Helen Dewdney, widely known as The Complaining Cow, is one of the UK's most recognisable consumer-rights voices - an author, investigative campaigner, speaker, and media commentator whose work has helped thousands of people understand and assert their rights.
Her interest in fairness and accountability began early. As a schoolgirl she launched a student magazine to challenge what she viewed as unfair policies, long before she would become a professional consumer champion. That instinct to question, probe, and hold organisations to account followed her throughout her education and into her early career.
Before entering the consumer-rights world, Helen worked extensively in children's services and local government, including community work, play services, and early-intervention programmes. These roles deepened her understanding of public systems, complaint handling, and the impact of poor services on ordinary people - insights that would later shape her approach as a consumer advocate.
In 2012, Helen launched The Complaining Cow, an independent blog dedicated to consumer rights, complaint strategies, and customer-service failures. What began as a small personal project quickly grew into one of the UK's leading consumer-advice sites run by an individual. Her tone - direct, practical, and unafraid of confrontation when necessary - resonated with consumers frustrated by ineffective complaint processes. The blog became widely known for its detailed guidance, template letters, expert breakdowns of consumer law, and investigations into corporate behaviour.
Helen's expertise soon led her into journalism and broadcasting. She has written for major national titles including The Guardian, Financial Times, Metro, The Telegraph, and Good Housekeeping, often analysing industry practices or exposing systemic issues in complaint handling. On television and radio, she is a regular presence, contributing to programmes on BBC TV and BBC Radio, offering clear, accessible advice to the public.
As an author, Helen has published several influential books. How to Complain is considered one of the most practical guides for consumers seeking redress, blending case studies, legal explanations, and actionable advice. Her book 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer distils years of experience into everyday strategies that help people get results without aggression or stress. She has also co-authored investigative reports on the UK's Alternative Dispute Resolution system, highlighting weaknesses and advocating for reform.
Beyond writing, Helen works with businesses of all sizes to improve their complaint-handling processes and customer-service culture. She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as consumer empowerment, customer loyalty, and the business value of listening properly to dissatisfied customers. Companies engage her not only for her expertise but also for her plain-spoken, no-nonsense communication style.
Despite her growing public profile, Helen remains committed to independence: she does not publish sponsored posts or paid reviews, allowing her to speak freely about poor service wherever she finds it. Her central belief is that effective complaining is not about being difficult - it is about understanding one's rights and presenting a clear, fair, well-structured case. Her mission is to make that knowledge accessible to everyone.
Today, Helen Dewdney stands as one of the UK's most prominent consumer champions, known for her clarity, determination, and unwavering commitment to making companies and public bodies treat consumers fairly.