A county firm has won a major NHS contract to provide services to patients in central and west London.

Folkestone-based Hearbase secured the deal to provide its hearing services.

It already has existing contracts in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley and Bexley.

The firm is now one of the key providers delivering audiology services within the M25.

Hearbase managing director Mark Scutchings said: “It is a fantastic achievement to have won a contract of this size.

“It is a demonstration of the skill and dedication of our staff. It is also good to be able to share some positive news at a time which is difficult and uncertain for small businesses.”

Hearbase is a rapidly expanding, privately-owned company, built over the past 20 years to become the largest independent hearing aid provider in Kent.

It also delivers NHS services on behalf of 13 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across London and the south-east.

Mr Scutchings added: “In order to meet the demands of the new contract we are looking to recruit additional audiologists and support staff.”

It is also good to be able to share some positive news at a time which is difficult and uncertain for small businesses.

The company has been providing NHS services for more than 13 years while continuing to develop its activities in the private sector to ensure growth.

It has absorbed a number of smaller local hearing aid companies to consolidate its position as the leading independent hearing aid provider in Kent.

Its new London NHS contract runs for three years and covers the Westminster, Kensington, Hammersmith, Fulham, Hounslow and Ealing districts.

Read more: The latest business news for Kent