Matt Allwright, consumer journalist, writer, presenter and broadcaster
Matt Allwright is one of the UK’s best-known consumer journalists and television presenters. Best known for programmes including Watchdog and Rogue Traders, he has spent years investigating scams, poor customer service and consumer rights.
But over the last 20 years he has fronted a lot of shows, from quizzes to debates to Top of The Pops and for all of the UK’s terrestrial broadcasters.
Born in Reading he still lives there with his wife and children. After studying English Language and Literature at Manchester University he then went to Japan for three years. There he taught English in High Schools and ran his own English school. It helped him get (financially) ready to return to study a postgraduate degree in Journalism.
Matt is a patron for SANDS, The Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society, and for Launchpad, a charity fighting homelessness in his home town of Reading. He’s also a member of the Alliance to End High Cost Credit.
Matt talks consumer issues
Matt talked about joining Watchdog and about some of the stories it is currently receiving.
We talked about platforms which are making it more difficult for asserting consumer rights. How to get what you want from booking.com is a good example of this.
Housing is an area that Matt (and I!) feel passionately about. We talked about the impact of housing conditions on all other areas of life.
If you are looking to rent or currently rent see: Helen Dewdney and barrister Christian Weaver – your rights. In that post you’ll see my interview with Christian who is a human rights barrister. He’s amazing! But it also links to Christian’s 4 guest posts about tenancies, what you need to look out for before you sign and your rights once you have signed.
Matt Allwright interviewed about consumer issues
More on Matt Allwright
The complaining habits of public figures – Matt Allwright. I interviewed Matt a while ago on his own complaining habits.
Matt referred to my knowledge of consumer law in the interview but he was humble (in the fact that he didn’t mention!) that his book actually provides some legal know how too. But it also elicits a wealth of wise counsel in more general areas too. He explores how to get the best deals and how not to get caught out with bad advice. It is a comprehensive consumer guide on how to shop safely and wisely.
Matt Allwright wrote a review of my second book 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer.
Matt Allwright consumer champion
Interestingly, I asked Matt how he would like to be introduced, and you can see from the above and the interview. But I asked him if he would like “Consumer champion” added to the list. He said no, he could “See why people would say that but it was for others to decide.”
Watchdog – The Consumer Survival Guide review
What is a consumer champion details what makes one
About Helen Dewdney, The Complaining Cow
Helen Dewdney is a consumer rights expert, author and media commentator. She regularly appears on television, radio and in the press discussing consumer rights, customer service, scams and personal finance.
See more about Helen’s TV and radio appearances on the Media page.
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker on consumer rights, complaints, customer service or consumer behaviour, find out more about booking Helen for conferences, business events and training.
East London Radio The Complaining Cow Consumer Show
Explore more interviews with leading experts on consumer rights, personal finance, customer service, scams and consumer issues on the East London Radio The Complaining Cow Consumer Show.
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How to Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide to Getting Refunds, Redress and Results!
101 Habits of an Effective Complainer
How to Get free Pr and Be Paid for It 280 ways to raise your business profile
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