The independent accountancy and advisory business ( formally separate from Evelyn Partners from 31 March 2025) has launched under a new brand – S&W – building on the firm’s heritage but with a clear signal to a new, well invested, client-focused organisation at the forefront of providing the highest quality advice.
With new investment from the Apax Funds, S&W will invest behind and grow its strong talent base, further develop its technology offering to be at the forefront of delivery and continue to strengthen S&W’s offerings to its clients by backing the business to drive value through M&A.
S&W launches as one of the UK’s fastest growing accountancy firms, with c1,800 employees and more than 120 partners operating from 15 towns and cities in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
As a leader in the accountancy mid-market, S&W offers clients a broad range of services spanning business and private client tax advice, assurance and business services and a suite of advisory and digital services that include recovery and restructuring, transaction services and forensic advice.
Andrew Wilkes, previously Chief Professional Services Director of Evelyn Partners, assumes the role of CEO of S&W, with Andrew Baddeley, former Group Chief Financial Officer of Evelyn Partners, becoming CFO at S&W.
Andrew Wilkes, CEO of S&W commented: “This is a really exciting day for the entire team as we launch S&W with backing from Apax Partners. S&W combines the heritage of Smith & Williamson, which was founded in 1881, with a new brand and philosophies driving the business to cement its leadership position in the accountancy mid-market.
“Under S&W we are committed to continue delivering the high-quality accountancy and advisory services that our clients expect from our experienced teams.
“We look forward to having the Apax Funds invest in the business, providing capital and knowledge to drive future growth. The launch of S&W gives us a platform to continue our M&A programme and attract further top talent at all levels.”
Frank Ehmer, Partner at Apax commented: “As we mentioned in previous communications, we prioritised S&W as the ideal UK platform, given its market-leading position, and an unrivalled reputation from which the business can look to scale new heights.
“Now we have the chance to really get going and are excited to invest behind the platform, building the business to fulfil its greatest potential in the coming years.”
About S&W
S&W is one of the fastest-growing UK accountancy firms and builds on the heritage of Smith & Williamson which was founded in 1881. It was launched as a new business on March 31, 2025, following the sale of Evelyn Partners’ Professional Services business to Apax Partners.
As a leader in the accountancy mid-market, the firm offers clients a broad range of services spanning business and private client tax advice, assurance and business services and a suite of advisory and digital services that include recovery and restructuring, transaction services and forensic advice.
S&W has c1,800 employees and more than 120 partners operating from 15 towns and cities in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
For more details see: www.swgroup.com
About Apax
Apax Partners LLP is a leading global private equity advisory firm. For over 50 years, Apax has worked to inspire growth and ideas that transform businesses. The firm, which operates out of seven offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Tel Aviv, Munich and Shanghai, has raised and advised funds with aggregate commitments of almost $80 billion. The Apax Funds invest in companies across three global sectors: Tech, Services, and Internet/Consumer. These funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies.
Press contacts
Mark Gee
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
mark.gee@swgroup.com
Cheriton Alexander
Communications Manager
cheriton.alexander@swgroup.com
Gill Corish
Interim Head of Communications
Gill.corish@apax.com
