The UK’s health and wellbeing sector is entering a new era. Driven by digital innovation, growing demand for personalised care, and policy reform on the horizon, the first half of 2025 has shown just how resilient and dynamic this space really is.
Read on to get the key insights from our recent Health & Wellbeing Pulse Report.
- AI in health and fitness is moving from hype to reality
The biggest shift? AI is no longer just buzz, it’s being baked into everything from diagnostics to personal training.
- The NHS is now piloting AI-driven early warning systems to improve hospital safety
- Private platforms like Thriva and Cera are scaling AI-based tools to track vitals and predict care needs
- OakNorth customer Ultimate Performance recently launched UP Transform 3.0, a platform using biometric data to tailor fitness and nutrition in real time
Search interest for “AI personal training” rose 70% in Q2 alone, proving that consumers are ready for smarter, tech-enabled wellness.
Takeaway: If you’re building in this space, speed to adoption and measurable results are your edge.
- Consumer demand for wellness remains high, despite the growing economic pressures
Economic conditions remain tight, but consumers are prioritising spending on wellbeing over entertainment.
Recent stats show:
- 58% of UK consumers have cut back on dining out or entertainment
- Only 12% have reduced spending on gyms, fitness, or health-related products
Our customer Total Fitness reported record-high membership levels and a 19% increase in visits over the last 12 months.
Takeaway: Operators that offer meaningful, habit-forming wellness experiences are seeing stickier customer behaviour, even in a cost-conscious market.
- Women’s health is gaining new attention and funding
The conversation around menopause, hormonal health, and cycle-aware fitness has finally moved front and centre. NHS campaigns like #CheckInMidlife and upcoming maternity reform are shifting both public policy, and investor focus.
In H1 2025:
- Femtech funding in the UK rose by 40% year-on-year
- New partnerships and diagnostic innovation are scaling fast
- The upcoming Mental Health Bill and Employment Rights Bill could transform workplace support for women’s wellbeing
Takeaway: Investors and operators should be planning how they can meet the growing demand for inclusive, life-stage-aware health solutions.
- Policy reform and “the second new year” could unlock growth in H2
With Autumn fast-approaching, the September to November period, often dubbed as the second new year, is expected to deliver another wave of re-engagement in the wellness space. Add to that:
- The expected passage of the UK Mental Health Bill, expanding access and community-based support
- Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, potentially reshaping how businesses support mental health and menopause in the workplace
- Continued workplace wellness investment and insurance-linked digital tools
And the outlook for H2 2025 is full of opportunity.
- Lending and M&A are powering innovation
At OakNorth, we’re proud to support high-impact businesses in the sector. Recent transactions include:
- A £16m loan to Inuvi, supporting acquisitions in diagnostics and NHS-linked services
- £5m for SCIRIS Group, a medical communications platform scaling its market access and med-tech consulting capabilities
Despite wider economic uncertainty, operators continue to grow through targeted investment and forward-looking partnerships.
Download the full Health & Wellbeing Pulse Report.
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