Dave Southby Rising Entrepreneur. The local financial planner is named as one of the southwest’s rising young entrepreneurs.
Swindon businessman Dave Southby, founder and CEO of Southby & Co. Financial Planning, gets a mention in the 42 Under 42 Class of 2025 by South West Insider Media. The annual list celebrates the region’s most dynamic entrepreneurs aged 42 and under.
Now in its 18th year, the 42 Under 42 programme recognises talented young business leaders across the UK who are making a real difference in their industries and communities. Since its launch, the programme has inducted more than 600 entrepreneurs. Combined they form an influential network across the southwest.
About Dave Southby
Dave, 32, started his financial planning business in 2021 after a complete career change. He studied for his professional exams during the Covid-19 lockdowns. From the very beginning, his aim was simple. To build a business that offered expert financial advice while making a positive impact on the local community.
The company has grown fast. In early 2025, it rebranded from Dave Southby Financial Planning to Southby & Co. Financial Planning to reflect its expanding team and collaborative approach. The move into a new high Street office in Wroughton earlier this year has placed the business firmly in the heart of the community it serves.
Today, Southby & Co. works with individuals, families and business owners across Swindon and North Wiltshire. They help clients feel confident about their finances and future plans.
Dave’s dedication to excellence and responsible business has brought many accolades. He has won St. James’s Place Responsible Business of the Year. He’s been shortlisted for SME of the Year and Male Entrepreneur of the Year at the South West Business and Community Awards. Most recently, the firm made the finals in the Professional Adviser – Adviser Firm of the Year (South West & Wales) category. And is also a finalist in the Money Marketing Charity Champion of the Year Awards 2025 (with winners announced in September).
Community
Dave’s community involvement is as notable as his business achievements. He’s also:
- Chaired networking organisations
- Runs a business club for start-ups
- Sponsors two local Wroughton football teams …
- .. and links business turnover to tree planting as part of a carbon-neutral commitment.
Dave has also raised thousands of pounds for charities such as MIND, CALM and The Kelly Foundation – where he serves as a trustee. He takes on creative challenges ranging from charity golf days to walking 24 miles in a full tortoise costume.
‘It’s a real honour to be included alongside so many inspiring business leaders from across the South West. When I started my business in 2021, I wanted to create something that would not only succeed commercially but also give back to the community’ Dave said.
‘This recognition is a reflection of the hard work of the whole team and the support of our amazing clients. I’m looking forward to meeting the other inductees and hearing their stories in October.’
Dave’s official welcome into the Class of 2025 at the 42 Under 42 event is on Wednesday 15th October at Sixes Social Cricket in Bristol. The evening will bring together current and past inductees for relaxed networking, inspiring talks and the chance to celebrate shared success.
For more information about Southby & Co. Financial Planning visit: https://www.southbyfp.co.uk
