S&W strengthens consulting business with Fredward acquisition

S&W has strengthened its consulting practice with the acquisition of specialist financial services management and data consultancy based Fredward.

As part of the deal, all 45 Fredward staff, including two partners and six directors, will join S&W.

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.

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.

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

Andrew Wilkes, CEO of S&W, said: “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.”

Bragg 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.”