Dudley Council’s trading standards team has won a national award for its record-breaking work in shutting down shops linked to organised crime.
The eight-strong team, led by principal officer Kuldeep Maan, has won Outstanding Trading Standards Project at the Hero Awards 2025.
Working with police and landlords, the team has overseen the closure of 39 shops linked to illegal activity since August last year. The total is believed to be the highest number of business closures by any local authority in the UK.
The team also brought to justice and put behind bars a criminal gang which operated a network of shops across the borough selling illegal tobacco.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held at the House of Lords in Westminster on Tuesday.
Councillor Phil Atkins, cabinet member for development and regulation, said: “I am delighted that the trading standards team has been recognised nationally for the outstanding work they have done in this field.
“Their efforts in attempting to drive organised crime out of our high streets are without parallel anywhere in the country. I know that our law-abiding traders are glad to see them gone and are very grateful for it.
“Many former criminally run shops remain permanently closed, while others have reopened as legitimate businesses. This is a richly-deserved award for all their hard work.”
The awards are run by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
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