Dow Schofield Watts continues expansion with launch of DSW Principal Partners

New fractional model embraces gig economy

Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) the mid-market, challenger professional services network, has further expanded its reach with the launch of DSW Principal Partners (DSWPP), which will offer access to highly skilled C-suite professionals on a fractional basis.

This innovative strategic staffing solution enables companies to fill specific roles or complete tasks without the need for full-time hires, optimising costs and enhancing flexibility.

The new venture is being led by Founding Partner, Steve Lord, who has spent the last six years as an Investor & Executive Chairman acquiring and developing a portfolio of industrial SMEs in the UK, North America and the Middle East. He is being joined by Claire Cushnahan, Nina Mcloughlin, Mike Ellis and Richard Jones who will be Founders and Principals in the business. DSWPP will be based out of DSW’s Daresbury office.

Steve says the key differentiator to the traditional consultancy model is that DSWPP’s Principals execute, not just advise. “We do not provide Consultants. Our model focuses on empowering businesses with skilled professionals who are experienced in working with growing businesses, reshaping industries and impacting the economy.

“We provide high-level executive thinkers that you might not need on a daily basis. As a growing small to medium-sized business or a business with fluctuating workloads, you need access to visionary, strategic, technical or financial skillsets and sector expertise. We also provide end to end solutions for private equity houses, financial institutions and banks who need strategic support with their portfolios to deliver enhanced returns on their investments, particularly in turnaround or distress situations. With DSW Principal Partners clients can tap into specialised skills on an as-needed basis with our total solution.”

DSW Principal Partners is aiming to provide national coverage with multiple Principals across different functions and specialist areas, with international ambitions on the horizon. This will include AI, robotics, supply chain management, environmental, healthcare, education and e-learning, finance and banking, legal and compliance and creative and digital marketing.

James Dow, DSW Capital’s CEO, said: “We have made no secret of our strategy to expand our offering with high margin, complementary, niche service lines with a strong synergistic fit. DSW Principal Partners provides a key point of difference and will enable us to further facilitate our national and international footprint. Having the calibre of Steve, Claire, Nina, Mike and Richard join as DSW Principal Partners is a testament to the DSW model and the quality of our client base.”

Steve adds: “There are no losers in the fractional market – it is a game changer for clients and our Principals who will range from Gen Z to Gen X. DSW have an excellent client base who we really feel we will add strategic value to a network of proven businesses and an infrastructure that means we can hit the ground running.”

DSW Capital plc is the owner of the Dow Schofield Watts brand and was admitted to AIM in 2022. Dow Schofield Watts now has over 100 professionals in Aberdeen, Cardiff, the North West, Leeds, Leicester, London, Nottingham and Reading. It regularly ranks amongst the top 20 most active UK corporate finance advisers and also operates Pandea Global M&A, an international corporate finance network covering 34 different countries.