Lancaster telecare firm appoints new MD

A new Managing Director has been appointed at a Lancaster-based telecare provider.

Paul Shead will lead Chiptech's UK business as the company continues to expand its presence across Europe.

Mr Shead has more than 30 years’ experience in the Technology Enabled Care (TEC) industry and has worked closely with the ever-evolving technology and developments in health and social care for most of his career.

He has worked with alarm systems since 1992 with companies such as BNFL, Attendo Systems, and Chubb.

In 2008, he established the UK subsidiary of Enovation, which provides the popular UMO monitoring platform.

Mr Shead grew the team from two people and one monitoring centre customer to more than 40 people and 50 customers responsible for looking after the wellbeing of over 750,000 vulnerable people.

He also served as a non-executive director of the TEC Services Association from 2012 to 2019, and also helped to develop the association’s first Code of Practice for telecare in the late 1990’s.

David Hammond, CEO of Chiptech Europe, said: “We are delighted to announce Paul's appointment.

"It's an important step in the next phase of the Chiptech story, and we are very pleased to have him join us. Paul has given more than thirty years to Technology Enabled Care, and he is widely respected across the sector for his experience, his knowledge and the way he works with people.

“Paul and I have worked together for many years in different organisations, as partners and collaborating on industry projects for our sector, and I'm so happy that we can now work alongside each other at Chiptech.

“As we grow across Europe, our priorities stay the same: continuing to innovate and provide first-class products and software, giving our customers the very best service and making a real difference to the people and communities we support. Paul shares those values, and his experience will help us build on them in the UK.

“This is an important time for our sector. The digital switchover gives us all a real opportunity to transform care in the community, helping people stay well at home and connected to those around them. Together, I know we can help make that happen.”

Mr Shead said: “I am delighted to be joining Chiptech at such an exciting time for the business. The company has a strong position and a great reputation in the market with a clear opportunity to build on its success in the UK.

“I’m looking forward to working with David and the team, our customers and partners to drive the business forward and deliver continued growth and unrivalled customer service.”

Chiptech was founded in New Zealand more than two decades ago and has grown into an international provider of digital telecare and personal safety technology, with operations across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Europe.

Their Lancaster office is based in Palatine Hall, Dalton Square.

Read more: Major restoration planned at historic 18th century Lancaster building - Beyond Radio