Bollington Hearing Centre celebrates third anniversary
A hearing care company near Macclesfield has just celebrated three years in business.
Bollington Hearing Centre is a family-run independent audiologists which launched in January 2021.
And there is more than just the anniversary to celebrate, as the business recently merged with Silk Hearing in Macclesfield.
There are three partners in the business, and perhaps the best-known face is Clare Kewney.
Bollington Hearing Centre was also nominated in last year's North Cheshire Business Awards 'Best Company to Work For' category.
An audiologist of 28 years, Clare first moved to Bollington when she was 11, and has been known in the community ever since.
"We are totally independent, so we can offer hearing aids from any manufacturer, which really allows us to give the best service for patients," she explained.
"Being independent and able to offer the best advice, time and attention to patients where we can give them the based advice to make an informed decision about their hearing is wonderful.
"We have gone from strength to strength over three years, and we love what we do."
Co-director Brad Snelling, who is also Clare's partner, added: "We don't just do hearing tests, we do wax removal, and we do tinnitus management.
"We also do home visits for people that are housebound. We make sure we can service the community in the best way possible."
Clare also thanked the Bollington community for embracing the businesses services, and giving them the opportunity to show they offer something different.
"That synergy between what patients can see what we do and what we are trying to give has facilitated us to grow and to be able to offer the services in other areas," she explained.
"And I love it, I love time with patients, I love what we do so much."
"Bollington is a gorgeous place to live and work. I know many of the local business owners we like to network and support each other.
"A lot of people I grew up with, have been very supportive in referring us as well.
"Our future plans are to continue growing at a controlled rate, trying to expand into areas with a similar ethos to Bollington, with a real strong community spirit.
"People can see the benefit of an independent hearing business, and are really supportive of it.
"That is what helps us to grow and that is what we are all about. Community service, giving the best practice, information and advice."
Clare has been recognised as a community champion, having won the North Cheshire Business Person of the Year Award in November 2023. "I was so shocked when I won that particular award," recalled Clare.
"It was a wonderful experience. The first few days walking down the streets of Bollington, everyone said 'Congratulations' which was so nice of them."
The staff say they pride themselves on having conversations with their clients, creating relationships with people.
And, the family-run business has recently become true to that definition. As Clare's daughter, Olivia recently came on board.
Brad, who used to work in events, detailed how the customer experience works.
"Wax removal is the most common reason people come to us," he explained.
"We charge £60 for wax removal but that also includes a hearing check either at the time of the appointment or normally, we bring that patient back in on a separate occasion to do the check up.
"The results of that check up with tell the patient if they need to come back for a full hearing and communication assessment or not.
"They can then decide whether they want to buy their hearing aids from us, or go down the NHS route. The point for us, is they have got the information."
According to Audiology Worldnews, there are 1500 private sector audiologists in the UK.
"As much as we sell hearing aids, it is primarily about giving the client informed knowledge," continued Brad.
"What they do with that knowledge is entirely up to them. If they continue with us that is great, if not that is also okay."
This ethos is reflected in their perfect five-star rating on Google Reviews.
When asked why the people of Bollington, Macclesfield and beyond should get their ears checked at the Bollington Hearing Centre, as opposed to a national chain, Brad indicated customer care is prioritised.
"Our approach is holistic, an organic approach. We will give you the information, and it is not just about a hearing test, it is how you live your lifestyle because how people live their life is going to reflect on what technology they need."
Reviews have praised their hygiene and friendliness.
When pressed about why they think more people should get their ears checked, Brad had this to say: "Because we don't treat our ears in the same way we do our eyes and teeth.
"What we need to do is educate people better, as hearing is as important as your eyes, and I would say more important than your teeth."
"Hearing aids in the private sector are incredibly high tech," added Clare.
"They will Bluetooth to your phone, they will stream music and podcasts into your hearing aid, they are more accurate than a FitBit, they will monitor your heart rate, they will send a text to your emergency contacts if you have fallen over so they are way more than just a way to improve your hearing."
According to RNID, 12 million adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
To help spread the good word, Bollington Hearing Centre has teamed up with Macclesfield Nub News as a sponsor.
The business is also a member of the British Tinnitus Association.
When asked about what their favourite part of the job is, both Clare and Brad did not hesitate to say they: "Love the fact that 99.9% of the time we are helping people, and they love the fact that they are being helped."
Macclesfield: Click the red link in this sentence to head to the Bollington Hearing Centre website.
You can also follow Bollington Hearing Centre on Facebook.
Bollington Hearing Centre is a sponsor of Macclesfield Nub News.
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