• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Thursday February 26 2026

Award nomination for financial advisers’ apprentice

Financial advisers Southby & Co are celebrating their apprentice being shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year.

Apprentice business administrator Cristina Ellenico has been announced as a finalist in the South West Business and Community Awards 2026.

Cristina (18) from Old Town, Swindon became an apprentice after graduating from education and leaving her role in retail. Her passion for a career in the financial sector has grown throughout her apprenticeship.

“Everyone at Southby & Co is extremely supportive towards my learning and growth, I am really enjoying working there and progressing my career,” she said.

“I’m really enjoying learning more about financial advice and potentially becoming a financial adviser myself.

“For me, success is about getting to a place in my life where I’ve done everything I can to better myself and know I’ve tried my hardest to be where I am.”

The Apprentice of the Year Award recognises apprentices who’ve made an exceptional contribution and commitment to their workplace.

The shortlisted applicants will have adapted, diversified and contributed to their business and community. In this competitive award category, Cristina is one of three shortlisted candidates.

“By having a willingness to learn and taking myself out of my comfort zone, I have really benefitted. I believe you have to put yourself out there to be seen and recognised.

“Another passion of mine is contributing to charity, whether that’s taking part in our charity walk from Bath to Devizes or helping organise a Christmas toy appeal, I love giving back to the community,” continued Cristina.

Dave Southby, founder of Southby & Co Financial Planning, said: “The team and I couldn’t be more excited or proud of Cristina being shortlisted for these local awards.

“We’ve seen first hand her perseverance and engagement with her work and community and this nomination couldn’t be more deserved. We’ll be cheering her on at the awards ceremony along with the other nominees,” he said.

The South West Business and Community Awards were established in 2018 by The Great British Expos.

In the following years, the awards have been honouring and celebrating the region’s business community achievements, resilience, innovation, and creativity.

This year is set to be no different with 15 categories that will honour the array of business talent in the South West.

Cristina will be headed to the celebration event, where the winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 11 at DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon.

Southby & Co Financial Planning are an award-winning financial planning business in Wroughton, Wiltshire. The company is known for its honest advice and story community ties.