Self-made millionaire Dave Fishwick, who gained fame as the inspiration behind Netflix's film Bank of Dave, has announced his intent to give away over 90% of his fortune upon his death. Known for setting up his own community bank, Burnley Savings and Loans, following the 2008 financial crisis, Fishwick's story captured hearts not just for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his philanthropic resolve.
Fishwick's exploits were brought to life by the BAFTA-winning actor Rory Kinnear, who portrayed him in the first film, which premiered two years ago. Since then, Fishwick has enjoyed the success of the film adaptation, alongside the recent release of its sequel, Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, streaming on Netflix as of January 10.
Despite his financial success as the UK’s largest supplier of minibuses, Fishwick's focus remains on his family and community. He disclosed to Lancashire Live about his wealth and intentions: "One of my children is a front line police officer and the other one works with animals and I have two grandchildren, two little boys. Myself and Nicky (his wife) and my family have all the money we need. We are going to give 90% plus of it away. I am a big believer in letting children have enough to do anything but not too much to do nothing."
This idea of moderation resonates deeply with Fishwick. He recently criticized affluent individuals who, instead of uplifting their communities, tend to keep their wealth and status to themselves. "A lot of people with money seem to climb up a tree and then pull the ladder up and they are frightened to death of anybody knowing anything, and it is bonkers," he said. For him, wealth should not only provide comfort but also open avenues for societal support and engagement.
Fishwick's perspective extends beyond financial comfort. He reflects on the simplicity of life saying, "I have done all the things I need to do, you can only wear one shirt at once, you can only wear one pair of pants at once, you can only watch one telly, and if you've got a decent telly and you've got a decent mattress to lie on and you've got a home with a roof over your head, then it's pretty much love for something else then.” His sentiments speak volumes about prioritizing values and connections over consumerism.
The core of Fishwick's mission is helping working-class individuals, which is reflected not only in his philanthropic intentions but also his media endeavors. Through his television documentaries and films, he aims to confront what he describes as the "baddies" of society. His upcoming film takes on payday loan companies, addressing the exorbitant interest rates some individuals are charged, where the shocking figures can reach up to 5,000%.
With his life stories being immortalized on screen and his philanthropic vision firmly set for the future, Fishwick stands as not only a businessman but also as someone aspiring to make meaningful change. The legacy he is building seeks to inspire others—particularly those with the means—to reconsider their roles within society.
Fishwick's commitment to philanthropy is not just about donating money; it's rooted deeply in his life's experiences and the challenges he has witnessed around him. His calls to action, encapsulated by the powerful narratives within his films, have the potential to sway public opinion and encourage change, focusing on the importance of financial equality and responsibility.
When reflecting upon his life and the whirlwind of successes, Fishwick's narrative is about much more than personal fortune. He aims to spark conversations and motivate others to engage with their communities actively and give back. Philanthropy, as he sees it, is about celebrating relationships, uplifting those around us, and creating pathways for the next generations.
Fishwick's approach offers a refreshing perspective on wealth and responsibility, challenging norms about the roles of the rich and the importance of community-focused action. His upcoming fight against payday lenders promises to be not only personal but also historical, potentially redirecting the narrative surrounding wealth distribution and support.
Exploring the essence of his philanthropic intentions brings us back to the crux of his message—wealth should empower, inspire, and uplift. With his family by his side and his vision charted, Dave Fishwick continues to demonstrate what it means to pay it forward and truly invest in the future.