• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Thursday April 30 2026

Financial planners shortlisted for national workplace excellence award

A firm of financial planners from Wiltshire has been shortlisted for a national award recognising financial services firms that are building strong and supportive working environments for their teams.

Southby & Co. Financial Planning, based in Wroughton, has been named a finalist in the Women’s Equality Champion category at the Workplace Excellence Awards, run by FT Adviser.

Now in their eighth year, the awards highlight businesses across the UK that are making a real effort in how they support their people, from day to day culture through to wider inclusion and development.

Founder Dave Southby said: “We’re really pleased to be recognised for something that’s such a big part of how we run the business. Creating a workplace where everyone feels supported and treated fairly matters to us, and it’s something we’ve focused on from early on.”

The recognition comes as the business approaches its fifth anniversary and continues to grow, with the team now at five. From its early days as a one person operation, Southby & Co. has built a small team working with clients across Swindon and North Wiltshire.

The awards focus on what firms are actually doing for their people, rather than what’s written in policies. They recognise businesses where teams feel valued, supported and able to do their job well.

Dave said the nomination reflects the people behind the business: “We’ve got a great group of people here and that’s what makes the difference day to day. Everyone plays a part in shaping how the business feels to work in.”

Jenny Ashfield, financial adviser at Southby & Co., said: “I’m really passionate about helping more women feel confident with their finances, so being part of a business that supports that and encourages those conversations makes a big difference day to day.”

The winners of the Workplace Excellence Awards will be announced on June 18 at the Hyatt Regency London.