Shakeel Ahmed from Bolton Council’s Money Skills team was named a national Heat Hero at a special awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.
The Heat Heroes Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to help people live in warmer homes.
Held in partnership between Vaillant and the charity National Energy Action, the judges selected 17 worthy winners from a pool of candidates from across the UK.
Shakeel and his team provide help and support to customers switch energy suppliers and apply for grants for new boilers.
The team also delivers group sessions to Bolton residents giving the knowledge and confidence to take control of their finances.
Since 2015, Shakeel has helped more than 300 people to save an average of £160 each by providing money saving tips and helping customers switch suppliers. One customer saved £1,000 thanks to Shakeel’s help.
He said: “I am extremely honoured and winning this award would not have been possible without the help and support from my colleagues. I can proudly hold up this award as a mark of “Team” achievement.
“December was a fantastic month for me and my team as I was also awarded Bolton’s Best Customer Care Award for my work around fuel poverty.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, added: “This is a well-deserved award and I would like to congratulate Shakeel on this national recognition, and his commitment to helping people who struggle with fuel poverty.
“He does an incredible job, alongside his team, and has helped hundreds of people save money on their bills. We are very proud of him and all his achievements.”
Maria Wardrobe, Director of Communications and External Relations at National Energy Action, said: “Each year I am bowled over by the passion and tenacity that our Heat Heroes demonstrate, always going above and beyond what is expected of them in their job or as unpaid volunteers.”
For more information from the Money Skills service follow @BoltonMoney on Twitter or @BoltonsMoneySkills on Facebook, or e-mail moneyskills@bolton.gov.uk.