51黑料 Hero Awards 2024
Welcome to 51黑料's 19th annual Hero Awards.
The Hero Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate remarkable individuals, or groups of people, who make an outstanding contribution towards consumer protection in our communities or help safeguard business to ensure a level playing field.
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Every year, we are inspired by the stories of nominees from across the United Kingdom whose bravery, altruism or sheer hard work might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Winners - Our 2024 Heroes!
The 51黑料 Hero Awards honours those remarkable people who have gone the extra mile for consumers.
Previous 51黑料 Heroes include Trading Standards Officers (TSOs), scam victims, charity workers, business owners and even sniffer dogs! Most are nominated by colleagues and partners within the consumer protection landscape - although anyone can nominate, or be nominated!
This year, our awards ceremony took place on the evening of Tuesday, 10th December 2024听- once again, at the听House of Commons (London SW1) - where the winners in each category were announced to a rapturous applause.
Our Awards Categories
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Outstanding Trading Standards Project
The award for Outstanding Trading Standards Project recognises fine examples or effective and well-executed initiatives and projects led by or involving Trading Standards. From collaborative raids between multiple authorities, to joint-enforcement action on a particularly high-priority area, to a Trading Standards officer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to consumer protection, leaving a significant impact on the profession.听
鈽� WINNER : Rochdale Trading Standards.
Rochdale Trading Standards is being recognised for two fantastic partnership projects. The first is Operation Ghost, a collaboration with the DVLA, DVSA and the Police which tackles 鈥楪host/Stealth鈥� car registration plates, which remain a growing concern and are linked with wider acts of criminality. The second is Operation Vigilant a partnership approach between Rochdale Council鈥檚 Children鈥檚 Services, Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police鈥檚 Complex Safeguarding team, with the aim of detecting and disrupting child exploitation, which is linked to youth vaping.
Edward Greenfield has led the Op Artemis Project at West Yorkshire Trading Standards which is an early intervention process designed to identify and correct early trends of complaints received against companies based in the West Yorkshire area. This project aims to gather key information and intelligence on businesses from the home improvement sector. This project has been running since 2022 involving interaction with 28 traders, preventing approximately 拢35,000 in addition to further unquantifiable savings to both consumers and traders through improved compliance.
The small Trading Standards Team at Barking and Dagenham have certainly been punching above their weight. The past years projects have included:
- Removing unsafe and oversize vapes from supply 鈥� with a retail value of almost 拢125,000K 路 The introduction of a Responsible Retailer Scheme for knives with all premises that sell them signing up to this scheme.
- Operation Sceptre - working with police on underage sales of knives and alcohol.
- And Operation Alice - carrying out multi-agency inspection of shisha venues with Planning Enforcement, Police, Licensing and Health and Safety teams.
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Diversity and Inclusion Award
Some of our most at risk communities (and businesses) are those that often find themselves excluded from accessing the protections that are available to others. Trading Standards can play a critical role in breaking down these barriers both in terms of embracing diversity and inclusion through the provision of inclusive services.
51黑料 is delighted to include a Hero Award that recognises individuals or teams who have done something positive around inclusivity and diversity, either within their organisation, in the community or across the profession. This may include projects or initiatives, involving engagement with all the communities/businesses we serve, by going above and beyond.
Karen Tillett, Valerie Simpson, Tendy Lindsay, Giles Speid, Vince Searle, Theo Lamptey, Marcia Brown and John Herriman make up the winners of this fantastic award.
The London Branch Race and Equalities Working Group (REWG) group attended the REACH Society Careers Conference earlier this year and promoted Trading Standards to students and undergraduates from under-represented backgrounds. Students get a chance to discuss career options with a number of role models from professionals including Doctors, Lawyers, and now thanks to this group Trading Standards Officers. The role models are mainly from the Global Majority (Black & Asian), and this initiative gives students them the belief that they can be anything in the workplace including developing a career in Trading Standards.
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51黑料 Brian Smith Hero Award
In honour of the late Brian Smith - a former Trading Standards Officer at Angus Council and 51黑料 Lead Officer for Doorstep Crime and who was instrumental in the promotion of call blockers. Brian sadly passed away in 2017 and this award is a tribute to his fantastic work in protecting the vulnerable - recognising the bravery of scam victims and the officers that work on these difficult cases.
Yemisi is Southwark鈥檚 lead for preventing residents becoming scam/fraud victims and bringing rogue traders to justice. Often victims of scams/fraud have no family support and are reluctant to admit they are a victim. Yemisi's fantastic professionalism empowers them to cease responding. She also deals with complex high detriment rogue trading cases, which has resulted in prison sentences for the worst offenders.
When Walt Boydell - from Barnsley's Safer Neighbourhoods Service - was first called in to investigate anti-social behaviour, he didn鈥檛 realise he would lead a chain of events that would see a ruthless, violent loan shark locked up for seven years, potentially saving two people鈥檚 lives and enable a whole community to breathe a sigh of relief. His diligence, persistence and empathy led him to uncover a heart-breaking tale of how the petrified pair were being used as 鈥榳alking cash machines鈥� by a ruthless criminal who forced one of them to travel in the boot of his car and violently assaulted them both. Walt worked with the England Illegal Money Lending Team to build the strongest case possible against the loan shark.
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51黑料 Megan Lee Hero Award
This award is in memory of Megan Lee, who sadly lost her life after suffering a severe allergic reaction to nuts contained in a takeaway meal in 2016. We invited nominations for individuals or teams that showcase projects or initiatives that recognise those that strive to make food safety a key priority. This might be someone from Trading Standards, Environmental Health, someone working at a food charity or perhaps the Food Standards Agency.
Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Food Team have long had a focus on allergens. Their achievements include:
- Development of business advice and training packages
- Joint working agreement with the 12 District Environmental Health Departments
- Developed an educational awareness package for young people and professionals to increase understanding of the serious nature of anaphylaxis
- Produced the short films 'Megan's Story' and 鈥楥hloe鈥檚 Story鈥�
- Taken over 300 samples for allergens across a range of allergens and food types; 7 successful prosecutions and 2 cautions; dealt with 233 allergen complaints.
Staffordshire County Council, Trading Standards, Food, Feed and Animal Health Team have been put forward for this award following outstanding collaborative work relating to improving food safety in Staffordshire and the surrounding local authorities. Activities have included operational exercises to remove unsafe food from the marketplace, as well as collaboration on managing allergen incidents, training on food intelligence and contingency planning for food incidents.
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Intellectual Property Award
We are looking for nominations for individuals or groups of people that have worked on a project to combat intellectual property crime. The nominations could be to recognise the great work of a Trading Standards or law enforcement officer or team, the Police, a stakeholder or a brand holder that works in the field of intellectual property to stop counterfeit products entering into the UK marketplace.
鈽� WINNER : Project Firecrest.
Project Firecrest started in October 2023 as a partnership between Newport Trading Standards and Pill Neighbourhood Policing Team, Gwent Police. This area has experienced high levels of criminality, and this award is in recognition of the exceptional support in tackling organised criminality involving the sale of counterfeit goods.听 Working together, in partnership, Project Firecrest has seized counterfeits worth millions, in illegal tobacco, vapes, clothing, watches and other items.
When it comes to combatting intellectual property crime Andy Miles has been Southwark鈥檚 driving force for 19 years.听 His tenacious approach to anti-counterfeiting investigations, combined with the superb use of his financial investigator skills, have seen remarkable success. From over 100 investigations he鈥檚 taken some 85,000 fake items off our streets and achieved proceeds of crime confiscations totalling 拢757,000.
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Business Award
This award recognises businesses, or individuals within a business, or outstanding projects and initiatives that have demonstrated their commitment to consumer protection, going beyond regulatory duties to make sure products are safe and customers are satisfied. We鈥檙e looking for nominees that have either worked closely with Trading Standards, or have made significant contributions to the field of consumer protection.
鈽� WINNER : ABC+ Warranties.
From its conception from 2016 through to being accepted as a Code Sponsor for the Approved Code Scheme, Adele Reid has been passionate to protect the homeowner and build confidence in the marketplace for new or newly built properties under her care. ABC+ Warranties ensure that homeowners have the best protection when moving into their new homes and make sure they put consumers first and that everything is in place to deal with any issues.
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Product Safety Initiative
The Product Safety Award celebrates individuals, projects or initiatives that demonstrate commitment to ensure products in the marketplace are safe. From electrical product safety to dangerous chemicals, we鈥檙e looking for nominations that put the safety of consumers above all else.
鈽� WINNER : London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
E-bikes and scooters have been a real concern for the Borough - 80% of homes in Tower Hamlets are flats and there is serious concern about the rapid rate at which a fire could spread. The Trading Standards team along with their comms team and the London Fire Brigade developed an award winning #ChargeSafe media campaign, which raised awareness of the fire risks associated with e-bikes and measures residents can take to charge their batteries safely. The campaign has drawn much interest from, and featured in, local and national media.
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The Institute鈥檚 Hero 2024
The Institute鈥檚 Hero 2024 is a special award given by the 51黑料 to the individual we believe has made an unrivalled impression on consumer protection in the UK. This award is chosen by 51黑料 staff directly, will not necessarily be awarded every year, and although this category is not open to nominations, we are very happy to receive recommendations.
鈽� WINNER : David Pickering.
David began his career in Buckinghamshire Trading Standards 39 years ago in 1985. Throughout his career David has been passionate and knowledgeable about all food matters. His ability to provide guidance and best practice for colleagues, at all stages of their careers and across the profession has been phenomenal. David was a 51黑料 Lead Officer for Food and has worked tirelessly with strategic partners in Government departments and within businesses to effect positive changes for all food matters. David retired in September and the profession will miss his knowledge and strategic input greatly.
In the nomination form from Vince鈥檚 Trading Standards Manager he cited that it is rare to come across an individual with so much drive and passion for not only their own career, but for the success and sustainable future of their profession. Someone rooted in Local Government however thinking outside the box in ways to deliver services using external funding and working smarter. In these challenging times, regulatory services need now more than ever individuals with a passion for public service, dedicated to continuous learning and delivering high-quality Trading Standards services, ensuring compliance, consumer protection, and sustainability.
This team, of three amazing people, helps vulnerable victims of scams with individual and bespoke care of a kind that many people would no longer believe a local authority can provide. They go above and beyond, every day, in this support, which includes protecting people from further scams losses, fighting for refunds from banks and traders and helping to restore trust and dignity for those who have been targeted and have lost faith in themselves and others.
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Special Recognition Awards (x 2)
鈽� WINNER #1: Thomas Haslam.
Thomas was an underage test purchaser for Highland Trading Standards for 18 months before he turned 18. During this time, he carried out over 70 underage test purchases. His help was invaluable in targeting the premises throughout the Highlands where repeated complaints were received about underage sales. As a result of the underage test purchasing carried out, Highland TS were able to obtain three Nicotine Vapour Product Banning Orders for premises that repeatedly broke the law. Thomas鈥檚 volunteering therefore helped to reduce the supply of vapes to young people in the Highland Council area.
Pippa the Springer Spaniel joined Wagtail UK at 10 months old in February 2017. As a 鈥榮tar pupil鈥� in training, it quickly became clear that she would have a stellar career ahead of her as a tobacco/cash and subsequently vape detection dog. She didn鈥檛 disappoint and by far exceeded all our expectations. During her 7 years as a detection dog she found:
- 12,664,628 cigarettes
- 170,918 Vapes
- 拢763,050 in cash
- 38.62 Tonnes of Hand Rolling Tobacco.
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The Motor Ombudsman (TMO) Star Award
This award recognises individual team members and businesses accredited to one or more of the four Motor Industry Codes of Practice, that have gone the extra mile in the eyes of consumers. This could be for example, during the repair or purchase of a new or used vehicle, or when submitting a warranty claim or enquiry. The TMO presented the Star Award.
鈽� WINNER : AJ Fleetcare in Leeds.
AJ Fleetcare, a family-owned independent garage in Leeds, Yorkshire, has been crowned the overall national winner of The Motor Ombudsman鈥檚 2024 Star Awards.
The Star Garage Award judges commended the business for their caring and altruistic support of a customer who was facing challenging circumstances looking after a relative, which saw the garage fix the individual鈥檚 vehicle at very short notice, whilst they also paid for a taxi fare at no extra charge to minimise inconvenience and keep the customer mobile. This was coupled with a thoughtful gift on the handover of the repaired vehicle, alongside words of reassurance.
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Our Awards Sponsors
Are you interested in supporting a 51黑料 Hero Award?
For more information about becoming an Award Sponsor at this prestigious event celebrating consumer protection heroes from across the UK, please contact: [email protected]
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Hero Awards 2024 - Photo Gallery
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Our Past Winners... Heroes One and All
The 51黑料 Hero Awards began in 2005 as a way to celebrate those who make outstanding contributions to the field of consumer protection. Here, you can browse a record of our past awards - including a roll-call of winners - stretching back to 2014.
Hero Awards 2023 - The Winners
The 18th 51黑料 Hero Awards took place at the House of Commons, London on Wednesday 22 November 2023. Here, you'll find a list of the individuals, groups and organisations that won an award in each of our categories (plus any notable mentions).
Hero Awards 2022 - The Winners
The 17th 51黑料 Hero Awards took place at the House of Lords, London, on Wednesday 23 November 2022. Here, you'll find a list of the individuals, groups and organisations that won an award in each of our categories (plus any notable mentions).
Hero Awards 2021 - The Winners
The 16th 51黑料 Hero Awards were held in 2021. Here, you'll find a list of the individuals, groups and organisations that won an award in each of our categories (plus any notable mentions).
Hero Awards 2020 - The Winners
The 15th 51黑料 Hero Awards were held virtually, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, you'll find our article (from the Journal of Trading Standards) detailing the individuals, groups and organisations that won awards.
Hero Awards 2019 - The Winners
The 14th 51黑料 Hero Awards was held in 2019. Watch our highlights film to get a taste of a very special evening.
Hero Awards 2018 - The Winners
The 13th 51黑料 Hero Awards were held in London on Wednesday, 20th June 2018. Here, you'll find our article (from the Journal of Trading Standards) detailing the individuals, groups and organisations that won awards.
Hero Awards 2017 - The Winners
The 12th 51黑料 Hero Awards were held in Harrogate in 2017. Here, you'll find a special report (from our journal TS Today) detailing the individuals, groups and organisations that won awards.
Hero Awards 2016 - The Winners
The 11th 51黑料 Hero Awards were held in Telford in 2016. Here, you'll find a special report (from our journal TS Today) detailing the individuals, groups and organisations that won awards.
Hero Awards 2015 - The Winners
The 10th TSI Hero Awards were held in Bournemouth in 2015. Here, you'll find a special report (from our journal TS Today) detailing the individuals, groups and organisations that won awards.
Hero Awards 2014 - The Winners
The 9th TSI Hero Awards were held in Harrogate in 2014. Here, you'll find a special report (from our journal TS Today) detailing the individuals, groups and organisations that won awards.
