Manchester-based health technology company Howz is helping reduce pressure on the NHS through its remote monitoring system for proactive and preventative care. Founded in 2016, the company uses in-home sensors and machine learning to monitor daily routines, tracking key indicators such as sleep, mobility, and nutrition.
The service is deployed by councils across the UK to support technology-enabled assessment of care needs and enable timely, personalised interventions at home. Kate Fairhurst, managing director at Howz, explained how the company’s approach supports the health system.
“The NHS is under significant strain, facing staffing shortages and rising demand as the population ages,” she said. “The number of people aged 65 and over in the UK is projected to increase by 31 percent from 12.9 million to 16.9 million by 2040 – placing even greater pressure on already stretched health and care services. The private sector has a crucial role to play in easing this burden through innovation. External companies can often move more quickly to develop, test and implement new technologies, providing the NHS with ready-made solutions that improve efficiency and patient outcomes.”
Howz co-founders Louise Rogerson and Jonathan Burr designed the system to be non-intrusive, helping people remain independent at home while identifying potential problems before they escalate. Fairhurst said: “Howz technology is designed to help people remain independent in their own homes for longer, delaying the need for residential care and providing families with reassurance that their loved ones are safe. By monitoring subtle changes in daily behaviour, the system can identify potential issues early, prompting timely intervention and reducing the risk of crisis situations.”
The platform provides remote monitoring for councils, local authorities, and housing associations, supporting early intervention and ensuring individuals receive the appropriate level of care at the right time. The data-driven insights also offer peace of mind for family members and reduce stress for informal carers, who can be confident that changes in wellbeing will be detected and addressed quickly.
Looking ahead, Howz plans to expand through strategic partnerships. Fairhurst highlighted the company’s collaboration with Everon Group, a digital health and care solutions provider. “Together, Howz and Everon Group are delivering a market-first technology platform and reporting suite that empowers housing providers, care homes, local authorities and healthcare services to make faster, better-informed decisions, improving lives and driving care efficiencies,” she said.
Howz is working to modernise care systems across the UK, Finland, and Sweden, ensuring technology is accessible, interoperable, and transformative for the sector. Fairhurst added: “Rather than expecting local authorities and care teams to undertake costly redesigns or adopt entirely new platforms, Howz ensures its solutions integrate seamlessly with existing systems. By combining innovation with practical application, the company aims to add real value, transforming the market and delivering meaningful improvements in the way care is provided.”
