Dave Fishwick opened Burnley Savings and Loans (Image: GETTY)
Bank of Dave: The Loan Ranger, currently streaming on Netflix, is a film inspired by the real-life story of Lancashire entrepreneur Dave Fishwick. Rory Kinnear portrays the businessman in the adaptation, with the actual Dave Fishwick playing an integral role in the production process.
Dave Fishwick left school at 16 without any qualifications and went on to establish David Fishwick Minibus Sales, which eventually became Britain’s largest minibus supplier. However, following the recession, he found that high street banks were reluctant to lend money to his customers.
In response to this, he founded Burnley Savings and Loans, adopting the advertising slogan Bank on Dave. Despite not being an officially registered UK bank, the lending company allows customers to deposit limited amounts and has assisted thousands of individuals facing financial hardship.
Burnley Savings and Loans was launched in 2011, and in 2017, Dave made his first application to become a regulated UK bank, aiming to offer a broader range of products to a larger customer base. He continues to strive for official recognition for his business.
JMW Solicitors LLP provided legal support to Dave, advising him on setting up the micro bank for the Burnley community. Headed by Chris Moss, the corporate team guided the self-made millionaire through the complex banking regulations.
Joel Fry plays the lawyer who was based on Chris Moss (Image: NETFLIX)
The legal team offered their expertise both on and off camera, acknowledging the particular complexity of the project given its 180-day timeframe.
Chris, with his extensive expertise, was instrumental in navigating the complex regulatory landscape for the new financial venture.
At the time, JMW expressed their enthusiasm: “It has been wonderful working with Dave Fishwick on his Bank of Dave concept. It is inspirational to see someone who is so passionate about trying to change the status quo.”
They also acknowledged the challenges faced: “Everyone in the team has really enjoyed working on the project, even when at times the red tape was very difficult to overcome.”
Dave chose JMW for their reputation as “high fliers whose offices are housed in a Manchester skyscraper”.
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Dave Fishwick with Rory Kinnear at the film premiere (Image: NETFLIX)
He explained his decision further: “I had spoken to them about the bank I wanted to create, and they had immediately got it. They offered to help me with my banking application for next to nothing because of my intention to give the profits to charity at the end of the 180 days.”
Dave emphasised the importance of such support: “If the Bank of Dave was to become profitable, that was the sort of support I truly needed.”
Chris Moss, the lead lawyer depicted in the film by Joel Fry, reflected on his involvement: “I have been working with Dave for over 11 years, and when he first spoke to me about starting a community bank, I knew only Dave could be the person to make that happen with a little help.”
He praised Dave’s commitment: “He is full of determination and passionate about supporting his local community, and he was portrayed very accurately by Rory Kinnear. I understand Dave worked very closely with the cast and had a great time building the script and making the film happen.”
He expressed his enthusiasm for the movies, sharing: “I took my wife to the premiere, and we had a great time watching the film for the first time.”
“She, of course, knew the love interest in the film, Phoebe Dynevor’s character Alexandra, was, of course, fictional, but the story itself is accurate in how Dave managed to build his own community lender.”
“Dave has fantastic ideas and huge drive, and he continues as a client, so watch this space.”
Bank of Dave: The Loan Ranger is on