Financial Experts go Canal-side. Southby & Co Financial Planning, are on a mission. And it’s to sponsor the preservation of the historic canals of Wiltshire and Berkshire.
Founded by Dave Southby, the Wroughton-based financial advisers are sponsoring the landing stage at the stretch of the Wilts & Berks canal that runs from Rushy Platt through to Wichelstowe. This area is becoming popular as somewhere to visit and live as the development works continue in 2026 and beyond.
In the beginning
‘When I started Southby & Co Financial Planning, I wanted to not only improve the lives of our clients but also our local community,’ said Dave. ‘For this reason, we thought working with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust was the perfect partnership. There’s a shared vision of leaving a lasting legacy for many future generations to come.’
About the canal
The Wilts and Berks canal is a national historic site. It opened in 1810 becoming a bustling trade route. 1914 saw it abandoned with much of the canal demolished or filled in as it was unnavigable.
In 1977, the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group formed. They had the view of full restoration. And for decades they’ve worked hard to bring that vision back to partial reality.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust stems from that original group founded in 1977. And the charity continues to champion reinstating the canal and towpath. The aim of the charity’s restoration is to bring economic benefits, health and wellbeing to the public, nature and biodiversity as well as flood alleviation.
‘The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust are doing a fantastic job. They’re restoring 70 miles of canal and towpath in Swindon and across the region. All benefitting our communities and local wildlife,’ continued Dave. ‘In sponsoring the landing stage in South Swindon, we’re able to have a direct effect. Both on the environment and on the lives of everyone in the area and Swindon as a whole.’
Chloe Ford, head of communications at Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, spoke about the effect this sponsorship will have on the trust and local community.
We’re so pleased to have Southby & Co sponsoring our landing stage. This community asset is much-loved and used by many who enjoy our Dragonfly boat trips. And that’s exactly how Dave Southby found us. It’s such an exciting time looking ahead, as from the landing stage we can see the building of the next section underway. Southby & Co’s sponsorship helps us maintain and run into the future!’
Securing a financial future
Dave and his team work with individuals, families, and business owners across Swindon and Wiltshire. They help them manage their finances effectively and plan for the future. For more information visit: https://www.southbyfp.co.uk/
As we’ve mentioned Dragonfly:
Further on the topic of canals:
https://swindonian.me/2021/07/11/a-kennet-and-avon-canal-journey/
