The founder of a Cumbrian tech company, which aims to improve the lives of older people, has been made an MBE.
James Batchelor, inventor of the ‘I am okay’ button and founder of Alertacall, has been made an MBE for services to technology for older people in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.
James invented the ‘I am okay’ button – now known as OKEachDay – over 20 years ago as a way to ensure his own grandmother, Eveline, was safe, had everything she needed each day and would be able to maintain her independence.
People press the button each day on a touchscreen device to confirm everything is OK at their property. If they do not press the button, then a member of Alertacall’s specially trained team will get in touch.
Alertacall provides the service to tens of thousands of older and vulnerable people living in social and retirement housing, alongside other services via a touchscreen that allows them to have greater two-way contact, report repairs, participate in surveys and make video calls.
James also campaigns tirelessly to reduce loneliness and isolation among older people.
So far this year, he has met with over 40 chief executives and senior leaders of housing providers and local authorities to develop strategies to reduce the number of undiscovered tenant deaths in the UK.
Alertacall employs over 110 people across the country, with around half based out of offices in Windermere and Kendal.
“I am genuinely thrilled, shocked and surprised to be recognised in this way,” said James.
“I’d like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who made the effort to nominate me and also to my late grandmother Eveline, who first inspired me to use my expertise with technology to help older people.
“The team at Alertacall improves and saves lives all the time using these inventions, so this honour is also a huge recognition of the work everyone at Alertacall does every day to keep our customers safe and well on behalf of social housing providers all over the UK.”
This is the second time James and Alertacall have received Royal recognition, after Alertacall was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2022, the most prestigious award available to a British company.
James was nominated for the MBE by several people from around the UK.
It was noted that James donates the Alertacall service to many thousands of people living in social housing, who otherwise would not have been able to benefit from it.
Nominees also highlighted James’ and Alertacall’s ongoing support for the planting of tens of thousands of trees in the Lake District, near to its head office in Windermere, as well as his work to mentor other socially focused entrepreneurs.
To be considered for an honour, a nominee must typically have accomplished one or more outstanding achievements, been of service to the community, had a long-term significant impact and served as a positive example to others. James was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by King Charles, having demonstrably met all these criteria.
All public honours nominations are assessed by an independent government committee for recommendation to the King, with only a few succeeding each year. Recipients of this particular honour are typically styled MBE after their name and are invited to an investiture ceremony with a member of the royal family at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle
