Tue, 08 Jul 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
A specialist risk advisory firm based in the West Midlands has been acquired by major professional services consultancy Barnett Waddingham. The acquisition of Risk Evolves delivers a strategic enhancement of Barnett Waddingham’s risk capabilities.
Warwickshire-based Risk Evolves, which was founded in 2015, works with a global client base ranging from SMEs to large corporates, enabling them to identify and understand risks that could pose a threat to their business.
The acquisition of the firm, along with its seven-strong Leamington Spa team, will enable Barnett Waddingham to offer its clients deeper advisory services, spanning cyber security, environmental, social and governance (ESG), data privacy and compliance.
Harshil Shah, partner and Head of Risk and Resilience Services at Barnett Waddingham, said that the deal “cements BW's credentials as a leading professional services consultancy that helps clients make better decisions around strategy, operations and people; by leveraging our risk, resilience and data analytics expertise.”
Shah added: "Risk Evolves has been a trusted partner for several years, and this move formalises and strengthens that relationship. Our clients will benefit from continuity of service while gaining access to our combined award-winning expertise."
Following the acquisition, Risk Evolves founder and Managing Director Helen Barge (pictured above with Harshil Shah) has joined Barnett Waddingham as Principal and Senior Risk and Resilience Consultant.
She commented: "Barnett Waddingham has a first-class reputation within the risk industry; the firm is well known for building strong, long-term relationships based on collaboration and trust.”
"What particularly attracted us to BW was the alignment of our values; we both prioritise client-centric service, integrity in everything we do, and a genuine commitment to helping organisations build resilience.”
The deal continues a period of growth for 1,700-strong Barnett Waddingham, which reported turnover of £158.1 million in the year to May 31 2024, up from £145.8 million a year earlier, and generated profits of £1.3 million.
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