S&W bolsters consulting practice with Fredward acquisition

As part of the deal, all 45 Fredward colleagues – including two partners and six directors – join S&W. Founded in 2016 by Ashley Bragg, Fredward works with leading financial institutions to help tackle complex data challenges, enabling them to transform, comply, integrate, and adapt to evolving market demands. 

The acquisition of Fredward follows the recent establishment of consulting as a standalone business line within S&W, led by Claire Burden. The new structure is designed to make it easier for clients to access the firm’s broad range of consulting services, including transformation, regulatory, accounting, risk advisory, technology and data.

Fredward is the 6th business that S&W has acquired since it was launched in March 2025 with backing from Apax Funds.    

Andrew Wilkes, CEO of S&W, commented: “Expanding the range of complementary services we offer our clients is central to our growth strategy, and the acquisition of Fredward is an important milestone in that journey. The Fredward team bring a wealth of expertise and this deal perfectly aligns with our vision of being the go-to professional services for clients with complex needs. I’m excited to welcome our new colleagues to S&W and look forward to the impact they’ll make across our business.”  

Claire Burden, Head of Consulting at S&W, added: “The acquisition of Fredward is a significant step in building a consulting practice that’s focused on helping our clients navigate complex challenges with confidence. Fredward ’s deep expertise in financial services and legacy data transformation complements our existing capabilities and enhances the breadth and depth of solutions we can offer. I’m looking forward to working closely with Ashley and the entire Fredward team as we continue to grow our consulting practice.”  

Ashley Bragg, Founder and Managing Director at Fredward added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to join Claire and the wider S&W consulting team. The acquisition of Fredward by S&W marks an exciting new chapter for our incredible colleagues. What started as a vision to help organisations unlock the full value of their data has grown into something far bigger, and seeing that work recognised and embraced by S&W is both humbling and energising. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that this partnership will amplify the impact we’ve always strived to deliver.”

Picture caption: Dhiresh Patel (Fredward), Claire Burden (S&W) and Ashley Bragg (Fredward)

ENDS

Disclaimer: 

S&W Partners LLP is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. The title "Partner" does not mean that the individual is necessarily a partner of S&W Partners LLP. For a full list of LLP partners, please refer to Companies House or request directly from us. Registered in England at 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG. No. OC369631.