A Swindon businessman has been shortlisted for two regional awards just three years after he launched his financial planning firm.

Dave Southby, the founder of Dave Southby Financial Planning, is in the running for the Going the Extra Mile Award and the Positive Business Award at the The Business Exchange (TBE) Awards 2024.

These accolades recognise his business success since launching in 2021, as well as his dedication to supporting the local community.

Wroughton-based Mr Southby, 31, has built a thriving financial planning company, and the recognition highlights the "positive contributions" he has made to the community.

He said: "We are incredibly proud to be nominated for not one but two region awards recognising our commitment to the community and going the extra mile for our clients.

"These are two of our core values so to be nominated in both categories shows the hard work we have done to put these at the centre of what we do."

The TBE Awards, in partnership with headline sponsor Thrings, celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship across Bath, Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire.

This year's awards received more than 130 entries across 14 categories.

Along with those Mr Southby has been nominated for, other categories include Best User Experience, Positive Business Award, Rising Star Award, and Best Creative Campaign.

In September, Mr Southby and his colleague Neil took on the challenge of the Thames Path 100km walk, raising £2,800 for the Kelly Foundation, surpassing their target by £300.

The Kelly Foundation is their chosen charity for 2024 and supports mental health initiatives in the community.

Mr Southby's firm faces tough competition in the Going the Extra Mile Award category from Genesis Trust and Voices Charity.

For the Positive Business Award, they are up against Digital Wonderlab, Gel Studios, and Gooding Accounts.

This year marks the debut of the TBE Awards, an initiative designed to shine a spotlight on outstanding achievements and innovation in the region's business community.

They aim to build on the legacy of the Techies awards, which ran successfully for six years, but "promise to deliver the same level of excitement and recognition".

Winners will be revealed at a celebration event on October 17 at Cumberwell Park, Bradford on Avon.

Other awards include Flying the Flag for the South West, the Dream Team Award, Leader of the Year, Eco Champion of the Year, and Best Start-up 2024.