S&W has reached an agreement to acquire Shepherd Private Clients, a specialist private client tax advisory firm based in Greater Manchester.
The acquisition brings 15 new staff members to S&W.
S&W, which describes itself as a fast-growing professional services group, said the deal strengthens its tax capabilities in Manchester and supports its growth plans across the North West.
The agreement follows S&W’s move in May 2026 to expanded Manchester offices at Pall Mall on King Street, which doubled its footprint in the city.
Andrew Shepherd founded Shepherd Private Clients in 2018.
The firm advises high net worth individuals, families, entrepreneurs and their business interests, trusts and charities.
Its team, which includes executive director Rebecca Hunt, advises clients across the North West, throughout the UK and internationally.
S&W said the transaction expands its 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.”
He added: “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.”
Bulmer said of the team: “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.”
Shepherd, Founder of Shepherd Private Clients, said: “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.”
S&W says it builds on the heritage of Smith & Williamson, which was founded in 1881.
It was launched as a new business on 31st March 2025, following the sale of Evelyn Partners’ Professional Services business to Apax Funds.
