportunities to support clients across the region and builds on the strong momentum we are continuing to see in Manchester and the wider North West.”

Andrew Shepherd, Founder of Shepherd Private Clients added:

“Rebecca and I are incredibly excited about this next chapter for the business. Over the last eight years, we have built a fantastic team and a highly respected private client offering, advising successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and families across the North West and beyond. S&W has a long and deep-rooted tradition of advising clients in this space, making it the natural choice for our business. Joining S&W will allow us to build on what we have achieved, further develop our offering and deliver even more for our clients. Just as importantly, it creates fantastic opportunities for our people. It’s a great time to be in the private client space, and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

Notes to editors

Picture caption (l-r): Rebecca Hunt, Chris Shepard, Donna Bulmer and Andrew Shepherd

About S&W

S&W is one of the fastest-growing UK accountancy and advisory firms, and builds on the heritage of Smith & Williamson which was founded in 1881. It was launched as a new business on 31 March 2025, following the sale of Evelyn Partners' Professional Services business to Apax Funds.

As a leader in the mid-market, we provide a broad range of services including business and private client tax advice, audit and assurance, business outsourcing, consulting and digital services, and specialist advisory solutions such as recovery and restructuring, transaction support, and forensics.

For more details see: www.swgroup.com

Press contacts

Mark Gee

Senior Corporate Communications Manager

press@swgroup.com