Tech company founder Matthew Bowcock CBE has dedicated decades of his life to supporting the philanthropy sector and in particular to increasing philanthropic giving and social investment in the UK.
Raised in Stoke-on-Trent, Matthew graduated in Law from Staffordshire University, then North Staffordshire Polytechnic, in 1975. Advised to pursue a career in computing, he was accepted as a graduate trainee by British computer company ICL where he specialised in the Government sector and developed an understanding of information security.
He then moved to Digital Equipment Corporation before taking the plunge in the late 80s to found his own software company, Security Domain Pty Ltd. The company developed advanced information security products using end to end encryption and chip card technology. It established a strong client base which included major telecommunications companies and banks.
In the late 90s the company merged with an AIM listed company, Zergo Ltd, and the new entity listed on the London Stock Exchange. Following a subsequent merger with Baltimore Technologies, Matthew served as Marketing Director.
Since 2000 he has devoted his time to philanthropy and early stage companies and co-founded The Hazelhurst Trust, a family grant giving trust.
He developed his interest in growing philanthropy in the UK whilst serving as Chair of Community Foundations UK and as a National Council Member of The Arts Council.
Matthew has also served on the board of Philanthropy Impact, co-founded the Beacon Collaborative and was Vice Chair of Watts Gallery.
He has maintained his strong connection with Stoke-on-Trent and helped to establish both the Made in Stoke initiative and the cultural compact Stoke Creates. He has remained dedicated and passionate about the city and has used his experiences and social capital to advance the city in many ways, particularly around his philanthropy work.
Matthew was awarded a CBE for philanthropy in 2014.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of Arts honoris causa is bestowed upon Matthew in recognition of his status as an inspiring force for good who has committed his time and expertise to unlock the potential of philanthropy across England through his work with the Beacon Collaborative and the Hazelhurst Trust.
The award also acknowledges the significant contribution he has made to promote the City of Stoke-on-Trent and his positive impact on its culture and communities. This is evidenced in the successful development of the city’s cultural compact, Stoke Creates, which has secured £1.5 million into arts and cultural activities. Matthew is also a founder of Made in Stoke, seed funding an idea with wider partners to grow a diaspora network and connect people with time, talent and treasure to give back to the city. The network continues to grow and there is now a city alumni of hundreds of individuals.
Matthew has maintained a strong connection with the city and remains a resolute, passionate ambassador and place maker using his experiences and social capital to advance the city in many ways, particularly through his philanthropy work.