A Q&A with Peter Kerly, managing director of Everon UK, a Maidstone-based company specialising in wireless digital living solutions for health, housing and social care providers
Peter Kerly boasts over 35 years of expertise in health and social care, with a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for at-home care solutions. Throughout his career, he has been a trailblazer in telecare and telehealth, collaborating closely with public sector commissioners.
For nearly three decades, from 1980 to 2009, Peter served at Tunstall Healthcare (UK) before transitioning to PSK Consultants, specialising in technologically integrated health and social care services. His journey includes leadership roles at South East Assisted Living Limited, The London Housing Partnership and Outlook Care, culminating in various positions at Medvivo Group, where he drove sales, marketing and international business development, going on to become commercial director.
In 2015, Peter assumed the role of managing director at Telehealth Solutions Ltd and then head of business development south at the Metropolitan Housing Association three years later.
Since February 2020, Peter has spearheaded Everon UK, initially as country manager before ascending to managing director. His focus remains on developing robust sales and marketing strategies to deliver quality services, supported by best-of-breed technology, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals in their homes.
Peter, remind us of Everon UK’s service offering, mission and core values. What sets you apart and what unique qualities define your business in the market?
“Everon UK’s vision is to enhance life. It’s our mission to deliver innovative and trusted digital living solutions that are person-centred and support our customers. At Everon UK, our purpose is to bring quality of life and peace of mind. We are the largest provider of digital assisted living solutions in Europe. With our Nordic heritage as a company, we are recognised as a trusted brand for technology-driven at-home care.”
Everon UK has a strong focus on innovation. Can you share any recent technological advancements or upcoming projects that demonstrate the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital grouped living solutions?
“The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is key to the digital shift and the redesign of service from being reactive to proactive. It will help to provide intelligent, useful data that allows appropriate interventions across the heath housing and social care landscape. Simply put, that means getting to the service users before they have an issue, thereby reducing pressures on both primary and secondary care.
“We have just announced four new strategic partnerships aimed at helping more people to live longer, healthier lives at home. Our new collaborations with Howz and their technical partner Develco Products, IRIS-IoT & Cair were announced recently at the International Technology Enabled Care Conference (ITEC) held at the ICC in Birmingham. ITEC is the UK’s leading assisted living technology event with a focus on transforming futures through knowledge, innovation and action.
“We will be working with each of the new partners on assisted living solutions that will contribute to improved proactive care within the home and reduced need for care home and emergency admissions.”
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, what are some of the biggest challenges Everon UK faces, and how do you navigate them to ensure continued success and growth?
“One of the biggest challenges is the lack of knowledge within the market space of the full capability of technology to support at-home care, and more broadly, the potential of digital solutions that make such a huge difference in preventative healthcare.
“We have an ongoing educational piece and a lack of available funding to support innovation and the ongoing digital shift. There is the potential for people to be left without critical communication in life-threatening situations. Our job as a company is to show how we can provide technology-driven solutions to that.”
Looking ahead, what are Everon UK’s strategic goals and aspirations for the future, and how do you envision the company continuing to make a positive impact in the energy management sector?
“The health, housing and social care sectors are starting to work more closely together recognising the changing landscape when it comes to assisted living.
“The King’s Fund, in a report published earlier this year, made it clear the health and care system in England must shift its focus away from hospital care to primary and community services if it is to be effective and sustainable. Care providers recognise that things can’t go on as they are and it’s up to solution-focused businesses like ours to respond.
“Technology has always played an important role, but its potential in ensuring that health and care providers can deliver the most appropriate interventions at the right time has yet to be fully realised – an ambition we have set out to achieve with our strategic partners.
“We believe that assistive technology, such as fall detection, location identification and constant connectivity heartbeats, can be used to empower independence, preventing accidents and responding rapidly in an emergency. People are happier at home, and through partnerships such as those we’ve recently announced, we want to ensure they have that choice.”
