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Helen is an insightful, engaging and passionate speaker and writer on the topic of consumer rights. She never shies away from holding large organisations to account over their customer service complaint handling malpractices, and she provides straightforward and clear advice for those organisations that want to change and are willing to listen.

Chris Ward

Editor of MyCustomer.com

Is it a plane? is it a bird? No it’s The Complaining Cow to the rescue! My hair was turning grey and my blood was boiling when Sharps did not deliver the high standards we were lead to believe we would. They left us without a bedroom for weeks, we were living in total chaos and our house was beginning to look like it was going to appear on TV show “Hoarders Buried Alive”!!!! (For those who don’t know me I am a stickler for a tidy neat house. I detest mess and clutter so anything out of place sends me into complete melt down).

We were at the stage of screaming “Arrrrrh what to do? Where to go???????” I had tried complaining over the phone only to be fobbed off with numerous unacceptable excuses. I was at my wit’s end and then came along my “Knight” or should I say “Cow” in shiny armour to my rescue!

Helen was wonderful, she guided us every step of the way. The information, advice and guidance we received was first class, frank and to the point (for those who have not had the pleasure to meet Helen and do not know her, that is how she is!) Her advice on our legal rights was second to none, she knows her stuff! She gave us the confidence to go for it!

We worked together on composing a letter to the CEO that was factual and to the point. An email to the CEO got us a response within an hour and a bedroom installed two days later and the added bonus of redress! What a result!!!

Her website is fantastic, informative and constructive, we love her humour; but on a serious note we would highly recommend her. In fact when ever I hear anyone complaining I always say “Go see “The Complaining Cow”. She is brilliant”! Keep up the Good work Helen! You are definitely a super hero to us!

See story here How to write a letter of complaint.

Elaine & Josh

Consumers

I’d like to thank you very much for your advice regarding my washing machine that broke in less than 3 years of purchase. Despite the manufacturer and the supplier both refusing to acknowledge my faulty machine, I wrote to the CEO and I’m now awaiting a full refund to show in my bank in the next 3-5 days!

So thank you again.

Problem resolved with your assistance.

Fiona Crowe

Helen Dewdney is a wonder. She talked to my group of home baking business owners, guiding them both in terms of being a customer, and also dealing with their own clients. She really knows her stuff, explaining things in a clear, no nonsense, non jargon way, being able to give examples relevant to the audience she is talking to. And she is very engaging, inviting questions and answering them honestly and clearly without any faffing about or waffle. I’d recommend Helen to anyone looking for a consumer rights and customer service expert, she’s the best!

Annie Bennett

Home Baking Business Coach

As a small business owner I wanted to go over my policies and what better person to assist me than The Complaining Cow herself. Helen has written my returns and complaints policy not only making sure my customers will be happy but that my business maintains its great reputation should anything occur. Every avenue has been thought about and each small detail. If you need to look at your policies get an expert on those fields to assist you. I would absolutely recommend Helen for this job especially if you need your return and complaints one looked at.”

Zallah Marsh

Small Business Owner

Every business needs a Complaining Cow and Helen is the best of the Herd. When it comes to advising businesses on managing complaints, refund policies and being mindful of your legal position, she’s second to none. Don’t waste your time – get the Complaining Cow in your barn from the outset!

Caroline Bramwell

PR & Marketing Consultant

Helen is a true expert in her field. Not only does Helen have a knack for making you feel completely at ease, but gives you honest, direct advice and feedback.

With a great situational analysis and plan of action, I felt completely supported – I 100% recommend Helen to any business owner facing a challenging situation.

Kerry Moorse

Helen worked the hardest I’ve ever known a 4Sighter work and delivered in spades. Best 4Sight I’ve ever seen for content, engagement and sheer energy. Would thoroughly recommend the 4Sight.

Steve Bateman

IT Analyst

Helen is brilliant at what she does and really knows her stuff. I run a FB group which is for Etsy sellers, I needed a consumer expert and Helen had been recommended, I knew we were in safe hands, her no-nonsense approach and knowledge of the subject is just brilliant, she took everything thrown at her in her stride and was an immense help to my group. It’s important for us as online sellers to know our trader obligations but also how to handle complaints so that we can keep our customers happy while also staying within consumer law to protect us and them. – Thanks Helen.

Karen Low

Founder of Etsy Zero to Etsy Hero

I’ve worked with Helen on features for national newspapers and there’s no one better when it comes to getting quotes on how to complain effectively. Her consumer knowledge is second to none. She is forensic when it comes to detail and will gladly provide extra information at a moment’s notice – invaluable to busy journalist with tight deadlines. I’d have no hesitation at all in recommending her to any other media professional.

Jill Foster

Journalist

Your questions about the state of maths teaching was among the most detailed and in depth I’ve ever had. Shows your real understanding of the teaching sector.

Bobby Seagull

Helen’s talk at The Law in 60 Seconds Public Legal Education Conference was truly brilliant. A clear expert in her field – she was passionate and engaging and turned what could have been a dull topic into something interactive, funny, thought provoking and genuinely valuable. Helen lives what she teaches and as such it makes it easy to trust the valuable insights she provides. It can be daunting to stand up to large organisations who have acted inappropriately, but Helen gives you the tools to do just this in a calm and effective way. Attendees of her talk no doubt will have left feeling much more confident as a result of her advice. I can categorically say that I have!

Christian Weaver

Barrister & Author

If complaining is an art form, Helen Dewdney is Rembrandt.

(Further testimonial in 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer)

Rob Rinder

Journalist, TV Judge barrister, presenter

Helen Dewdney is a one woman consumer revolution. Accurate, clear and straightforward.

(Further testimonial in review of How to Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide to Getting Refunds, Redress & Results! and in the foreword and review of 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer)

Paul Lewis

Financial Journalist

I had a few issues going on at a time when I was ill and felt overwhelmed. I seen you on some YouTube videos and then bought your book. It restored my confidence and I have solved a few problems. I’d like to thank you very much for your work. I have learned a lot too.

Via Ko-fi

Mark Richardson

I believe the problems would have gone on much longer without help from someone who knows the rules and persevered. I feel that they use the power of network marketing to get people to sell it to their friends and family. However, once a problem arises, they don’t make it easy to rectify it. I felt I couldn’t speak out against UW publicly in case I offended a friend. When eventually I did speak out, I was messaged by someone who was a UW rep and told I was disappointing them by my personal social media posts. That peer pressure certainly made standing up for myself harder. Thankfully, I had the right support to eventually sort this out, and I just hope no one else is facing this kind of disgraceful treatment and feeling too scared to stand up to them.

See story here https://thecomplainingcow.co.uk/energy-runs-out-for-utility-warehouse-customer/

Claire-Marie Kelly

Consumer

Helen goes out of her way to do the best for all consumers. She has great insight and never gives up in her quest to be the best consumer champion. She always gives her evidence to companies and allows them a right to reply.

I worked with Helen many times during my time at Tesco and produced her popular filmed interview with Tesco CEO Dave Lewis and then UK CEO Matt Davies. Helen goes out of her way to do the best for all consumers. She has great insight and never gives up in her quest to be the best consumer champion.

See The Complaining Cow’s history with Tesco

Louise Male

Corporate Reputation Director

Helen, thank you so much, I have followed your advice on holiday complaints and have just received a 20% refund on our holiday after having a number of niggles with our latest holiday, including no pool in our hotel despite the web brochure showing one in the photos. Thank you!

Via Ko-fi

Bethan C

Helen did a great session for my membership of home cake and food business owners talking about how to deal with complaints and pre-empt them, as well as how to get customer feedback and raving reviews. It was in depth and covered so many ideas that the membership was chatting about it for the whole of the following week! The session was relaxed and Q&A led, meaning everyone could be heard and have their questions answered on the spot. Thank you again Helen.

Sarah Thomas

Sugarcraft Tutor & Sugar Artist

A huge thank you to Helen Dewdney for creating the whimsical collection of Sammy Rambles videos commissioned for “Sammy Rambles and the Floating Circus” with “Kyrillan” the green dragon and various props. With her perfect story-telling voice, Helen has used her own imagination and creativity to bring my characters to life and has created nearly an hour of entertainment for adults and children alike. Highly recommended to other authors as an alternative narration and viral marketing potential.

See Helen Dewdney Storytelling channel.

Jenny Leggott

Author

I had a very useful session with Helen in which we discussed a PR challenge I was facing.

She talked me through the situation, and we devised a plan of action which helped me resolve my issue.

Helen is not only an expert in her field, but she is also highly personable and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion and would have no hesitation in recommending Helen.

Joanne Parker

Writing Services

Helen has been an expert on my shows for about 5 years. Very few “experts” connect with the audience like her. Sometimes it feels like they are being talked to by a robot who doesn’t live in the real world. Not with Helen, she brings her own challenges and things even she needs to do and the audience understand. I honestly believe on a show like mine it makes people listen. I know I certainly do.

Eddie Nestor MBE

Comedian, Actor and Presenter

Thank you for your 20 tips. I followed them this morning and wrote to the CEO of GoToGate, the flight operators in partnership with Booking.com. I am now getting my problem resolved after 8 weeks, 9 calls, and 3 complaint emails being fobbed off. Thank you very much Helen.

Via Ko-fi

Hiya Helen, Your advice helped me out a lot to find an amicable resolution by finding the contact details of the CEO via ceoemail.com and also the art of writing. Thank you.

Via Ko-fi

David Devarajan

When Helen spoke as part of the Happiness Summit I found her to be funny and well versed in her field. The blend of the two obviously helps get the message across.

Victoria Dioh

Founder at Manifestation Kitchen

I used Helen on a 1:1 basis to help with the terms and conditions for my baby sleep and parenting business. Helen made each part of the advice relevant to my business and explained things in a very easy to understand, no nonsense way. I would recommend Helen’s services.

Hannah Love

Parenting and Sleep Expert at Sleep Well With Hannah

Thanks so much for your advice. I took on Virgin Media….and won!!!! Wouldn’t know where to start with sharing that particular sad tale of absolutely atrocious customer service but I know I’m not the only one. Also had a smaller successful skirmish with Halfords.

Via Ko-fi

Kate Malleson

No-one knows more that @Complainingcow about how customers can get what they need out of companies – and how companies can engage with customers (esp when things have gone wrong).. great to see her views on CEO’s on Twitter. Via Twitter.

Greg Jackson

CEO Octopus

Thanks to following the advice of The Complaining Cow I got £100 goodwill payment from a service provider I was leaving. She knows what works and says it clearly. Forget the cost of the book (which isn’t pricey anyway) because you will be reimbursed tenfold when you use it to make your own complaints.

Via Reviews on The Complaining Cow Facebook page.

Gillian Herbert

Consumer

Thank you for inviting me to talk on your show – and for the advice on gathering video testimonials!

See Lindsay Edwards – saving money & the planet with clothes

Via Ko-fi

Lindsay Edwards

Personal Stylist

That was fabulous. I appreciated this second listening even more than the first time….. and used your tips to keep an unhappy customer. Thank you.

Erica Wallace

Director of Mary Kay Cosmetics

I was having trouble with a misrepresented contract sold to me by Phones 4 U for Vodafone, and neither company wanted to accept the fact. Luckily I had stumbled across The Complaining Cow on Twitter and asked for her help. She gave me a lot of help and eventually I received nearly £150 reimbursement from both companies

Ben Nov

Consumer

I hired Helen as a complaints investigator after we had our first complaint as I wanted to make sure we did things properly. Helen was very thorough and spent time getting to know all angles and putting a report together on any changes we needed to make as well as a fair response to the complaint. We learned a lot as a company and I would recommend Helen not to just to help with complaints but also to help with learning what needs to happen to not get any in the first place!

Lisa Johnson

Strategist

I just wanted to drop you a thank you message as I have had another success thanks to your book.

I ordered an electric bike from Go Outdoors that arrived with multiple issues, one copy of your standard letter sent to the CEO and I had a call from the national sales manager (NATIONAL!) who couldn’t apologise enough, got a new bike sent to the local branch, had the staff there check every inch of the new bike, hand deliver it to my house, check that everything was in order and I was happy and take away the original bike AND compensation AND customer service issues I’ve had with the branch addressed by the regional manager.

10/10 for customer service from Go Outdoors.

Sarah Heath

Consumer

2 year old bed fully refunded thanks to Helen’s fabulous advice. More to come as her books have given me much more confidence to hold my ground.

Chris Yn Fwriadol Wag

Consumer

Hi Helen, I’ve really enjoyed reading through your website and watching the videos with Leon Livermore regarding ADR. It’s such a relief to see that there are people out there who not only understand what’s happening but are actually trying to change things. Thankyou! Jamie

Via Ko-fi

Jamie Cooper

Helen has appeared on BBC 5 live Money a number of times to explain consumer rights. She has often had to come on at short notice and react to breaking news stories to help the listeners understand the situation and consumer law in jargon-free understandable ways.

Justin Bones

BBC News Editor

I directed an interview with Helen for a tv show where people shared their travel nightmares. Helen provided killer insights and brilliant consumer advice. I wouldn’t hesitate to book her again for anything I’m making in the future and have already recommended her to fellow directors.

Abdullai Adejumo

TV Director

I recently had a stressful issue regarding a sofa bed I purchased from a catalogue. Despite many phone calls to the company concerned, the whole issue was dragging out and I was stuck with a faulty sofa bed. Helen was friendly & approachable as well as very quick to respond to my emails.

Thanks to a fantastic email she drafted for me, I now have the company picking up the faulty sofa bed, providing full refund with offer of providing a price match on a more expensive sofa. I was also given £50 credit on my account. This lady knows her stuff and gives you confidence to stand up for your rights.

Debbie

Consumer

I filmed with Helen for a piece for Channel 5 News in which she gave advice to viewers on how to complain in different situations. She was really engaging, gave great tips and the video got a brilliant response. She was great to work with and I’d strongly recommend her.

Jack Leather

Journalist & Producer

Helen, I came across your website from the Money Box website. It’s brilliant! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Morgan Wolfe

Solicitor

Slayer of poor customer service, tireless advocate of the downtrodden consumer, supporter of businesses who respect their clientele. Chocolate fan. TV presenter. All round good egg and occasional pain in the arse.

Steve Blears

TV Director

The extra knowledge and contacts she provided were invaluable and I am sure I would still be trying to get a response from Sunmaster if it wasn’t for her help. I would (and have done already) recommend her to anyone I know. Thanks so much for your help!

See storyNot got the holiday you booked? What to do

Adam & Melanie

Consumer clients

Helen appeared as a guest on my podcast, The Engaging Marketeer (Episode 17), and was absolutely brilliant. I’ve followed Helen on social media for some years and have always been entertained and informed by her posts and campaigns, but her stories in our interview were next level. Helen is engaging, enlightening and a fabulous guest whose experience in front of a camera and conveying her message across is there for everyone to see. Thanks Helen!

Darren Jamieson

Marketeer

There is a reason Helen is a consumer champion, and that is because she is bloody good at what she does. She has been invaluable with her help and support, and everyone should read her books for advice and support on your rights as a consumer.

Dave Hall

Consumer

Helen created the most wonderful video for my latest book, Ben and the Bug. Highly entertaining and truly professional. Helen brought my characters to life, adding so much depth to my story. I’m thrilled with the outcome. An excellent person to work with. I’d recommend highly ⭐

See Helen Dewdney Storytelling channel.

Natalie Reeves

Author

Entertaining, Engaging, and an all-round Good Egg! Helen is unique in presenting complicated matters, with authority, knowledge and humour, If you are looking for guidance in turning your clients and customers into raving fans, speak to Helen, she will take you through the consumer journey and how to deal with complaints effectively and get the best results for YOU, your clients and company. Brilliant speaker and Writer. I would highly recommend Helen for your conference, training or company event 5*****”

Linda Reynolds

Personal Travel Agent

I recently heard Helen present which included a lot of improvisation. She wowed her audience, included everybody and was fantastically entertaining and engaging. Highly recommend you book Helen for your speaking gig.

Rachael Chiverton

Credit Controller

I had the pleasure of meeting Helen in 2020. She is a witty, caring and wonderful woman! In 2021 I had an issue with a company who decided to keep some of my money after I cancelled an order. I thought, that doesn’t seem right? I asked Helen for her advice and after following it, within no time I had the money refunded in full. She absolutely knows her stuff, makes complaining something we shouldn’t feel bad about, and gets results. Thank you Helen! I highly recommend Helen

Emma Butler

Consumer

I had the pleasure of Helen’s company for a guest expert session today and it was amazing!

She covered complaint handling with our community and it was informative and interactive, such a valuable session for all

Our members are at different stages of their subscription box journeys and we discussed various topics that can help them when it comes to complaint handling such as making sure your terms and conditions are clear and show details of what a customer can expect if they have a complaint. Helen also discussed how we can prevent complaints and the importance of exceeding expectations. This is all information that our community can take away and start to implement, which is so useful

I would say if you have a group you need to book Helen to come in and chat!

You won’t be disappointed!

Victoria Massey

The Business Box

Thanks for being the best complaining cow ever, your advice is priceless

Dom Littlewood

TV Presenter

Helen and Becky did a fantastic workshop of demonstrating and explaining the different stages of relationships consumers go through from hearing about businesses, buying from them and then raving about them. Not only did they explain this well but also helped me gain a strong understanding of the customer’s perspective which has already made me consider more carefully about how I approach my clients. Thank you to both of you!”

Joshua Arbery

Spiritual Healer and Tarot Coach

I booked an hour with Helen, aka The Complaining Cow. The session was held via zoom and recorded so I could easily refer back to points of discussion – of which there were many!

I’ve had an ongoing issue with a supplier for 15 months. Despite 60 emails, Teams meetings, site surveys, the issue remains unresolved and an ongoing headache.

Helen was able to provide guidance and advise on my situation and gave me a framework for my correspondence with them. She was also able to provide input re my credit card company who haven’t been supportive of this situation.

I’d definitely recommend a session with Helen if you want to discuss a complex situation and gain confidence in your next steps.

Caroline Burwood

Consumer

I have worked with Helen a few times now and every time I feel like it’s the first time – her professionalism is just so commendable and her knowledge on consumer rights and etiquette is outstanding!

Marty Dee Donovan

Radio Presenter