Trailblazer blazing heap almost in reception (7)
I believe the answer is:
pioneer
'trailblazer' is the definition.
(both can mean an innovator)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pioneer that I've seen before include "One entering new territory" , "First to explore a new area" , "original leader" , "person arriving early" , "spacecraft" .)