Medway Council's trading arm has appointed a new chief executive to steer it towards a new "technological" age.

Sean Kearns has been appointed head of the local authority appointed Medway Commercial Group (MCG), which was set up in 2016 to provide a number of functions including CCTV and telecare services.

The company boss has more than 30 years of experience in the local government and charity sectors, and took up the role on September 1.

In his new role he says he will be looking to pioneer changes to promote people's independence through the use of new technologies.

He said: “I look forward to bringing my business start-up, turnaround and change management expertise to direct MCG in delivering its new strategic vision ‘Technology enabling people’s independence’ and new mission statement 'To innovate care'.

"MCG is technology agnostic, we look to supply the right service to the customer to support their short and long term care needs. I am looking forward to working with my team, stakeholders and new suppliers to deliver quality and affordable solutions to our telecare customers."

For the last four years Sean was managing director for Thought & Impact Ltd supporting charities, third sector organisations, local authority trading companies, local government and social enterprises.

Prior to this he spent six years as chief executive at CXK, a Kent based charity providing career guidance and training programmes to support young people and their families.

On his appointment Cllr Howard Doe, deputy leader of Medway Council and chairman of MCG said: “I would like to welcome Sean to MCG. His leadership and governance experience puts him in good stead to steer the company forward.

"MCG’s new strategic vision is a blueprint for success and we are committed to developing products which will help residents, and customers, have a better quality of life and live independently in their own homes.”

MCG was taken on by the authority in 2016 to carry out some services at a cheaper rate but faced public outcry for its failing CCTV system across the Medway Towns which found more than half of cameras were left beyond repair.

In February last year, a senior employee was suspended from duties .

The council's chief legal officer Perry Holmes previously said the council is helping the police with its investigation , which includes an audit of accounts for the Rochester-based company.

For more information about MCG click here .

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