S&W to Acquire Shepherd, Expanding UK Tax Advisory

UK-based professional services group S&W has agreed to acquire Shepherd Private Clients, a specialist private-client tax advisory firm based in Greater Manchester. The acquisition will strengthen S&W's private-client tax capabilities in Manchester and support its wider expansion across North West England.

The deal will bring 15 professionals from Shepherd Private Clients into S&W, adding further expertise to its tax advisory business. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Strengthening Private-Client Advisory Services

Founded in 2018 by Andrew Shepherd, Shepherd Private Clients advises high-net-worth individuals, families, entrepreneurs and business owners. Its services also extend to trusts and charities, with clients across the North West, the wider UK and international markets.

The firm's team includes Executive Director Rebecca Hunt, who has worked alongside founder Andrew Shepherd to develop its private-client advisory services.

By bringing the practice into its network, S&W aims to broaden its ability to support individuals and families with complex financial and tax requirements. The acquisition will also add local expertise and strengthen its presence in the Greater Manchester market.

S&W Continues Its Regional Expansion

The acquisition forms part of S&W's broader growth strategy across the UK. The firm has been expanding its professional services capabilities through strategic investments and acquisitions.

Its Manchester presence received a significant boost in May 2026, when S&W moved to larger offices at Pall Mall on King Street, doubling its office footprint in the city.

The latest transaction builds on that investment and supports the firm's ambition to expand its integrated tax, audit, advisory, business outsourcing and consulting services across the North West.

“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.”  - Chris Shepard, Head of Private Client Tax Services at S&W

New Opportunities for Both Teams

For Shepherd Private Clients, joining S&W offers access to a wider professional services platform, additional resources and opportunities to develop its advisory offering.

Andrew Shepherd, founder of Shepherd Private Clients, said the move would help the business build on its achievements and deliver more for clients. He also highlighted the opportunities it would create for employees as the firm enters its next phase of growth.

The acquisition reflects a wider trend among professional services firms of expanding specialist capabilities through targeted acquisitions. By bringing together regional expertise and a broader advisory network, S&W is positioning itself to serve a wider range of private clients across the UK and beyond.