Bank of Dave brings business inspiration to Blackpool at Rock and Revolution Conference

Blackpool played host to an electric celebration of entrepreneurship recently as Dave Fishwick, the self-made millionaire behind the hit Netflix movie Bank of Dave headlined the Rock & Revolution Conference at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road stadium.

Organised by Nikki Hesford, owner of the Small Business, which runs the Blackpool Growth Business Academy, the one-day event brought together more than 100 local entrepreneurs and small-business owners from across the Fylde Coast for an energising day of insight, inspiration and real-world advice on growing and sustaining a business.

Joining Dave on stage were ‘Queen Bee’ Dani Wallace, known for her powerhouse speaking and business mentoring, and Martin Huntbach, Blackpool’s own video content strategist, who shared practical tips for standing out online.

Nikki opened the day with an honest, humorous keynote about her own entrepreneurial journey – from teenage start-ups to running one of the region’s most ambitious government-funded business support programmes.

“We wanted to rip up the traditional model of business support and do something bold, inspiring and relevant,” said Nikki. “Bringing Dave Fishwick to Blackpool – someone who’s defied convention to champion small businesses, felt like the perfect way to show local entrepreneurs that big ideas can start right here on the Fylde coast.”

Government funded by Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Councils using UKSPF funding, the Rock and Revolution Conference was free to attend for local SMEs, with the aim of breaking down barriers and making high-quality, practical business advice accessible to all.

Angela Kershaw, Blackpool Council’s Head of Business Growth, attended the event and said “The Rock and Revolution Conference was a fantastic celebration of local enterprise. It was inspiring to see so many ambitious business leaders committed to sustainable growth, and the insights shared by the keynote speakers made the day truly impactful.”

The Blackpool Growth Business Academy is encouraging local business leaders targeting sustainable growth to contact Nikki and the team for tailored support.