News Maidstone innovation business wins national award for cutting harmful chemicals from healthcare environments
A Maidstone-based business has been recognised for developing safer alternatives to traditional cleaning chemicals, winning a national healthcare sustainability award.
Aridom Sanex, based at the Maidstone Innovation Centre, took home the Sustainability Award at the SEHTA Healthcare Business Awards in London, highlighting the growing importance of reducing chemical use in healthcare and public spaces.
The company’s success has also been recognised at a national level beyond the SEHTA awards. Following its regional win, Aridom Sanex was named Runner-up in the Sustainability category at the 2026 Medilink UK National Awards, further demonstrating the growing impact of its work across the UK healthcare and life sciences sector.
Founded in 2021 by Anca and Paul Haralambie, the company is tackling a longstanding issue across multiple industries: the reliance on aggressive chemical products for cleaning and infection control. Its approach focuses on delivering high standards of hygiene while reducing risks to people and the environment.
Its work also responds to increasing concern around indoor environmental quality, including air quality and mould, which are linked to respiratory illness, allergies and other health conditions. This includes environments where both infection control and air quality are critical, from hospitals and care settings to workplaces and homes.
The SEHTA awards recognise organisations bringing forward new ideas in healthcare, where solutions must meet high standards of safety, effectiveness and reliability before being widely adopted.
Anca Haralambie, Director of Aridom Sanex, said:
This award helps people listen, and that is one of the most important things it can do.For a long time, we have been working to challenge the assumption that effective decontamination has to rely on harsh chemicals, and recognition like this creates the space for those conversations to happen.
We are proud to see that approach acknowledged at a national level, particularly as the importance of environmental sustainability and healthier indoor spaces continues to grow.
Being based at the Maidstone Innovation Centre has played an important role in our journey, giving us the support and connections needed to develop our work and reach more organisations.
Ultimately, we hope this recognition encourages more people to consider that protecting both human health and the environment can go hand in hand.
Managed by Maidstone Borough Council, the Innovation Centre has been a base for Aridom Sanex and supports start-ups and growing companies by providing office space, business support and opportunities to collaborate, helping businesses develop and bring their ideas to market.
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, said:
This recognition highlights the strength of innovation coming out of Maidstone and the leading role local businesses can play in tackling environmental and public health challenges.Supporting companies like Aridom Sanex to grow at the Maidstone Innovation Centre helps create skilled jobs, strengthen the local economy and develop ideas that deliver wider benefits.
It is positive to see a business based here receiving national recognition for work that contributes to reducing environmental impact while helping to create healthier spaces for people.
SEHTA is a valued partner of the Innovation Centre, with whom it has successfully collaborated on a number of joint events. This marks the second year that the Centre has sponsored the SEHTA Healthcare Awards, supporting the Innovation category previously and, this year, the Start-up category. Supporting businesses within these areas reflects the core mission of the Centre to nurture innovation and enable early-stage growth.
The Centre offers flexible office space, hotdesking, meeting facilities and access to a growing business community. It has also introduced a Podcast Studio to help entrepreneurs raise their profile and reach wider audiences.
Successes such as Aridom Sanex demonstrate the potential for businesses based in Maidstone to achieve national recognition. Those interested in learning more about the support available are encouraged to explore what the Centre can offer.