Mobile technology entrepreneur Howard Simms has received an Honorary Doctorate in Technology from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
Simms is co-founder and director of Manchester-based Apadmi and CEO of its investment division, Apadmi Ventures.
Since launching in 2009, Apadmi has developed award-winning apps for huge brands such as the BBC, NHS, X-Factor and Range Rover with over 35 million people downloading their products.
Simms went on to establish Apadmi Ventures in 2016, which invests in scalable digital businesses and start-ups in property, ad-tech, dating and helicopter travel.
“This is such an amazing day and an incredibly proud moment to receive an honorary doctorate from such an esteemed university as Manchester Metropolitan,” he said.
Simms was presented with an honorary Doctor of Technology (DTech) degree at the graduation ceremony in Manchester’s inspiring Bridgewater Hall on Thursday 26th July.
Speaking to the hundreds of gathered graduates, Simms urged them not to waste their gifts.
He said: “Please remember one thing – attitude is everything. It’s so easy to criticise, moan and not do something. It is so much harder to be positive, proactive, flexible and creative. If you can be, you will go so much further.
“Never think you can’t change. I watch, I learn and I evolve. I don’t accept that I have got all the answers nor that I am the finished article. I take influences from the great people that I meet.”
Simms also spoke about diversity in business and politics, urging the gemale graduates and guests present to break through the glass ceiling.
“For far too long the worlds of politics, business, sport and many others have been dominated by men,” he said.
“The world is ready for greater balance. More and more women are aspiring, taking on key roles, challenging pay structures, challenging perception and culture. This is great. We need ambitious, strong, powerful women.”