This month marks my 10-year anniversary in being involved in consumer rights. Being sold a car that lasted 11 weeks was the catalyst to write a book and create a blog to raise awareness of consumer rights. What began as a project became a passion to balance the scales of justice and fight for fairness and accountability.
It’s been a rollercoaster of challenges, wins and steep learning curves and nobody could have predicted how it would evolve. A pivotal moment came in April 2019, when BBC Radio Scotland downloaded a copy of my book and invited me on their Clever About Cash series. This led to being recognised as one of the top consumer champions in the UK.
Top 5 Achievements
1. Helping thousands of consumers reclaim over £450,000
Through direct advice, media coverage and my book, I have helped consumers win over £450,000 that I’m aware of against rogue companies who pay scant regard to consumer law.
Beating a well-known law firm that car dealerships rely on to defend the indefensible on a faulty car was one of many highlights. I know consumer law better than most now.
2. Became a trusted voice in the media
Candis Magazine appointed me as Consumer Editor in January 2025, where I write a monthly column.
I also answer readers’ questions as a consumer expert for the Sky News Money Blog and regularly appear in features, investigations and on radio and TV to raise awareness of consumer rights.
3. I have held household names and local authorities accountable
I have challenged some of the biggest firms and local authorities in the UK on complaints and held them to account for flouting policies and consumer laws.
Beating Manchester City Council on an unfair parking ticket issued against someone whose passenger had bowel cancer & urgently needed the toilet was one of many wins. Cancer is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, rendering the fine unlawful. The Council dismissed the appeal twice until I got involved.
4. I wrote and published a consumer book!
Three people who have bought my book have won £91,000 in refunds. Many others securing four and five-figure refunds based on my advice.
Empowering consumers and raising awareness of consumer rights is the reason why I wrote it and why I do what I do.
5. Built a trusted brand and online presence
I have built a loyal following on social media, a brand and website where people can find clear, no-nonsense advice to fight back and win.
Top 5 Hurdles Overcome
1. Managing burnout and serious health setbacks
I was hospitalised and seriously ill with Covid days after the first lockdown began in March 2020. It has left me with permanent lung damage and long-term health challenges.
I was struck again in January 2022, followed by a stress-related seizure in April while juggling a part-time job and my consumer work.
Despite it all, I helped win over £111,000 for consumers in 2022 alone.
2. Overcoming threats and backlash
Standing up to powerful organisations isn’t welcomed. I have faced defamation and legal threats and online abuse, but never backed down.
3. Confronting public apathy
We are all consumers, yet so many people don’t realise how often they are being ripped off and misled week in, week out.
It’s frustrating to see Facebook advice from the uninformed get more attention and carry more weight than expert advice, particularly on dud cars and rogue dealerships. The wins, gifts and appreciation make it worthwhile and rewarding.
4. Fighting for vulnerable consumers
Vulnerability is something I am particularly passionate about and where my heart lies. From the elderly and disabled to those left in financial hardship, I have helped people who didn’t stand a chance and made sure they were heard, supported and compensated.
5. Navigating flawed complaints systems and Terms and Conditions
I have spent years unpicking flawed complaints systems and challenging unfair terms and conditions.
From overturning declined income protection claims to challenging well-known brands relying on spurious terms to decline consumers a right to redress, I have armed others with the knowledge to reinforce their consumer rights and seek redress.
The Fight Goes On…
Whether it’s a £70 parking ticket or a £20,000 faulty car, everyone deserves fairness. I will continue challenging injustice, holding firms and authorities accountable and help people fight back, one case at a time.
Thank you to all who have supported my work, shared my posts and trusted me with their stories.
Here’s to the next chapter in the fight for consumer justice.
Are you sick of being ripped off and fobbed off? Tired of dealing with the rising tide of mediocrity and dreadful customer service? Grab a copy of my book – it’s packed with advice that rogue companies don’t want you to read.
