IN THE 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 Mr Campbell immediately appealed, has already taken its toll. “I had one of my drivers move to another firm because he said he can’t afford to go another weekend where the phone
doesn’t ring,” he said. Campbell emphasised the import- ance 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 10 February that Rhyl Cabs’ business profile has been restored, Campbell remains frus- trated 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.”
PREMIER CARS PULLS OUT OF LLANDUDNO CITING LICENSING DELAYS & LACK OF NIGHTTIME DEMAND
Premier Cars, a prominent taxi service in North West Wales, has abruptly ceased operations in the Llandudno area. The company, headed by Chris O’Neal, announced the immediate withdrawal of services this week, citing a combination of factors including difficulties in licensing new drivers, a scarcity of nighttime business, and internal operational challenges. “We regret to inform you that, with immediate effect,
we have
withdrawn our services from the Llandudno area,” the company stated in a released statement. This sudden departure comes less than a year after the brand launched its Llandudno offshoot from Council Street West,
PHTM MARCH 2025
promising a 24/7 service to the resort and its surrounding areas. O’Neal’s previous venture, Premier Cars Bangor Ltd, faced liquidation in 2022, succumbing to the economic pressures of the Covid- 19 pandemic. The company left behind liabilities of nearly £294,000. O’Neal subsequently regrouped, forming Premier Group North Wales and re-establishing
operations in Gwynedd. The company’s statement con- tinued: “On behalf of the company, I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. “I am pleased to inform you that we have received interest from several parties regarding the business and we anticipate finalising a deal/transition within the next 7-10 days.” Premier Cars reassured customers that existing pre-booked rides would be honoured and contractual obligations fulfilled during the transition period. “We sincerely appreciate your support and loyalty during our time serving your community and we wish you all the best for the future,” the company concluded.
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