Bad Google review

[howmanyusernames]

Someone has put a bad Google review against my new company. The information this person has would lead me to believe it's a competitor or someone trying to ruin things for me.
I have flagged it up numerous times over the last week on Google but it's still there. I have no idea what effect this is having on my business.
I can't seem to contact Google other than call a US number, which I don't want to do, so what do I do next?

[FiveStoryFire]

Can you respond to the review on google and address the issues raised?

[FiveStoryFire]

I don't think the odd bad review will put people off if you've responded to it and there are other good reviews on there.

[howmanyusernames]

I can't seem to be able to respond to it?
I also only have that one review!

[FiveStoryFire]

Instructions on how to respond here:

support.google.com/business/answer/3474050?hl=en-GB

[FiveStoryFire]

Do you have any satisfied customers you could approach to request a positive review from?

[howmanyusernames]

I have lots of testimonials from clients, it's just them taking the time to do it - especially as they've already sent me a testimonial!

Thank you for the link! It seems the email it's linked to isn't mine, which is why I can't respond?! So I have requested admin rights!

[FiveStoryFire]

Where do you keep your current testimonials? Are they online?
If so, maybe you could post a review yourself, clearly stating that you are the owner, with a link to your testimonials?

[FiveStoryFire]

Re effect of review to your business, you could check google analytics to see what impact it's had?

[howmanyusernames]

Oooh, a link to the testimonials would be a great idea! Thanks!

I will need to check the analytics!