Important Announcement
We are devastated to announce that Made In Kent Ltd, the company behind Made in Kent Radio has been forced to cease trading.
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 Dartford Borough Council and 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 has played a significant role in making our situation unsustainable.
On top of this, within the last month, PRS, the music licensing company, increased our annual licence fee by 2,678%. 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.
We are now looking to appoint administrators who will handle the Ltd Company on our behalf. As for the Radio Station output, this will currently continue to broadcast, with advertising & sponsorships continuing to broadcast, whilst new ownership opportunities are explored.
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.
