AGM 2025 - Lessons from The Bank of Dave

At the 2025 AGM, For Entrepreneurs Only had the honour of welcoming Dave Fishwick - self-made entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the inspiring figure behind the acclaimed film and documentaries “Bank of Dave.” Dave’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary: from a bullied schoolboy to the founder of Britain’s most talked-about community bank, his story exemplifies resilience, integrity, and true entrepreneurial spirit.

From Humble Beginnings

Dave faced significant adversity early in life. Bullied at school and with no formal qualifications, he left at 16 and started working as a builder’s labourer earning just £27.50 a week. To earn more money, he turned to buying and selling cars, recognising early that negotiation could turn small deals into big opportunities.

Juggling multiple jobs - from van and car sales to DJ-ing in nightclubs - Dave embodies grit and perseverance. His guiding mantra? There’s no easy way - hard work is where luck begins. He emphasises the importance of financial discipline: always spend less than you earn.

His small business quickly grew and soon Dave was supplying vans and minibuses to customers across the UK.

Banking on People

When the 2008 banking crisis struck and traditional lenders withdrew, Dave stepped up. He began lending his own money to local businesses, prioritising character and commitment over formal credit checks. His model grew rapidly: from financing a local florist’s business to generating over £40,000 in small loans, eventually creating a community banking model that has facilitated hundreds of millions of pounds in loans across the UK - all profits reinvested into local charities and initiatives.

Challenging the System

Dave’s fight for ethical banking has been captured in Channel 4’s “Bank of Dave” and “Fighting the Fat Cats.” Despite legal obstacles and regulatory hurdles-including a cease-and-desist order - his unwavering spirit proved that even seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome with persistence and integrity.

His journey inspired the Netflix hit “Bank of Dave” - one of Britain’s most successful independent films - and has recently sparked talks of a musical based on his life.

The Lone Ranger

He played a significant role in challenging payday loan companies, including Wonga, which was infamous for charging exorbitant interest rates - up to 5,500% APR. His campaigning, supported by media exposure through documentaries and the Netflix films "Bank of Dave" and its sequel "The Loan Ranger," helped raise public and political awareness about the predatory nature of payday lenders.

Wonga eventually went into administration in 2018 and was fully dissolved by 2020, influenced in part by regulatory crackdowns and the public pressure generated by activists like Dave Fishwick and politicians such as Stella Creasy. While he did not single-handedly "close down" Wonga, his efforts were a major factor in the wider movement that led to tighter regulations, the downfall of payday lenders like Wonga, and better protections for vulnerable borrowers.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Dave shared four golden rules. These principles, he insists, matter whether you’re lending money, starting a business, or tackling industry giants:

• Never lose money
  
• Never forget rule number one
  
• Never give up
  
• Never, ever give up
  

Community at the Core

Every town, according to Dave, should have its own responsible, community-focused bank - lending fairly, reinvesting profits locally, and empowering people to succeed together. Dave’s journey proves that honesty and courage can challenge powerful institutions - and win.

His message for fellow entrepreneurs? Work hard, seek opportunities, and see people as people - success follows when you never let anyone bully you out of your dreams.

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Beyond the inspiring talks and valuable insights, these lunches serve as a vibrant platform for personal and professional growth. They provide a dedicated space for reflection, new perspectives, and meaningful connections within a supportive community. Each event is thoughtfully designed to motivate, educate, and expand your network - making it an invaluable opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to learn, connect, and thrive. We look forward to welcoming members and their guests, to our next event, where opportunities to invest in yourself and your business await!

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