IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Marsha Bell
To mark Black History Month 2025, we have interviewed a number of inspirational 51黑料 Members - about their careers in Trading Standards, the struggles they overcame and why Black History Month is important to them.听
Here, Marsha Bell听- Trading Standards and Licensing Manager at Salford City Council - reflects on her journey into Trading Standards, highlighting the achievements that have brought her pride, the unique challenges she鈥檚 encountered as a Black professional, and the personal and professional significance of Black History Month.
She also shares her reflections on Black History in the context of Trading Standards, and offers heartfelt advice to young Black professionals entering the field, whilst also highlighting the steps the profession can take to become more inclusive.
Every Voice Matters
Q. What first inspired you to pursue a career in Trading Standards?
Years ago, I was looking through the Manchester Met prospectus and came across a BA (Hons) Consumer Protection degree course. I鈥檇 never heard of it before, and at that time I didn鈥檛 know anyone working in regulatory enforcement, let alone trading standards. But something about it really resonated with me. The idea of creating a level playing field within a regulatory framework caught my attention, especially because fairness is one of my core values. That sense of fairness is still what drives me today.
Q. Can you share a moment in your career that made you especially proud?
One of my proudest moments was passing my Weights and Measures DCATS qualification. It鈥檚 one of the foundations of our profession, and even though the landscape is constantly shifting, I think the significance of the achievement of the qualification is it鈥檚 an area that frequently can get overlooked. But it鈥檚 so important 鈥� it affects people鈥檚 everyday lives in ways they might not even realise. This is why I do think, we as a profession are unsung heroes.
For a long time, it felt quite lonely鈥� coming from the North West, I rarely came across anyone who looked like me or shared similar experiences.
Q. What challenges have you faced as a Black professional in this field, and how have you overcome them?
For a long time, it felt quite lonely. Coming from the North West, I rarely came across anyone who looked like me or shared similar experiences 鈥� whether among peers or partner agencies. It wasn鈥檛 something I talked about much, but it was something I felt deeply.
One of the biggest challenges was questioning my own achievements. I鈥檇 sometimes wonder if I was ticking a box or if I鈥檇 genuinely earned it. But over time, I鈥檝e come to recognise the hard work, commitment, and passion I鈥檝e put into my role. I know I鈥檝e earned my place, and I鈥檓 proud of that.
Q. Are there particular cases or projects you鈥檝e worked on that you feel had an impact on equity or fairness?
Most of the investigations I鈥檝e been involved in have contributed to fairness in some way, whether by protecting consumers from unfair practices or by helping to create a level playing field for businesses of all sizes. One project that stands out, however, is pilot I undertook within my local authority: a reverse mentoring programme.
In this initiative, I mentored a senior leader within our authority, sharing my lived experiences and offering insights into what it鈥檚 like working within our organisation. The experience was incredibly valuable for both of us. It fostered open, honest conversations about inclusion, representation, and the challenges faced by underrepresented groups. Through this dialogue, we explored practical ways our authority could work towards building a more diverse and equitable workforce. It was a meaningful step toward embedding fairness not just in our external work, but within our internal culture as well.
Q. What does Black History Month mean to you personally and professionally?
I don鈥檛 just celebrate Black history in October 鈥� I appreciate it all year round. Those who know me can see how I express my heritage daily; through the types of earrings I wear.
I chose to take part in this interview because I see the value in having space to raise awareness and celebrate Black history and excellence, especially as we navigate through challenging times. To me Black History Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the positive stories and contributions that often go unseen.
Every voice matters, no matter how small. When we bring together different perspectives and experiences, we unlock the power to do great things.
Q. Why do you think it鈥檚 important for organisations like 51黑料 to mark Black History Month?
51黑料 is the voice of our profession, so it鈥檚 important that everyone feels seen and valued. Celebrating Black History Month helps highlight those who might not be big in number but still make a huge impact. It also helps inspire future generations 鈥� when people see someone they can relate to; it opens doors they might not have even considered.听
Q. Are there role models or figures from Black history who inspire your approach to your work today?
There are the well-known names like Maya Angelou and Mary Seacole who鈥檝e inspired me. But when I think about Black history in the context of Trading Standards, I think of the Black officers around me 鈥� those who came before me, supported me, and helped me find my place in the profession. Many of them I didn鈥檛 even know existed five years ago. I am proud of what we do as a profession, and I am proud that myself and all the other black officers have achieved. I do believe we all inspire each other.
Q. What advice would you give to black students or early-career professionals considering a career in Trading Standards?
Your lived experience is a strength. Representation matters as it helps challenge stereotypes and build trust in communities that might feel underrepresented and to enable the profession to represent the communities we serve.
Connect with others in the field; we鈥檙e here to support you. Stay true to yourself and your values.
鈥淲e Likkle But We Tallawah鈥� 鈥� Jamaican Patois for 鈥淲e may be small, but we are strong and resilient.鈥�
Q. How do you think the profession can continue to improve diversity and inclusion?
By actively listening, engaging and showcasing diverse role models and backing up words with action. We need inclusive environments, strong leadership, and transparency to build trust.
Every voice matters, no matter how small. When we bring together different perspectives and experiences, we unlock the power to do great things 鈥� because there鈥檚 no 鈥業鈥� in team.
听
CONTRIBUTOR: Marsha Bell is a Trading Standards and Licensing Manager at Salford City Council.
听
听
听
