Simon Ellis

Background

About Simon Ellis

With nearly 30 years of invaluable context working from District to County and in the private sector I have a diverse assortment of experience from late night inspections in bar rooms to policy advising multinationals in the boardroom. Whilst I have written many professional practice procedures and memoranda with trade associations and police fraud teams I am no stranger to the realpolitik of toe-to-toe negotiations with rogue traders and organised criminals on the pavement.Never to be found waiting for problems to reach critical mass (which I see as a weakness of intelligence led systems), one of the most recent projects I initiated around corrosives has already seen a 50% reduction in the retail premises willing to supply dangerous products containing 95% sulphuric acid well ahead of upcoming offensive weapons legislative changes. Similarly, by using trader advice, online checks and DVSA vehicle prohibitions unroadworthy cars have been removed from sale before any consumer detriment occurred from premises identified as a problem. All of this work was conducted without any additional cost to the Authority in legal or expert’s fees.I enjoy and prefer using problem orientated local solutions including mediating many thousands of pounds worth of consumer refunds from a previously confrontational regional double-glazing company and several bespoke remedies for amongst others; a failing pawnbrokers, illegal money lender and a wills company that saw consumers quickly and cost effectively reunited with their rightful goods using restorative enforcement techniques.I have a “tools not rules” approach to work and see good enforcement as an ever-changing blend of experience, local and legal knowledge, nous and nuance. It is informed by intelligence and where appropriate new technology, but can't be entirely led by either. My approach always takes in the wider context and the unintended consequences of introducing new procedures or legislative changes.I have prepared and been a witness in successful civil, magistrates’ and crown courts culminating in over 11 years of custodial sentences. One example involved over 5 years’ worth of preserved evidence with HMRC resulting in the conviction of 9 defendants.All my current cases; animal welfare warrant execution and arrests with the RSPCA, food fraud seizures, online unsafe product online takedowns and fake NHS accreditations have had to be prioritised and investigated alongside fielding the usual ongoing daily duty calls from the public, citizen's advice, councillors, banks, and other council departments.