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Posted on the 11th February 2025 in PHTM News
RHYL TAXI DRIVER STRUGGLES TO SURVIVE AFTER SECOND GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE REMOVAL
A Rhyl taxi firm owner says he's struggling to stay afloat after Google errors caused his business profile to vanish for the second time in less than a year.
Christopher Campbell, 47, owner of Rhyl Cabs Ltd, reported his profile was disabled in the early hours of February 1st, leaving him "finding it hard (for his business) to survive" without the crucial online presence.
This isn't the first time Mr Campbell has faced this issue. "In the past, there have been issues with Google, where we’ve been removed, disabled or restricted," he explained.
He described a previous three-month ordeal starting in June 2024, when his profile was removed for "deceptive comment." That incident, he believes, cost him at least £15,000 in lost revenue.
The latest removal, which Campbell immediately appealed, has already taken its toll. "I had one of my drivers move to another firm last week, because he said he can’t afford to go another weekend where the phone doesn’t ring," he said.
Campbell emphasised the importance of Google for his business: "In this day and age, 65-70 per cent of our irregular hours work comes through Google. It’s our main outlet for work.”
While Google confirmed to the Journal on February 10th that Rhyl Cabs’ business profile has been restored, Campbell remains frustrated by the process.
"It’s the impact of how long it takes to get it back," he said. "My biggest issue is that it just suddenly takes you off Google, and then you have to jump through all of these hoops.
"It’s such a vital part of anyone’s business now.”
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