Newest Maidstone Innovation Centre (MIC) tenant hearing care specialists ‘All Ears’ will be the first business to serve patients at the centre as it opens its doors to the medical services sector.

As the hub for Med-Tech, Life Science and Healthcare companies, the MIC has extended its service to welcome ‘Health Services’ looking for state-of-the-art office and clinic space.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), the Maidstone Borough Council run Innovation Centre forms part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone.

At the beginning of July, the MIC welcomed its first health care service tenant, private audiology clinic All Ears, which offers diagnostic and rehabilitation treatment for hearing and balance issues such as hearing tests, digital hearing aids, balance tests, tinnitus therapy and instant micro-suction earwax removal. Having outgrown previous premises in Maidstone, the business needed a new high-end workspace with room to treat patients.

Cllr Stephen Thompson, MBC Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities in Maidstone said:

“We’re always looking at ways we can support local businesses and help them grow and develop. Offering the amazing workspace at Maidstone Innovation Centre to a wider tenant base within Med-Tech, Life Science and Healthcare is a great way to attract and retain the very best businesses within those sectors, such as All Ears, and help them deliver a first-class service.”

We are delighted to welcome All Ears as the MIC’s first medical services tenant and I’m sure patients will be just as impressed with the centre as our businesses are.

All Ears’ founder Andriy Drypen comments,

“As soon as the commercial agent told me that MIC was accepting businesses like mine, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. It’s surrounded by medical facilities such as KIMS and Cygnet Hospitals, so it just felt like the perfect location.

The building itself is beautiful and peaceful; all my patients so far have commented on the facilities and atmosphere.  Being a private clinic, patients expect high-spec surroundings and that’s exactly what the MIC offers. I didn’t want a space that felt like a typical hospital environment as it can be intimidating, but it doesn’t feel like that at all here, it’s very welcoming. It’s also modern and accessible, meaning patients who are less mobile or disabled will have no difficulties when visiting.”

The MIC team has been so supportive so far; they’re on hand for anything I need and even threw me a welcome party. I’d definitely advise any other health services business like physiotherapists, chiropractors or counsellors to consider basing their clinics here.

The MIC is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is aimed at businesses working in the life science, healthcare and medical sectors. As well as providing office space, it offers meeting and conference facilities, virtual offices and business support.