Bank of Dave founder and university vice chancellor on honours list

Lancashire business and education leaders have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.

Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, whose story inspired the Netflix Bank of Dave films and stage musical, has been awarded an OBE for services to finance, business and charity.

Speaking to Lancashire Business View, Dave revealed that his wife Nicky was the first to discover the news after opening a letter from the Palace.

He said: “She sent me a text saying ‘OMG’. I thought, ‘What’s gone wrong?’ But she told me I’d have to wait until I got home for a good surprise.”

Asked how he managed to keep the honour secret, he laughed: “When you get a letter from the Palace, there’s no messing about - you do as you’re told.”

Reflecting on his Lancashire roots, Dave said: “You must never forget where you come from or you’ll never get to where you’re going.”

Dave said the recognition would help him continue championing better access to finance and face-to-face banking.

He said: “It gives you credibility when you’re speaking about banking and finance to ministers and policymakers.”

The Burnley businessman dedicated the honour to David Henshaw and the team at Bank of Dave, as well as colleagues across his wider businesses.

Dave added: “If you surround yourself with good people, good things will happen.”

He also paid tribute to Nicky for the support she provides behind the scenes.

He said: “Without Nicky it would be so difficult. I told her she’ll need a new frock for meeting the King and I’ll need a tie.”

Dave also revealed that producers are exploring a potential West End run for the Bank of Dave musical following its successful launch.

University of Lancashire Vice Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin has also been awarded an OBE for services to higher education.

Prof Baldwin said: “It is a humbling moment. I am deeply grateful to the many colleagues, mentors and my family whose encouragement, collaboration and support throughout my career have made this honour possible, and I accept this OBE as a reflection of our shared achievements.

“I’m privileged to be in a position where I get to help people better their lives via education and work alongside colleagues who work tirelessly every day to make access and opportunity a reality.”

In May 2025, Graham was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Lancashire by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker JP.

Meanwhile, Alan Cavill has been awarded an MBE for services to regeneration in Blackpool.

Alan, who grew up in the town, has played a major role in Blackpool’s £2bn regeneration programme over almost 30 years.

Alongside directing projects including the £350m Talbot Gateway and £300m Enterprise Zone, he has helped ensure local people benefit from investment through training opportunities and employment.

Alan said: “I am deeply honoured to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. As with many people, this is an acknowledgement of achievements that are by no means my own.

“I am truly grateful to my wife and family for giving me the support that has allowed me to pursue my career and to the many people who have done most of the work to deliver the changes to my hometown that this award recognises.”

Also recognised was Jonathan Lutwyche, chief executive of Lancaster based Yordas Group, who received an OBE for services to sustainable chemicals management, economic growth, international trade and advancing opportunities for women and young people.

Dr Karen Whittaker, from Preston, senior education lead at the Institute of Health Visiting, was awarded an MBE for services to health visiting, recognising her significant contribution to practice, education and research over a 38-year career.