About us
Rebuilding belonging through thoughtful technology
At Kingfisher Phoenix, we believe no one should feel invisible — especially in their later years.
We exist to restore connection, dignity and purpose for older adults who too often slip through the cracks of modern life.
Our mission is simple: to help people age well by combining human empathy with thoughtful innovation.
We design and deliver technology that doesn’t replace human contact — it protects and enhances it.
Our story
Kingfisher Phoenix was founded by Derek Cockerton in 2022, inspired by personal experience and a powerful realisation: that loneliness is one of the most persistent — and preventable — challenges of our time.
After decades in global technology leadership roles with IBM, HPE, Dell Technologies and others, Derek faced an unexpected career transition and health scare that left him re-examining what connection really means. Supported by friends and family, he experienced first-hand how vital social contact is — and how easily it can fade for those without a support network.
That experience became a turning point. Derek saw how well-designed technology could serve a higher purpose — creating companionship, bridging isolation and helping people live independently for longer. He was the first ElliQ user in the UK.
He founded Kingfisher Phoenix to prove that innovation, when guided by empathy, could transform lives.
We can’t add more days to our lives — but we can add more life to everyone’s days.
Derek Cockerton, Founder and Director
Our purpose
Loneliness isn’t just an emotional state — it’s a public-health issue with a real human and financial cost.
In the UK, it’s estimated to cost around £24,000 per person each year in NHS and social-care spending (University of Manchester, DCMS).
At the same time, residential care typically costs £800–£1,500 per week.
For a fraction of that cost, councils and care providers can help older adults stay safely connected at home — improving wellbeing, reducing isolation and easing pressure on services.
Our work begins here in the UK, where we partner with local authorities, care providers and commissioners to help older adults live life in all its fullness — safely, confidently and connected to others.
Through ElliQ, the world’s first proactive AI companion, and our Connectivity System, we help people stay socially and emotionally connected — reliably, respectfully and with dignity.
We can help people be less lonely, get back to living a full life, get back to being reconnected, and get back to being themselves.
We have the chance to do something about loneliness now — instead of just talking about it.
Derek Cockerton
Every conversation matters. Every prompt to reach out, every moment of shared laughter or reassurance strengthens the fabric of daily life.
We’re not just building technology.
We’re rebuilding belonging.
We can help people be less lonely, get back to living a full life, get back to being reconnected, and get back to being themselves.
We have the chance to do something about loneliness now — instead of just talking about it.
Derek Cockerton, Founder and Director
Why ‘Kingfisher Phoenix’?
Our name and logo is deeply symbolic to us at Kingfisher Phoenix
The Kingfisher symbolises hope — bright, resilient, and deeply rooted in its environment.
The Phoenix represents renewal — rising stronger after every challenge.
Together, they embody our belief in new beginnings for individuals, families and communities alike.
Looking ahead
As our population ages, the need for connection will only grow.
We’re working with partners across the UK to bring scalable, human-centred solutions that make ageing at home not just possible — but joyful, safe and connected.
Because when older adults feel seen, heard and supported, everyone benefits — families, communities and society as a whole.
Kingfisher Phoenix — Thoughtful technology. Human connection. Lasting impact.
Registered Address: Markham House, 20 Broad Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1AH
Company Number: 14426383 VAT Number: 475 8485 35 ICO Ref: ZB966621
© 2026. Kingfisher Phoenix Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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