Tag: Kent business

Beyond symptom relief: What the 1 million inhaler milestone reveals about modern asthma care

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Almost 10 months after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) released an updated joint guideline for asthma care and management, a major milestone has been hit. Over 1 million people are now using combination inhalers instead of relying solely on blue reliever inhalers, marking a major shift towards inflammation-focused asthma management.1

Why does this matter?

Previously, many people living with asthma relied on their blue reliever inhaler, which relieved symptoms, making them feel better quickly. The problem with this was that whilst symptoms were being addressed, the underlying airway inflammation, the main driver of their symptoms, was not being treated. If the inflammation is not treated, symptoms continue to recur, damaging quality of life and increasing over-reliance on medication.1

The problem with symptom-led asthma care.

Patients who rely heavily on Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) inhalers (rescue inhalers) may report feeling well and believe that their asthma is well controlled because regular use of their inhaler keeps their symptoms at bay.1 When, in reality, this reliance is masking the underlying issue: airway inflammation.

Combination Asthma Inhaler - FeNO and modern asthma care
Airway Inflammation Infographic

Airway inflammation cannot always be felt, and if left untreated, it could lead to further exacerbations, including asthma attacks.

The shift towards prevention-focused care.2

The update to the guideline placed greater emphasis on treating the underlying inflammation rather than just the symptoms, demonstrating an evolution in asthma care. The updated guidance reflects:

  • Earlier anti-inflammatory treatment,
  • Reduced SABA reliance,
  • Prevention of exacerbations,
  • More proactive asthma management.

The impact of this guidance is clear: over 1 million people now use combination inhalers to relieve symptoms and treat underlying inflammation, a significant milestone for asthma care.1

Why objective insight matters.

During routine asthma reviews, patients are typically asked about their symptoms, which rely on patient recall. Typically, people with asthma downplay their symptoms, believing that what they experience is typical of their condition.3

And whilst peak flow remains a useful tool in asthma care, it alone may not provide the full picture. It measures airflow obstruction, rather than the inflammatory activity driving asthma, demonstrating the need for objective assessment, because better asthma care starts with better insight.

The role of FeNO testing.2

Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing provides an objective tool to measure airway inflammation. It is non-invasive, easy to do at the point of care and supports:

  • Diagnosis,
  • Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) decisions,
  • Adherence assessment,
  • Monitoring,
  • Evaluation of exacerbation risk.

Aligning with the latest guidance, FeNO supports the move towards more personalised, biomarker-driven asthma care.

The NObreath® FeNO device.

The NObreath® is a modern FeNO device; it is portable and easy to use, making it perfect for primary care. Clinicians can measure a person’s airway inflammation in a short amount of time, fitting perfectly into a standard healthcare appointment. This objective insight enables clinicians to make informed decisions there and then without the need for a follow-up appointment to discuss results.

Combined with an extensive clinical history, a FeNO test with the NObreath® can aid in an asthma diagnosis and tailor treatment appropriately, providing enhanced asthma monitoring.

Precision medicine and the future of asthma care.2

Guidelines are updated as technology and research evolve to improve patient care. The latest guideline from NICE/BTS/SIGN marked a move towards:

Taking a FeNO test with the NObreath
  • Precision medicine,
  • Biomarkers
  • Personalised pathways
  • Earlier intervention,
  • Better outcomes.

The move towards combination inhalers marks more than a treatment change; it represents a broader evolution in how asthma is understood and managed. Objective insight can provide clinicians with a better understanding of what is going on beneath the surface, with FeNO testing supporting this objective insight and supporting future asthma care.

As asthma care continues to evolve, understanding airway inflammation will become increasingly important in helping clinicians deliver a more personalised and proactive approach.

To learn more about the NObreath® device and how FeNO testing is improving patient outcomes worldwide, visit the website here.

References

  1. “I no longer feel asthmatic”: more than a million people now using new style inhalers [Internet]. NICE website: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE; 2026. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/-i-no-longer-feel-asthmatic-more-than-a-million-people-now-using-new-style-inhalers
  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Overview | Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) | Guidance | NICE [Internet]. Nice.org.uk. NICE; 2024. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG245
  3. Bidad N, Barnes N, Griffiths C, Horne R. Understanding patients’ perceptions of asthma control: a qualitative study. European Respiratory Journal. 2018 May 17;51(6):1701346.

World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking the appeal and the healthcare burden behind it

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Tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year, including an estimated 1.6 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.1 It is estimated that tobacco costs the global economy more than $1.4 trillion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity.2 This World No Tobacco Day, we are going to explore the appeal behind smoking tobacco and the healthcare burden it causes.

What is World No Tobacco Day?3

World No Tobacco Day is a global awareness event, held every year on the 31st May by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The event was created to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable deaths and diseases it causes. Each year follows a new theme; the theme for 2026 is Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine addiction. Whilst global tobacco use has declined in recent years, its burden remains devastating.

The appeal: Why tobacco still attracts users.

Cigarette in a hand

Whilst evidence does not support this, smoking is still widely perceived as a stress reliever, with studies indicating that between 36-43% of people believe smoking helps manage stress, anxiety and depression. The truth is, smoking actually increases tension and lowers mental health in the long run.4

Marketing tactics have changed over the years with the introduction of vapes, flavoured products, and targeting youth and young adults, especially in low-income communities and regions with weaker tobacco regulations.

Together, these psychological misconceptions and evolving marketing strategies create a powerful and carefully engineered appeal. Nicotine products are framed as tools for coping, symbols of independence, or fashionable accessories, rather than addictive substances. These influences normalise use, particularly among younger and more vulnerable populations, making tobacco appear not only acceptable but desirable.

The health burden: What tobacco really costs.

Smoking tobacco has a direct impact on health and is linked to diseases like:5

  • Lung cancer,
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
  • Coronary artery disease,
  • Stroke.

This doesn’t just impact the smokers themselves; non-smokers are also affected by second-hand smoke, leading to a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide.

Smoking-related hospital admissions and care in the UK alone cost the NHS £1.9 billion each year, signifying an urgent need for change.6

What needs to change?

There are many contributing factors that could change and improve outcomes worldwide, and whilst there are already various initiatives in place, such as:

  • Plain packaging,
  • Smoke-free zones,
  • Less advertisement.

More can be done across the board to remove the appeal.

Awareness campaigns like World No Tobacco Day help to raise awareness of the significant impact smoking can have on health and economic costs. Additionally, smoking cessation programmes can provide support for those looking to quit smoking. These services can educate smokers on the long-term benefits of quitting smoking as well as highlight tools which can aid a quit attempt. One of those tools is carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring.

What is CO monitoring?

Taking a CO test with the Smokerlyzer

When someone smokes tobacco, they inhale CO, which enters their bloodstream and reduces oxygen delivery around the body.7 A CO monitoring device like the Smokerlyzer® measures CO levels in a person’s exhaled breath. The Smokerlyzer® is widely used across the world as a motivational tool to aid a quit-smoking attempt. Seeing CO levels drop empowers smokers to continue their quit-smoking journey.

Smokerlyzer Range

A 2012 study found that people who used a CO monitoring device reported feeling more motivated to quit smoking. Participants described how seeing their CO levels decrease over time provided clear, tangible evidence that their efforts were making a real difference. This immediate, visible feedback appeared to strengthen their commitment to quitting by reinforcing the health benefits of staying smoke-free and encouraging them to keep going, especially during moments of doubt or temptation.8

World No Tobacco Day 2026 is highlighting how the appeal to nicotine and tobacco addiction is engineered and not accidental. With healthcare and economic costs rising, it is vital that more is done to tackle the tobacco epidemic.

To learn more about the support available to aid a quit smoking attempt, visit the NHS website here.

To find out more about the Smokerlyzer® range and how it is helping people quit smoking for good, visit the website here.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Tobacco [Internet]. World Health Organization. World Health Organization; 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
  2. ‌US$ 1.4 trillion lost every year to tobacco use – New tobacco tax manual shows ways to save lives, money and build back better after COVID-19 [Internet]. www.who.int. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/12-04-2021-1.4-trillion-lost-every-year-to-tobacco-use-new-tobacco-tax-manual-shows-ways-to-save-money-and-build-back-better-after-covid-19
  3. ‌World. World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction [Internet]. Who.int. World Health Organization: WHO; 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/17-10-2025-world-no-tobacco-day-2026–unmasking-the-appeal—countering-nicotine-and-tobacco-addiction
  4. ‌Perski O, Theodoraki M, Cox S, Kock L, Shahab L, Brown J. Associations between smoking to relieve stress, motivation to stop and quit attempts across the social spectrum: A population survey in England. Kaye JT, editor. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2022 May 17;17(5):e0268447. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0268447
  5. ‌ASH. Smoking and Other Health Conditions – ASH [Internet]. ASH. 2025. Available from: https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/smoking-and-other-health-conditions
  6. ‌Action on Smoking and Health. Latest figures show cost of smoking in England up 25% to at least £21.8 billion [Internet]. ASH. 2024. Available from: https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/press-releases/latest-figures-show-cost-of-smoking-in-england-up-25-to-at-least-21-8-billion
  7. ‌Raub JA, Benignus VA. Carbon monoxide and the nervous system. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews [Internet]. 2002 Dec 1;26(8):925–40. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12667497/
  8. ‌Beard E, West R. Pilot study of the use of personal carbon monoxide monitoring to achieve radical smoking reduction. Journal of Smoking Cessation. 2012 Jun;7(1):12-7.

Bedfont® Scientific recognised for global growth with SEHTA Awards export shortlist

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Bedfont® celebrates global expansion by delivering UK healthcare solutions to a growing global audience.

SEHTA Export Finalist - Bedfont® Recognised

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, an innovative MedTech company that specialises in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices, is thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Export Achievement category at the Science and Engineering Health Technologies Alliance (SEHTA) Healthcare Business Awards 2026.

The SEHTA Healthcare Business Awards are one of the South East’s leading healthcare innovation awards, celebrating excellence in healthcare, especially in life sciences and medical technology. Bedfont®, a world leader in breath analysis, has seen significant growth over the last decade and places a strong emphasis on international sales, with over 59% of export sales contributing to its annual turnover.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, comments, “Being shortlisted for the Export Achievement award is a fantastic recognition of our team’s hard work and our mission to improve healthcare outcomes globally. Our international growth is a key part of our strategy, and we’re proud to represent UK innovation on the world stage.”

With a global network of over 100 distributors, Bedfont® prioritises long-term partnerships built on trust and collaboration. The company understands that entering new markets is a gradual process, requiring sustained investment in relationships and a tailored approach to each region. By adapting its service, support, and go-to-market strategy to local needs, Bedfont® ensures its solutions are both relevant and effective worldwide.

The awards ceremony, due to take place at Scale Space, Imperial College London, on Tuesday, 26th May, will bring together businesses across the South East to celebrate healthcare innovation. To find out more about Bedfont® and its innovative medical devices, visit the website here.

Bedfont® becomes the first compassionate workplace accredited in Kent

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Embedding compassion into policies, practices and everyday actions.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. is a world leader in breath analysis, with over 49 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing medical devices. The innovative med-tech company, based in Harrietsham, was proud to receive the Compassionate Workplace accreditation from Heart of Kent Hospice, in partnership with Compassionate Communities UK, in December 2025.

Compassionate Communities UK is a UK charity dedicated to embedding compassion into everyday life, including workplaces. The charity is collaborating with various organisations, helping employers ensure they operate in a compassionate way for staff who are dealing with bereavement, death and loss or those who may be facing a terminal illness themselves.

Heart of Kent Hospice, a charity-run hospice providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults, as well as their families, carers and loved ones, is supporting employers in the local area with the tools and confidence to have compassionate conversations about end-of-life, loss and bereavement in the workplace. They were thrilled to have awarded Bedfont® with the Compassionate Workplace accreditation in December 2025.

David Dadswell, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Heart of Kent Hospice, said, “Bedfont’s commitment to becoming the first accredited Compassionate Workplace is a powerful statement. By recognising the realities of grief, caring and serious illness, they are setting a new standard for what a truly supportive employer looks like. Prioritising compassion at work will make a meaningful difference to their staff and families across our community.”

Having supported the hospice since 2023, sponsoring its flagship Bluebell Walk events and Shaun the Sheep trail, Bedfont® joined Heart of Kent Hospice for a roundtable discussion to identify areas where the hospice could provide support, such as signposting and delivering training. During the accreditation process, it was highlighted that some areas of the business required improvement, and the hospice subsequently delivered a group training session focused on those areas.

Compassionate Workplace

After completing the assessment, Bedfont® became the first business in Kent to achieve Compassionate Workplace status, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing an environment where every staff member feels valued, supported and heard.

“Receiving the Compassionate Workplace accreditation is a deeply meaningful milestone for us.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont® Scientific. “As the first organisation in Kent to achieve this recognition, we feel both proud and responsible to lead by example. At the heart of our organisation are people, and we believe work should be a place of understanding, dignity and care, particularly during life’s most challenging moments. This accreditation strengthens our commitment to creating a culture where compassion is embedded in our leadership, our policies and our everyday actions.”

Already committed to employee wellbeing, Bedfont® has strengthened its offerings for staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to approach difficult conversations and support those dealing with bereavement or terminal illness.

To learn more about Bedfont® and its support of Heart of Kent Hospice, visit the website here, and follow them on LinkedIn.

Championing Innovation: Bedfont® Scientific CTO Shortlisted for Technology Leader of the Year

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Shortlisting recognises Bedfont’s role in driving innovation and technology leadership across Kent.

Bedfont CTO Shortlisted at National Technology Awards

Scott Deamer-Smith, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Bedfont® Scientific Limited, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to innovation and technology. Scott has spent an impressive 18 years of his career at Bedfont®, a med-tech company which specialises in the development of medical breath analysis devices and is thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Technology Leader of the Year category at this year’s National Technology Awards.

The awards are an annual UK programme hosted by National Technology News, designed to celebrate outstanding achievement and innovations in the technology sector. It spotlights companies, projects, products and leaders that drive technological progress and transformation across industries.

Scott Deamer-Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Bedfont® Scientific, comments, “I’m honoured to be recognised in the Technology Leader of the Year category and see it as a reflection of the strength of the team around me. At Bedfont®, innovation is something we create together every day, built on empowering people, encouraging curiosity & supporting bold ideas. This shortlisting represents the shared commitment & dedication of our technical team & the wider business. I’m incredibly proud of what we continue to accomplish together.”

To be considered in the Technology Leader of the Year category, individuals must demonstrate how they lead by example and inspire those around them to tackle the issues facing their business with innovative strategies and thoughtful staff development. Scott leads the technical department at Bedfont®, and its success is very much the result of his continued vision and commitment to driving technology development across the business.

“I count myself incredibly lucky to have seen Scott evolve since we were kids. Even back then, he was beating everyone in class with his technical prowess.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “Bedfont® has benefited enormously from his big brain, relentless curiosity and determination to push boundaries. If the judges manage to glean even a small part of the contribution he’s made, not just to our company, but to the wider industry, then there’s really only one winner.”

Bedfont®, a world leader in breath analysis, is incredibly proud of Scott’s achievement. The innovative med-tech company prides itself on staff development and actively encourages career growth with a dedicated training budget available to all staff. Scott joined Bedfont® in 2007 as an IT and Technical Support Engineer and, throughout his career at Bedfont®, has been given numerous opportunities to advance, culminating in his leadership of the technical department as Chief Technology Officer.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, 14th May at the London Marriott Hotel, where leading businesses and individuals will gather to celebrate this year’s outstanding achievements. To learn more about Bedfont® and its commitment to innovation, visit the website here.

Creating space to thrive: Bedfont® supports school library revamp

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A collective community effort helps breathe new life into a much-loved school space.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a local med-tech business located in Harrietsham, was pleased to help create a tranquil woodland-themed library for children at Harrietsham Church of England Primary School. The library space, which had been used as a flow-through area with no real purpose until 2 years ago, was created for children to enjoy during lunchtime; however, it lacked a certain magic. With tight educational budgets, the school asked for help and set out to revamp the school library.

When the school reached out to local businesses for support in revitalising its library, Bedfont® was proud to step forward. Over a couple of weeks, a dedicated team of Bedfont® volunteers worked side by side with school staff and family members to transform the space with a fresh coat of paint. The collaborative effort not only refreshed the physical environment but also helped create a brighter, more welcoming space that inspires students and encourages a love of reading.

“The physical environment plays a significant role in supporting young people’s wellbeing,” said Claire Dadswell, Wellbeing Manager at Bedfont®. “By helping to refresh the library, we’ve contributed to a space that encourages creativity, focus and a love of reading. It’s wonderful to know that students will benefit from this transformation for years to come.”

Bedfont® Supports School Library Revamp
Bedfont® supports school library revamp

Much of the library’s transformation was made possible through generous community support. The furniture was kindly donated by a library that was closing its doors, while the greenery used to bring the woodland theme to life was provided by online retailer Blooming Artificial. After discovering a striking feature tree on Facebook Marketplace, the school organised a ‘Wear It Green Day’ to raise the funds needed to purchase it. Additional proceeds from the school’s summer fundraiser, ‘HotDogs and Cool Music’, helped to fund the Accelerated Reader programme.

Staff and parents also volunteered to scan and label the library’s collection, while additional items, including the astroturf, were sourced through donations from the local community via Facebook Marketplace.

Jackie Chambers, Head Teacher at Harrietsham Primary School, said, “The school are extremely grateful for the very kind support of Bedfont® and the other members of our local community who have supported us with our library revamp.  They have really helped to bring the children’s vision for their new library to life.  Our thanks also to the staff who have helped and to Mr Walker and Mrs Mannering for their vision and hard work with this project.  This joint project has meant that our children now have the most magical and engaging space to enjoy reading.”

Supporting local initiatives is a key part of Bedfont’s commitment to community engagement, and the company was delighted to contribute to a project that will benefit pupils for many years. To learn more about Bedfont® and its community commitments, visit the website here.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited is pleased to support a major milestone to improve asthma care

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Intermedical UK proudly delivers the 3,000th NObreath® FeNO device to the UK market.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a medical device manufacturer based in Kent, with over 49 years’ experience in the breath analysis industry, was pleased to support its UK distributor, Intermedical UK, in supplying the 3,000th NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device in the UK. Intermedical UK, a trusted leader in respiratory health, has been providing cardio-respiratory diagnostic and therapy equipment for frontline care since 1997.

Bedfont® support major milestone in asthma care. Bedfont Supports FeNO Milestone.
Bedfont® and Intermedical Team

Livio Gagliardi, Acting Managing Director at Intermedical (UK) Ltd, said, “Reaching the 3,000th NObreath® FeNO device in the UK is a shared success that reflects the dedication of both the Intermedical and Bedfont® teams. Together, we have worked hard to deliver a clinically proven, accessible, and cost-effective FeNO solution that genuinely meets the needs of frontline healthcare. We are incredibly grateful to our customers for placing their trust in us and for recognising the value that NObreath® brings to asthma diagnosis and ongoing management. Their commitment to improving respiratory care is what makes milestones like this possible, and we look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and impact alongside Bedfont®.”

NObreath FeNO device. Bedfont Supports FeNO Milestone.

The NObreath® FeNO device, manufactured by Bedfont®, is an innovative diagnostic tool that measures airway inflammation and helps healthcare professionals diagnose and manage asthma effectively. With over 3,000 devices now available across the UK, access to FeNO testing is improving, bringing Bedfont® closer to a world where everyone can access instant, non-invasive, and simple breath testing to support medical diagnosis.

As a valued long-term distributor of the NObreath®, Intermedical UK has played a key role in expanding access to high-quality respiratory diagnostics, and the close partnership over the years has been instrumental in reaching this monumental milestone.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, comments, “This milestone of 3,000 devices in UK primary care highlights just how rapidly objective asthma testing is advancing. The updated joint UK guidelines now place even greater emphasis on FeNO, echoing the global shift toward evidence-based, accessible diagnostic tools. We are committed to making this technology available everywhere it is needed, ensuring clinicians and patients around the world benefit from fast, non-invasive breath testing.”

Bedfont® remains committed to improving asthma care worldwide, working closely with a global network of distributors to expand access to FeNO testing and improve asthma treatment. Recent partnerships in Mexico and India are already strengthening diagnostic capabilities, enabling clinicians in these regions to integrate simple, non-invasive breath testing into routine asthma assessment.

To learn more about Bedfont® and the NObreath® FeNO device, visit the website here.

Setting the standard for wellbeing: Kent Business Awards celebrate Bedfont® Scientific Limited’s impact

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Bedfont® is recognised for putting people first and scoops the AHM Health & Wellbeing Award.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, an innovative MedTech company that has just celebrated its 49th anniversary, is thrilled to have won the All Health Matters (AHM) Health & Wellbeing Award at this year’s Kent Business Awards. The annual awards celebrate business excellence across Kent, recognising the impact businesses have made over the year across various categories.

Setting the standard for wellbeing: Kent Business Awards celebrate Bedfont® Scientific Limited’s impact
Photo Credit: Albane McGuinness

Bedfont® prides itself on being a company that puts its people first, with a strong commitment to employee health and wellbeing. It has a dedicated team of Wellbeing Warriors, all Mental Health First Aid-trained, who work to ensure all staff are supported and encouraged to take time out of their busy days to focus on their wellbeing.

Claire Dadswell, Wellbeing Manager at Bedfont®, comments, “At Bedfont®, our people truly come first. We believe that when our team feels supported, nurtured, and valued, everything else follows. Our Wellbeing Warriors are here to make sure every member of staff knows it’s okay to pause, breathe, and prioritise themselves, because wellbeing isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we live every day. We’re incredibly grateful to receive this award, as it recognises the dedication and hard work our team puts into supporting one another.”

Bedfont® joined various businesses from across Kent at the event, which took place at the Ashford International Hotel on Thursday, 4th December. The evening shone a light on the significant contribution businesses in Kent are making, from start-ups to Medium Business of the Year.

The award win is just another step forward in Bedfont’s efforts to prioritise staff wellbeing. Looking ahead, the Wellbeing Warriors are working hard to ensure 2026 is another positive year, with plans already in place to ensure staff feel valued and looked after.

For more information on Bedfont’s wellbeing initiatives, follow them on social media or visit the website here.

Bedfont celebrates 45 years of business in 70’s style

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Local medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., returns to the era it all began for its 45th birthday

On 8th December, Kent Med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd. celebrated 45 years of business with a 1970’s themed party. The Bedfont Family celebrated with costumes from prominent 70’s characters, 70’s party games, 70’s party food, and a video tribute from a number of employees and distributors who have contributed to the business since 1976.

Jason Smith, Managing Director, remarks, “Back in 1976 the incidence of serious hazards related to medical gas supply systems was described as ‘alarming’. My favourite inspirational quote is ‘a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty’ from Winston Churchill. I think this describes very aptly how my godfather, John Marron, went on to design and manufacture Bedfont’s first ever product; the TM3 Medi-Gas Check for ensuring gas supply systems were safe before use. This product undoubtedly saved lives and started Bedfont on a road of life-saving gas monitors. Back then, Bedfont employed one person and was based in a bedsit in London; now we employ 50 direct staff, have over 80 global distributors, and even have our own offices in Kent and Austria. We will continue to innovate new non-invasive breath analysis devices to bring these life-saving products into people’s homes worldwide, and hope to do so for the next 45 years!”

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce names Bedfont Scientific Ltd. as Innovative Business of the Year 2020/2021

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The KICC awards recognises Med-tech company, Bedfont’s innovative success

The long-awaited Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) awards took place on Thursday 18th November, and named medical device manufacturer, Bedfont, as Innovative Business of the Year.

The KICC awards, celebrated every year, brings together businesses across Kent, showcasing their amazing achievements. The awards had unfortunately been delayed due to COVID-19, but finally took place on Thursday at Westhanger Castle, Hythe, boasting an even more impressive evening than ever before.

Local medical technology business, Bedfont, was delighted to have received the accolade for Innovative business of the year. A multi-award winning medical device manufacturer, Bedfont is based in Harrietsham, Kent. Their products help to detect a range of medical conditions via breath analysis, removing the need for needles, blood samples, and long waiting time for results.

Managing Director, Jason Smith, explained, “It’s been a difficult couple of years, being a breath analysis device manufacturer during the Coronavirus pandemic – a disease spread by breath! However, Bedfont did what it does best; innovate. We adapted our products, resources, and services to better support both our employees and customers remotely and the Bedfont Family are over the moon to see that this has been recognised.”

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