Among winners at the WCIT Entrepreneurs Forum’s fifth annual WCIT Enterprise Awards was Simon Gordon, the founder of Facewatch, the crime reporting software. The awards were presented at a dinner at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.
Simon Gordon, who founded Facewatch in March 2010, when he decided that he needed to do something about the problem of pickpockets stealing from customers in his family owned London business Gordon’s Wine Bar, was handed the Judges Award.
John O’Connell, Chairman of the WCIT Enterprise Awards said: “Winning an award is always noteworthy. Winning a WCIT Enterprise Award marks the winner out as someone special. Simon Gordon is an entrepreneur who exemplifies the qualities our Judges were looking for including Vision; Passion; Stamina; Achievement and Team Building amongst others. I wish Simon and Facewatch every success in their quest to create a Global Champion, which the WCIT Awards are designed to recognise.”
From its start as a crime reporting tool, Facewatch has now evolved into a multi-functional crime reporting platform that enables businesses, the police and the public to help reduce high volume low-level acquisitive crime (such as handbag, wallet or mobile phone theft). Functionality includes data sharing and analysis tools; CCTV and image capture (including facial recognition software from partners); crime analytical tools; and secure communication within groups.
Simon Gordon said: “This award is a great personal honour, but more importantly it recognises all the hard work, effort and support that I have received from everybody associated with Facewatch. In particular, I would like to thank Guy Rigby from Smith and Williamson for his help and support to Facewatch over a long period of time and for nominating me for this award. The Company is now developing at a rapid pace and we are excited about achieving our vision and making a real positive social impact.”
This year’s WCIT Enterprise Awards were held in association with tech UK and sponsored by The Sage Group plc, TechMarketView, Cobalt Corporate Finance, GFT and Smith & Williamson. The event also featured a keynote from CEO of the Sage Group, Stephen Kelly.
