2008 - 2011
'I have known Simon personally since 2010 and of his excellent reputation before that.
I am delighted to be part of Simon's initiative with Integrity Capital and his growing network of high impact business people.'
Director, Rockpool Investments [VC]
linkedin.com/in/paulanthonyash/
'I have known Simon for over 10 years. He is a highly connected marketing and business development professional, highly regarded by investors and company founders as a "safe pair of hands" and an innovator.'
Mike Escott, Director, Briceamery Capital [VC]
linkedin.com/in/nazzim-ishaque/
'Without seeming forced, Simon has the gift of being able to make powerful introductions that have really helped propel PrivateFly forward.'
CEO, PrivateFly (the private jet booking network, voted "the hottest website in travel" by Times Online)
linkedin.com/in/adamtwidell/
'Simon is first rate at building trusted relationships and developing business.
He has a first class network and knows how to get people on-side.
Highly recommended for opening doors for you.'
Gavan Burden, CEO, BurdenDare Angels Investor Network
linkedin.com/in/gavanburden/
'Simon networks effortlessly, has a good eye for business opportunities, is internationally savvy and knows how to grow businesses.'
CEO, Intelligent Energy (World Economic Forum's Economic Pioneer 2006)
linkedin.com/in/henriwinand/
'Simon is a consummate networker combined with searching strategic thinking.
Watch out, great ideas come from working with him!'
Sector Head for Media & Technology, 3i plc Venture Capital
linkedin.com/in/peter-gardner-622168/
'Simon is an excellent communicator and networker, with extensive sales and marketing skills.
He contributed substantially to the development of the business when we worked together and I hope to be able to work with Simon again in the future.'
MD, Horizon Technologies
linkedin.com/in/roger-keenan-1822a6/
'I have known Simon for several years.
We first came together at Otodio when I was the interim CTO and he was Co-Founder leading the fund raising and business development efforts.
Simon is the most connected and most tenacious person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
His work ethic, energy and drive to succeed are unique.
Simon and I have become firm friends and were it possible I would like to find a way for us to work together again. He would be a real asset to my organisation.
If you are looking for someone to take the lead in transforming your business into a thriving sales led organisation I would thoroughly recommend you speak with Simon.'
Interim CTO'1' of Otodio Ltd & Inc / VP, Global Web Operations Sony Music International
linkedin.com/in/peterborner/
'Simon is at the forefront of the breed of entrepreneur with his core values based on scruples and ethics.
He obviously has a keen eye for business potential and subsequent incubation and exit. He can embellish any opportunity with his business development insights and experience.
But for me Simon's core competencies around business idea creation, highly developed cultural awareness, 'win-win' attitude, his openness (and passion) to help and connect others.
His long term relationship-building style and extensive high quality network coupled with his rocket high cognitive and emotional IQ are a few of the reasons I would emphatically endorse Simon without hesitation.'
Global Technology Manager, NASDAQ
linkedin.com/in/ralphharvey
'I have known Simon for over 4 years, and during this time Simon has been instrumental in helping to build the business investment & incubator model that Venesis operates.
His deep understanding of the venture capital market in the UK and the connections he has makes Simon a unique individual and someone I would highly recommend to any business that is entering the VC market. Simon's insights and experience will prove invaluable.'
MD, Venesis [Seed VC]
linkedin.com/in/adrian-giles-a7296/
'Simon is super-knowledgeable on a range of business/VC/start-up/fund-raising subjects and very well-connected.
He goes out of his way to help people and I've always found him to be professional and a man of great integrity.'
CEO, Nickleby Capital [VC] / Salt [PE]
linkedin.com/in/marcoschiavo/
'An experienced, knowledgeable, well connected and trusted adviser in his field.
Highly recommended.'
MD, Venturehaus
linkedin.com/in/robintdavies/
'When I was considering buying a recently established company, I found Simon's advice and knowledge extremely useful.
Not only does he understand the complexities of developing a business, he's done it in real life, which is invaluable.'
CEO, Policy Tracker
linkedin.com/in/martin-sims-4006874/
'Mr Simon Gall was recommended to me as a highly respected London based business development director.
He showed consistence as a fair minded and considerate man.
He promoted Hedge Fund Exchange to a wealth of influential and high-level decision makers in the City.
I look forward one day to welcoming Simon as a key member of our Board.
Great Results, Expert, Good Value.'
CEO, Hedge Fund Exchange
linkedin.com/in/nickchoukair/
'Simon is insightful, with good common-sense approach to business based on a wealth of experience.
I am happy to recommend him as an outstanding business advisor.'
Chairman, The Energy Efficiency Association
linkedin.com/in/kennethcampbell/
'Simon has an extensive network of contacts. He understands the value of developing relationships. These relationships are of value in a world where Word Of Mouth Marketing is a key driver. Experience of establishing organisations from scratch and contributing at Board level.'
Chairman, AMAC [retired in 2019]
linkedin.com/in/amacltd/
'Simon is an energetic and well known entrepreneurial [business development, marketing] advisor with good access to finance sources and knowledge in the internet & mobile space.
Personable, Expert, Creative!'
CEO, MA TV
linkedin.com/in/patrickocr/
'Simon has an excellent work ethic and is very creative in his ideas. His execution and implementation is unrivalled.
I am glad I have had the opportunity to work with him.'
COO, Lorachell International
linkedin.com/in/eric-stevens-a279747/
'I have worked with Simon in developing an (Incubator) project concerning SME funding - his input has been invaluable - he always offers a different angle of view in addressing issues. Has a very broad base of business experience - this comes through when working on a project.'
Managing Partner, Interregnum Capital Partners [VC]
linkedin.com/in/bruce-garvey-5032871/
'Simon is very driven and an entrepreneur at heart.
He thrives at problem-solving and enjoys technology challenges.
He is articulate and I have enjoyed [on-stage] speaking with him on numerous technology issues in the past and continue to do so.'
Partner, Ereni Partners [VC] & Siemens Venture Capital (Corp VC]
linkedin.com/in/madhuban/
'Simon is a true go-getter and networker, with a strong sense of personal integrity.
While being open-minded and egalitarian in outlook, he maintains a strong core of caring for others.
He is also a brilliant problem-solver with a natural gift for navigating the many twists and turns faced by businesses at all stages of growth.'
Silicon Valley & Global Technologist; Director, Wikipedia
linkedin.com/in/philinje/
2007
'Simon was recommended to me by a leading London VC, and from our first meeting it was evident why he is so sought by CEO’s in the high tech sector.
He is an extremely well connected and engaging individual, with a strong track record of bringing in high net worth individuals to both established and start-up businesses.
Moreover, he is an accomplished market strategist, foreseeing new opportunities, and engaging clients with a clear rationale of the relevant benefits that a technology has to offer.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with Simon for over one year, taking Otodio’s technology into London’s major financial institutions.
He is a very impressive client facing individual: enthusiastic, knowledgeable and masterful in his negotiating style.
If you are looking for a prime mover to drive your business forward, I would strongly recommend that you give Simon a call.
I look forward to the opportunity of working with him again.'
Principal Consultant, Morrison Miller Associates
linkedin.com/in/iainrogers1/
'With the right team and venture Simon will do well.
He has the charisma and makes sense in his marketing views.
I will be pleased to work with him in the future.'
Chairman, Silver Fox Venture Partners [VC]
linkedin.com/in/silverfoxvp/
'Given the chance and ethical reason, Simon could sell snow to Eskimos.'
Serial Investor (& Chairman) in TMT companies; (Investor into my company Otodio),
Chairman & CEO, Phillips Auction Group International and Chair of the Foreign & Colonial Bank
prabook.com/web/christopher_john.weston
'Simon is a very experienced and well networked serial entrepreneur widely known, and respected across the UK's TMT seed capital and new ventures communities.'
MD, WirelessMatch Investors Network & Partner; Hill Samuel [VC]; Singer & Friedlander, & Libertas Capital [PE]
linkedin.com/in/stevendotsch/
'Throughout my long career I have enjoyed working alongside some of the great businessmen at the top of their industries.
I am sure that one day very soon - with the right team, finances and project - Simon Gall shall successfully join the ranks of the top entrepreneurs!'
(An investor into my companies Otodio and Integrity Capital),
Institute of Chartered Accountants [ICAEW] Board of Ethics;
BT Mobile, Group Finance Officer.
linkedin.com/in/simon-clifford-95a51a3/
'As Business Consultant thereon to Acting General Manager [2002] in the Valetti Group he proved to be a unique individual whose services to the Valetti companies rose above our best expectations of him.
We found him to be unpretentious, likeable, friendly, knowledgeable and very effective in all of his duties and associated roles.'
CEO of the Valetti Group of Ltd Companies.
'I’m pleased to say that I have valued his friendship and business acumen since that time.'
£50m+ Projects Manager, Xerox Global Services
inkedin.com/in/veronique-jones-775135a/
'Simon Gall has been an excellent partner for Cityzone because he has very good ideas, great energy and first class contacts, is a doer and is utterly reliable.'
MD & Founder, CityZone and DirectorZone
linkedin.com/in/ronan-bryan-3937511/
'From early 2000, the IIC UK has benefited from Simon Gall's services, advising us upon and promoting us to the venture finance industries leaders, via articles, events and private introductions. One example of his in-depth knowledge can be seen in his informative 2005 article:
https://www.iicom.org/intermedia/vol-33-issue-2/information-society-venture-capital/
He is a delight to know. Honest, direct, fun, respected, highly knowledgeable and connected.
Editor, Intermedia Magazine and Director, International Institute of Communications
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/martin-sims-4006874
2002 to 2006
'It is with great sadness that I received Simon's resignations; his understandably moving on into other innovative commercial ventures.
To say he made a great contribution to PerfectPlay and Otodio would be an understatement!
We built PerfectPlay Ltd and Otodio Ltd & Inc together: Simon's broad entreprenerial abilities excelling in managing PR, communications, investor relations, business development, marketing, sales and fund raising.
He is very easy to work with, a man of great integrity and vision.
I look forward to the next commercial opportunity to again work with Simon.'
CEO, PerfectPlay Ltd & Otodio Ltd & Inc
linkedin.com/in/peterhbond/
'Simon is a very well known and respected professional: one of the best business development professionals in the UK not yet in a multi-national company.'
CEO, Cambridge Business Network
linkedin.com/in/peterhewkin/
'Simon Gall came highly recommended by an ex client as one of the best Business Development Directors in the UK.
As well as being a very respected and networked individual, he has also proven a great Advisor to my business and brings in clients of a very high calibre. He certainly lives up to his repute as a man who makes businesses accelerate.'
MD, 360 Resourcing Ltd
linkedin.com/in/andy-gilbert-845269/
'He has been Board Advisor to Harley Street Cosmetic for 4 years.
He has invaluable ideas and contacts which have helped us move forward.
His work is always on budget and on time.
I can only highly recommended Simon and give him praise for his hard work in our cosmetic company.'
MD, Harley Street Cosmetic
linkedin.com/in/cuross-b-133a75/
1996 to 2002
'I headhunted Simon Gall, to work for Oxbridge Capital as our Consultant VP, Business Development & PR.
He brought multiple senior investment and corporate firms into contractual relationships.
A gentleman with great patience, expertise and knowledge.
We continue to seek his expertise as an Associate for our company and can recommend him to any other venture capital, corporate or independent incubation firm and those who may consider employing him as a Director or Senior Consultant.'
CEO, Oxbridge Capital [VC]
linkedin.com/in/dr-kenny-tang-43451/
'Simon's grasp of the way both the venture capital ecommerce marketplaces evolve is highly impressive.
He has shown that he has an excellent appreciation of what is required to create a successful business in the new economy and has provided wise counsel to us.'
Mark Ritchie, CEO, The Touchpaper Group (soon-after sold to Avocent Corp for £30m).
'Throughout his time with E-ssociates Ltd we and our clientele found him to be a very valuable asset to our business.
His advice, dedication, integrity and work we found to be unquestionable and of the highest quality.'
Suzanne Carnall , MD, E-ssociates Ltd ( soon-after MBI'd into client GolfSurgery.com)
'I came to appreciate his strengths of honesty, empathy with clients, diligence applied to a broad knowledge of best practice in business.
His greatest strength is his holistic approach to strategic thinking, building team confidence, directing new and better alternatives in marketing, sales, communication, public relations, partnerships and general business development.'
John Lewis (now deceased)
Chair, John Lewis & Associates (leverage investment & turn-around syndicate).
'He proved himself to be the most impartial and most practical advisor and an effective and trustworthy professional.
A person who cuts through the current industry-wide hyperbole and produces worthy business advice.'
Bill McClellan, MD, Production Base [Now fully Retired]
'Working with him was in many ways a refreshing experience. He is a creative, highly motivated individual with a deep understanding in cultural differences, who helped us greatly to seek and develop UK market opportunities.'
(Much better than the marketing companies we used before. Amazingly created meetings for us with all of our ideal clients including Sir Richard Rogers, Philippe Stark, Ron Arad and many more famous industry leaders).
Mr Junichi Kurosawa, Executive Director, Tokyo Kikaku [CMDB] Ltd, (JAPAN)
cmdb.jp
'Simon Gall is a man of many practical talents and abilities supported by a wealth of expertise. I can highly recommend him.'
Mr Takeshi Yonemori, MD, RankGold UK Group of Ltd Companies (JAPAN)
lifecom.co.jp/group
'He did amazing work for two of my businesses in London within a very short period of time.
Mr Gall is an Entrepreneur whom I am confident shall also become a leading-light in the not too distant future.'
Group CEO, Life Commune Group International, JAPAN [and the CEO's private Family Office]
lifecom.co.jp/group
'Working with him on a multi-million pound venture' I found Simon Gall to be that rare combination of an independent analytical mind mixed with a very visionary and energetic, entrepreneurial spirit.
A man who gets results.
I certainly look forward to working with him again.'
Senior IT Consultant, IBM Europe
linkedin.com/in/charles-adams-723a91/
'From our first meeting with Simon we found him beneficial.
Simon acted as our External Advisor, giving us practical advice and alternative ideas on our negotiations in the acquisition of venture capital. We look forward to working with Simon again.'
John Monteith [now retired], CEO, Qdos Media
'Simon was well respected for his investigative qualities and his ability to present coherent reports on complex matters.
We [the Board] are confident that had Simon Gall been allowed to extend his contract we would have been successful in either securing funds or establishing a technology partner relationship.'
Mike Escott, Chairman, Trafalgar Computer Group [trade sale in Q1, 2007 to the British Standards Institute].
uk.linkedin.com/in/mike-escott-347442
'Simon Gall very quickly proved he could build and establish very high level business deals with such entrepreneurial vigour that it leaves others standing in his wake. A man to have on your side and woe betide you if he's your competitor.'
Charles, CTO, C-Cure (UK Ministry of Defence / HMSO. Now fully retired)
publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304
'Across 7 months, Simon Gall's marketing and advertising initiatives cut costs and increased our sales by 15%. He simplified our sales administration, implemented new customer services, successfully retained 90 out of 91 clients whose sites had been lost from our systems, became Sales Supervisor for all non AOL accounts. Attained within a major technical and staffing crises during his time here. His contribution certainly helped me take my company to IPO.
CEO, Netlink Internet Hosting
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mark-kotecha-a104682
'Upon recommendation, I welcomed Simon Gall into QBO. He wished to understand public relations better by working within my organisation for a short while.
The six weeks he spent here proved he is an independent thinker, proficient in all of the work he produced, has good character and is a genuinely nice man.
After enjoying his time with us, I have purposefully kept in contact with Simon as I find him to be a good sounding board on hi-technologies and venture investments.'
Quentin Bell, Founder & Chairman, Quentin Bell [PR] Organisation plc.
[Died in 1996]
prweek.com/article/1407361/uk-pr-remembers-veterans-quentin-bell
1991 to 1996
'He has designed, taught and assessed with great conscientiousness and professionalism.
His experience in the industry has enabled him to support his well researched lectures with case studies from the real world and to bring in major figures from the industry as guest lecturers.'
Larry Baker, Head of Department, BA(Hons) Media Studies degree;
The Surrey Institute of Art & Design University College
uca.ac.uk/life-at-uca/locations/farnham/
'Simon wrote and lectured the radio production and media law units of the BSc program.
He also specified and installed professional quality audio studios.
In addition he wrote and delivered a number of specialist radio production units, often working out-of-hours on special assignments and projects.
He was a gifted academic and media professional, well known and sought-after by the higher education centres across the Southeast of England.
I can thoroughly recommend him as a dedicated, hard working, professional colleague!'
Trevor Harris, Head of Department, BSc Media in Society degree;
South Bank University
lsbu.ac.uk/
'He proved himself to be a skilled and knowledgeable lecturer who brought an enthusiam and commitment to the lessons, which were very much appreciated by the students.
I am very happy to confirm that Simon lived up to all our expectations of him.
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him!'
Alan Harding, Head of Department, HND Media with Business Studies course,
Farnborough F&HE College of Technology
farn-ct.ac.uk/
'For five years Simon taught audio and radio production BTEC & C&GLI diplomas as Visiting Lecturer, and Tutor.
He rewrote and improved all of these modules.
His excellent industrial contacts and experience brought success in funding substantial new equipment.
Under his sole guidance, students won a national radio competition sponsored by Warner Brothers.
We shall have no hesitation in re-employing him.'
Mark Trompeteler, Head of Design, C&GLI & BTEC Media & Communications Diploma Courses,
Carshalton College of FE
carshalton.ac.uk/
'Simon Gall was Visiting Lecturer and Group Tutor for five years.
He was a flexible, energetic and courteous colleague who would be an asset to any staff team.
His combination of relevant practical and teaching experience, together with his excellent personal qualities makes him an ideal lecturer.'
Jerry Cook, Head of Department, BTEC Diploma in Media [& Media Law];
Mid-Kent F&HE College
midkent.ac.uk/
'As Visiting Lecturer in BTEC radio production, journalism and media law, over four years, Simon Gall was a proficient and well liked professional. I recommend him without hesitation to other colleges.'
Mary Collier, Head of School, C&GLI & BTEC Diploma courses in Business, Media, Journalism
Brooklands F&HE College
brooklands.ac.uk/about
'At City & Guilds we pride ourselves on producing and developing the highest quality courses for academic institutions.
We contracted Simon Gall as a Senior Advisor to develop our Journalism, Media, Media law and Broadcasting courses, thereafter the General National Vocational Qualification courses.
He was a very knowledgeable and very well liked practitioner.
My colleagues and I welcome any opportunity to work with him again.'
Mr Chandra Morar, Head of Division 24, City & Guilds
'Simon is a superb Lecturer. I have no hesitation in recommending him to other colleges and universities.'
Mike Etherington, Senior Lecturer, Northbrook H&FE College.
'For four years I have welcomed Simon travelling from London to teach the BSc (Hons) Media Studies students.
He has an in-depth practical and analytical understanding of media, media law and communication psychology.
His lesson plans are well written and he is universally liked and respected by all students and staff.
I will readily contract Simon again.'
Mr Chris Baxter, Assistant Director of Studies, University College of Ripon & York St John.
'This open-letter is written to confirm that Mr Simon J. Gall is a valued member of the Freelance and Broadcast Committees of the Chartered Institute of Journalists.'
Charles Murray, Chairman, Broadcast Division & Committee Member of the CIoJ.
1985 to 1990
'I can wholeheartedly recommend Simon Gall to Directorates in the sound or television business and wish him luck in any future venture.'
Ray Moulden , CTO, Virgin TV Facilities Ltd
'I found him an inspiration with whom it is easy to relate and whose widely respected Consultancy services have been highly beneficial to both myself and to those colleagues who have gained from his insight.'
Mr Nik Rawlinson Editor, VNU Computer Publications.
'Simon was an outstanding Station Sound Manager (nominated for industry awards).
I commend him to future Directors, or those who may use his outstanding abilities in a consultative or advisory capacity, and wish him well in the future.'
Keith Belcher, MD, Spectrum International Radio Ltd.
spectrum-radio-network-unveils-new-london-studios
'Simon worked as an [international] broadcast journalist and technician, then Q&A and features writer and producer for VoA; broadcasting across Western Europe and occasionally across the USA.
He was a proficient and popular professional who left us on the best of terms.'
Edie Smith, Chief Editor, Voice of America News Europe.
voanews.com/
'Additional to his day jobs in the media industry, Simon Gall was a part-time gymnasium and advanced fitness instructor, employed on occasional weekday evenings and as Club Manager on weekends. ...I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Simon.'
Christine M Greenfield-Day, General Manager, Ravelles Health ClubsLtd.
Other endorsed London work included a very successful freelance career as . . .
Broadcast Radio Technician & Consultant; Broadcast Journalist; Producer:-
Aosis Studios; AsiaSat Radio; Coventry Centre for Training & Media; Hellenic Cable TV; London Broadcasting Company; BBC Odyssey Facilities; Videosonics TV Facilities; British Forces Broadcasting Company; Motivation Sounds; Canadian Broadcasting Company; Silk Sounds Audio Facilities; Radio Tracks Studios; Powerplant Music Studios; Red Shop Sound Recording Studios.
Other endorsed Newcastle upon Tyne work:-
1979 to 1984
Rock to Jazz-fusion drummer (and small-time occasional session player) various music studios.
Wages Clerk, Accounts, at 2,000 staff NEI Parsons Engineering Company.
First male-student Nursery [Children] Nurse in England, NNEB.
Assistant Nurse to the Mentally Ill, Newcastle Social Services.
Survey Assistant and Casework Advisor, Keeping Newcastle Warm.
Evenings Bar Assistant, Newcastle Racetrack.