Dave Southby of Dave Southby Financial Planning shares why June is going to be exciting for his business!

It’s June already and we’re halfway through the year. It’s also officially the first month of Summer, even if the weather has changed again! This month we’re talking to small business owners about what’s happening in their business.

Up today is Dave Southby of Dave Southby Financial Planning, based in Swindon, who is sharing what June hold for him and his business.

Does June hold any particular significance for you or your business?
June is gearing up to be a very exciting and busy month for my business. I have two school career days booked in which are always great fun. I also have a few business networking events booked in, but I have to say the biggest milestone will be on Monday 19th of June when I have my first employee starting, a full-time administrator. The business has grown over the past 18 months to the point where I now need some administration support which in the long run will give me more time for my clients. It’s an incredibly exciting time and I’m looking forward to the future.

June 1 to 7 this year is Volunteers Week. Do you volunteer?
I try to volunteer in the local community as much as possible. Recently I volunteered at the annual Wroughton Duck Race as well as several other events. I also love to raise money for charity and as a business nominate a charity of the year. This year my chosen charity is Mind Swindon and Gloucestershire after their support for a close friend of mind. We also support other charities and give ad hoc donations where possible.

June 30 is Social Media Day. What does social media mean to you and your business?
Hate it or love it, I believe social media is an integral part of business today, especially if you’re a business that deals directly with consumers. It allows you to have a consistent presence, reaching a wide audience and doesn’t have to cost anything. I currently use Facebook and LinkedIn. For me, Facebook is more direct to consumers whereas LinkedIn is more for professional connections and networking. I have often thought about expanding onto other platforms, like most businesses have, but I haven’t reviewed how that would fit into my marketing mix just yet. Social media can also be fantastic for recommendations which is something I have built my business on.

On the flip side, social media can be time consuming, especially if you’re engaging with other people and their posts as well as your own. It can also take time to build up traction and be expensive if you choose to run paid ads

Would you like to provide us with a summer ‘guide’ of some kind?
Some of my favourite places to visit locally in the summer are golf courses. I play regularly at Ogbourne Downs Golf Course - https://www.ogbournedowns.co.uk/ - which has incredible views once you get up to the top of the course.

I also love playing at Bassett Down Golf Course - https://www.basset-down.com/ - which is little easier then Ogbourne and much flatter! They have done a fantastic job with their recent refurbishment so it’s a lovely place to have a beer after and look over the countryside.

For more information visit https://davesouthbyfp.co.uk/