MKFM’s Principal Partner Programme has worked brilliantly for scores of well-known local businesses in the past and now, for 2026, MKFM marks the launch of its latest scheme.
The Principal Partner Programme is a limited opportunity for carefully selected local organisations to be recognised for the support they have given to MKFM and in return to be given preferential access to the radio station to deliver key messages, among a host of useful benefits, including:
- Display of company logo in the state-of-the-art MKFM studios located at Stadium MK. The logos take pride of place in the reception
- Principal Partner banners displayed at events across Milton Keynes where companies’ support is recognised
- Dedicated area on MKFM’s website homepage. With an average of 395,000 unique users and over one million page views per month, brands will be seen at MKFM.com
- Logos on MKFM’s email signature which acknowledges Principal Partners as key supporters
- Organisations receive a pre-produced on-air credit once a day with a single short strapline
- Principal Partners will receive priority attention with messages included in MKFM programmes, subject to editorial control
- Delivery of key messages in a fully scripted, voiced and produced advert
- Four weeks on air on MKFM will highlight any business and add to awareness
“The support of the Principal Partner programme was vital last year,” said Jo Ronan, MKFM director. “As more people relied on local information, demand on MKFM’s services went up, and the backing from Principal Partners allowed the team to continue delivering our services within the local community. “We are grateful for the support we receive and proud of the benefits and services we can offer back as a result.” Thanks to Principal Partner support, MKFM has continually increased its local coverage both on the radio and online. Over the last 12 months web traffic and listeners saw continued growth and, in addition to usual coverage, MKFM were able to support:
- More charities who have all had to diversify their fundraising and offering
- Continued local news coverage on-air and online
- Dedicated areas of the website to support local services, such as the hospital, council and police
- Focus on various work opportunities with the MK Jobs section on the website and content on-air
- Community initiatives to recognise people who have gone the extra mile
Partner criteria
Not just any business can become an MKFM Principal Partner. They have been carefully selected to join the invitation-only programme.
Organisations must share the same values in the community as MKFM, and they will have already given support to the news and radio hub. They will additionally be well respected in the community and wish to further awareness of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) through MKFM.
There must be a desire to further engage with MKFM, and a sign that there is a mutual benefit for the two organisations to work more closely together.
This year’s Principal Partners include: Bletchley Park, Brioche Pasquier, Camphill Milton Keynes, FuseMetrix Group, Harry’s Rainbow, Medical Detection Dogs, MK Breakers Community Foundation, Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust, Milton Keynes Dons FC, Milton Keynes Theatre, Skyline Taxis, Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, The Parks Trust and Willen Hospice.
MKFM Radio
MKFM is Milton Keynes’ only dedicated mainstream radio station and launched full time on DAB Digital Radio in May 2013. Following various FM trial broadcasts since 2011, MKFM launched on FM in September 2015.
The MKFM studios are based at Stadium MK; home to MK Dons FC, 304-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, the Marshall Arena and MK Dons Community Trust.
MKFM’s goal is to provide a radio service which is the first choice for listening for its target community and to use this audience to provide social gain by promoting and supporting the work of local charities and community groups and helping local businesses, musicians and sports teams.
The team of presenters, plus some volunteers, are trained by experienced radio professionals and given ongoing coaching to ensure that the quality of broadcasting is at the highest level.
Find out more about MKFM Radio and the Principal Partners scheme on their website.
