Swindon and Wiltshire financial advisers, Southby & Co Financial Planning, is celebrating its Apprentice Business Administrator, Cristina Ellenico, being shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year in the South West Business and Community Awards 2026.
Southby & Co Financial Planning helps individuals, families, and small business owners manage their wealth effectively.
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.
She said, “Everyone at Southby & Co is extremely supportive towards my learning and growth, I am really enjoying working there and progressing my career. 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.
Cristina continued, “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.”
Dave Southby, Founder of Southby & Co Financial Planning, added, “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.”
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.
Cristina will be headed to the celebration event, where the winners will be announced on Wednesday 11th March 2026 at DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon, SN5 8UZ.
Southby & Co Financial Planning is an award-winning financial planning business based in Wroughton, Wiltshire.
For more information, visit: southbyfp.co.uk/.
Pictured above: Cristina Ellenico, Apprentice Business Administrator at Southby & Co. Financial Planning, who is shortlisted for the award of Apprentice of the Year at the South West Business and Community Awards 2026
