• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Wednesday July 26 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Financial advisor Dave Southby plans for the future by taking on his first employee

Financial adviser Dave Southby has seen his Wiltshire-based business grow so much in the past two years that he has taken on his first employee, Neil Sawyer, to help grow the company further.

Neil, (47), who lives in Haydon Wick has previously worked in a prestigious car dealership and has now joined Dave as a practice administrator.

“My business has been growing to the point where I needed someone to assist with the administration,” said Dave Southby. “This is because of new business coming in, as well as supporting existing clients. The time has come for getting extra support in the vital back office tasks so I can focus on my clients’ experience and outcomes.”

Dave (pictured left) was looking for someone who was process-driven, focused on details and with a willingness to learn.

“Neil has 21 years of experience in accounts and administration, so he has all the skills I was looking for in my first employee,” added Dave. “His appointment will mean I will be able to give more time to my clients and to work on the business, allowing us to grow further. It also ensures we have a continuous presence in the office while I am away.”

Initially, Neil joins as a practice administrator but with a view to eventually becoming a paraplanner once he has passed all relevant qualifications.

Neil said: “I knew about the company before joining, as myself and Dave have been colleagues and friends for the last ten years. Dave approached me and offered me the opportunity to join his business as he knew what skills I had to bring to the role.”

Neil previously worked as an accounts assistant and sales administrator for a local car dealership. He is looking forward to the challenge of learning a completely different role within financial services.

“In the short term, I want to be able to learn and grow, with the end goal of becoming a fully qualified paraplanner and helping Dave grow his business.”

Dave concluded: “Neil’s appointment is an incredible landmark moment for the business and means that we will be able to further support our clients in the future with their financial planning.”

Dave Southby is a partner with St James’ Place and helps individuals, families and small business owners to manage their wealth effectively. He specialises in working with people who live in Swindon and North Wiltshire.