Multiple Success at National Awards

TAMESIDE Council officer Nick Reddrop was part of a Greater Manchester business compliance project that won five awards at the Regulatory Excellence Awards, a national scheme run by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The Greater Manchester Regulatory Centre of Excellence (GMRCE), claimed second place in the night’s top award for service excellence, with programme manager Nick enjoying success in a further three categories.

Nick, whose work is funded and supported by all 10 Greater Manchester authorities and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), scooped Primary Authority Ambassador and Recognition for Leadership in Regulatory Services. He was runner-up in the Better Business for All Ambassador section.

Greater Manchester’s success on the night was also boosted by a highly commended in Regulatory Officer of the Year for GMFRS’ Simon Whittaker. The region was a finalist in six categories.

GMRCE represents all 10 Greater Manchester local authorities and the fire and rescue service. In the 12 months to April its expert trading standards, environmental health and fire-protection officers supplied more than 1,200 hours of compliance advice and support to businesses big and small through primary authority partnerships.

The Better Business for All programme provides free advice and support to businesses unsuitable for primary authority partnerships by bringing together regulators, economic growth teams, the chamber of commerce, business growth hub and federation of small businesses.

Cllr Vincent Ricci, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for enforcement, said: “These awards are recognition of the high regard in which our business partners and OPSS hold our regulators.

“We are very proud of this project, which some of the biggest businesses in the country use to seek advice and support from our expert environmental health, trading standards and fire protection officers.

“A key feature of what we do is about working with businesses to help them comply and keep staff and customers safe. It’s reassuring to know it’s in the hands of very capable officers like Nick and his colleagues.”