Entrepreneur creates community bank for TV show

LANCASHIRE businessman David Fishwick is launching his own hyper-local bank – with help from Manchester law firm JMW.

Self-made entrepreneur Mr Fishwick is starring in a Channel 4 series – die to be broadcast later this summer – about his attempts to start a bank for the Burnley community and make a profit is a short timeframe.

Called ‘Bank of Dave’ the TV show and accompanying book, chart his ambitious venture at a time when small firms continue to struggle to attract finance.

is business, Colne-based David Fishwick is one of the country’s largest van and minibus dealerships.

Mr Fishwick was advised by JMW’s head of corporate, Chris Moss and head of intellectual oproperty, Keith Arrowsmith, on the complex regulations of setting up a bank.

The advice, which was provided on and off camera, was a particular challenge given the 180-day timescale of the project, and the breadth of regulations that a new financial business is subject to.

Mr Moss has experience of providing advice to the financial sector, and Keith (an ex building society employee) has had dealings with the credit union and co-operative movements.

Both Keith Arrowsmith and Chris Moss are acknowledged in the book and feature throughout.

Commenting on working with the Bank of Dave, Keith Arrowsmith said:”
“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. Everyone in the team has really enjoyed working on the project, even when at times the red tape was very difficult to overcome.”

In  is book, Mr Fishwick said of the JMW pair :”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. If the Bank of Dave was to become profitable, that was the sort of support I truly needed.”