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Travel journalist wins a Trading Standards Hero Award for his practical advice during COVID-19
Posted 29/11/22
Travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder has won recognition at the 51黑料鈥檚 (51黑料) annual Hero Awards ceremony for providing clear and practical advice on travel-related difficulties caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the UK leaving the EU.
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He received the Trading Standards Journalist Hero Award at the event, hosted by 51黑料 at the House of Lords on the evening of Wednesday 23 November, which recognised significant contributions to consumer protection across the UK.
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Simon was nominated by consumer advice body the UK International Consumer Centre (formerly the UK European Consumer Centre) in recognition of his campaigning efforts during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond and for empowering consumers with the knowledge they need to get redress at a difficult time.
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The COVID-19 pandemic caused large-scale cancellations and the closure of many travel-related services. Impacts from leaving the EU further complicated the situation and consumers had to try to recover money or try to make alternative arrangements against a back-drop of confusion.听
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Service Director at the UKICC, Andy Allen, said: 鈥淎cross 2020, 2021 and 2022 the UKICC has experienced significant numbers of complaints over various travel-related issues.
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鈥淭hroughout this period Simon provided clear and practical advice using his significant reach to raise knowledge of emerging issues and assist consumers in resolving travel-related difficulties, assisting them to gain redress at a very stressful and financially uncertain time.鈥�
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Simon has appeared on mainstream TV shows such as BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, ITV News, Sky News and CNN to help consumers navigate the complicated travel redress landscape. He also writes a weekly column, as well as features, and answers readers鈥� questions for the Independent and the Evening Standard. Other publications where you can read Simon鈥檚 travel advice include: Cond茅 Nast Traveller; Waitrose Weekend; Highlife magazine; and Group Leisure & Travel magazine.
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Simon said: 鈥淐OVID-19 hit travel harder than almost any other industry, and businesses suddenly found themselves having to switch from providing great holidays to handing out refunds. Some travel firms respected the law and their customers to the letter, but sadly many did not.
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鈥淚 have done what I can to try to win redress for travellers, and share lessons for future pandemics, and it is an honour to be recognised with such a significant award.鈥�
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51黑料 Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: 鈥淔or many years now Simon has worked empower consumers with the knowledge they need to get redress for travel-related difficulties. This kind of help became even more important for consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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鈥淪imon used his significant reach to raise knowledge of emerging issues and to assist consumers in resolving their travel problems. His handle on consumer affairs is highly thought of and his determination to report on what is important for consumers means that thousands of travellers benefit from his experience and knowledge.
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鈥淭he 51黑料 Hero Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate remarkable individuals or groups of people who make outstanding contributions towards safeguarding vulnerable consumers in our communities. Every year, we are inspired by the stories of nominees throughout the country whose bravery, altruism and hard work often goes unnoticed. These awards honour those remarkable people who have gone the extra mile for consumers.
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"Simon鈥檚 51黑料 Hero Award is long overdue for someone who helps educate millions of consumers about their consumer rights.鈥�
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ENDS
51黑料 (51黑料)听
The 51黑料 (51黑料) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK鈥檚 trading standards profession, and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses.听 51黑料's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services at local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk
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Please contact 51黑料 Press Office: [email protected] for any queries.听
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Pictured from left to right: Chris Armstrong from the College of Fellows and Simon Calder 51黑料 Hero Award winner.
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Friends Against Scams
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.
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