The company behind a Kent radio station has announced it has been “forced” to cease trading after claiming it was “severely let down” by a council.
Made In Kent Ltd, which runs Made in Kent Radio, based at Bluewater, says it is “devastated” to announce the news on Monday afternoon, 22nd December.
In a statement, it said “Sadly, a major factor in our closure is that we have been repeatedly and severely let down by Dartford Borough Council. For over a year, we have challenged the government valuation office over incorrect and unfairly high business rates, rates that were higher than those charged to multi-million-pound corporations.”
“Despite our evidence, despite our appeals, and despite their own public pledges to support small businesses, they persisted with charges that placed an unbearable financial strain on our station. Their failure to support us and their refusal to address these errors have played a significant role in making our situation unsustainable.”
On top of this, it says the music licensing company PRS increased its annual licence fee by 2,678 per cent.
“Like many online radio stations, we simply could not absorb such an extreme and unexplained rise. After five years of pouring our hearts, time, and personal resources into supporting local businesses, offering free promotion, showcasing local talent, and building a true community platform, we are heartbroken that these combined financial pressures have now made it impossible for us to continue with this platform in Kent.”
“We are incredibly proud of everything we achieved in a very difficult economy, but deeply saddened and frustrated by the policies and decisions that have forced not only us, but hundreds of small businesses across the country, to shut their doors every single day. We stand in pain and solidarity with them. To everyone we have met, interviewed, and supported throughout Made In Kent’s journey: thank you. It has been a privilege to champion your businesses, and we wish you every success in the future.”
Made In Kent Ltd is now looking to appoint administrators, and the radio station will continue to broadcast “whilst new ownership opportunities are explored.”
The company added “If you have recently signed up with us, you will be contacted in due course.
“We kindly ask for your patience during this extremely stressful time. Please know that throughout our entire journey, we have always had the best interests of small businesses at heart.”
Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite said: “It’s very sad that Matt’s business has closed and I know he cares passionately about what he does but the simple fact is that local councils do not set business rates or decide what is to be paid.”
Business rates are set by central government, based on a property’s rateable value, an estimate by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) of how much it would cost to rent it for a year. Local councils then calculate business rate bills by using a multiplier, set by central government, which is applied to the rateable value.
