Southby & Co Financial Planning was founded by Dave Southby with the aim of taking a more personal and holistic approach to helping people plan their financial futures.
Five years later, the Swindon-based firm has expanded its team, secured a string of industry accolades and says it has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and community causes.
For Dave, reaching the milestone is as much about the people behind the business as its growth.
“When I look back at the last five years, one word really stands out and that is ‘we’,”
he said.
“Nobody builds a successful business alone. Our clients, team, professional partners, suppliers and the wider network of people around us have all played a part in where we are today and we hope they will play a part in where we are going.
“I’m proud of the awards and the growth, but some of the greatest rewards have come from seeing people develop, building relationships with clients and being able to make a positive contribution to our community.”
Among the milestones highlighted by the company are receiving Highly Commended recognition in two categories at the Financial Times Adviser Awards and achieving Top Rated Adviser status for four consecutive years.
The firm says it has also accumulated more than 130 five-star Google reviews and been recognised through the Positive Business movement, which promotes companies seeking to make a positive social and environmental impact alongside commercial success.
Dave said one of the most rewarding aspects of the past five years had been watching members of his team develop their careers and confidence.
The anniversary has also prompted him to reflect on what he has learned since starting his own company.
One of the biggest lessons, he said, was accepting that running a business did not mean having to know how to do everything himself.
“As someone who knows numbers, I quickly realised that it’s wiser to invest in others to do tasks you don’t enjoy or are not good at,”
he said.
“Now I work with experts for support in areas where they have greater knowledge or experience.”
He also believes consistency has been important, particularly during quieter periods when business owners can be tempted to change direction too quickly.
“Five years has gone incredibly quickly and there have inevitably been challenges as well as successes,” Dave said.
“I’ve learned that you don’t have to have every answer, that it’s important to surround yourself with the right people and that you have to keep showing up even when you are incredibly busy.
“I’ve also learned to trust what works and not panic when things become quieter.
“Above all, the small details matter. How people are treated and how you make them feel can have an enormous impact.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who has been part of our first five years and we’re excited about what the next five will bring.”
Southby & Co Financial Planning provides financial planning services to clients from its base in Swindon.
