It’s been one year since we put our full energy behind ImpactMatch, and what a year it’s been. With 60% of new businesses failing in year one, we knew the risk. But we also knew what we were building: a team, a model, and a way of working that could deliver real impact, fast.
Since then, we’ve grown a powerhouse team, delivered strategies for FTSE 100s, matched people into meaningful roles, and helped power one of the UK’s boldest disability inclusion campaigns. It’s been busy, yes – but more importantly, it’s been high-impact.
Key Highlights
From strategy to people, and back again
We kicked off the year immersed in strategic design, working with clients like BT and UpSkill Universe to co-create inclusive, actionable strategies, then helping find the right people to bring them to life.
That end-to-end model – strategy to people, and back again – is now a core part of what we offer. Insight-led, outcome-driven, and designed to move thinking into action.
ActionAble: from words to action
One of our proudest moments this year has been ActionAble 2025. Co-founded by myself and Sara Weller CBE, this campaign was designed to accelerate disability inclusion – not through awareness, but through accountability.
We kicked off in February with over 800 leaders and 450 organisations at a first-of-its-kind virtual event focused on action, not awareness. On the day alone, 541 disability inclusion Action Plans were downloaded, a clear signal that people were ready to do the work. From there, we shaped the ActionAble Impact Report, supported by EY UK, building a movement for change that culminated last week in a House of Lords launch with leaders from across sectors.
Supporting 50+ clients
n 12 months, we’ve worked with more than 50 clients, from FTSE firms to fast-growing scale-ups, on everything from strategy and recruitment to campaigns and communications.
We’ve trained and supported over 1,500 people through events and masterclasses and grown the #ImpactMaker community to more than 4,000. And while we’ve been head-down building, nearly 2,000 of you have been following our journey on LinkedIn. If you’ve found this update useful or want to keep up with what’s next,hit follow– we’d love to have you with us.
“We brought in ImpactMatch to help us sharpen how we present Microlink: our services, our purpose, and most importantly, to communicate the impact we deliver. […] We’ve come away with a stronger, clearer message and a long-term partner who genuinely adds value.” – Dr Nasser Siabi OBE, CEO, Microlink
We’ve said no to work that didn’t align with our values, and yes to clients who are serious about long-term impact. That clarity has helped us move faster, deliver better, and build real trust.
Placing the right people
We’ve placed brilliant people into senior roles – from FTSE firms to values-led start-ups. Some briefs began with a strategy we designed; others came to us as standalone roles. But every brief shared a common thread: the need for people who align not just on skills, but on values, mission and pace. That kind of hiring takes rigour, sector fluency, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead with purpose – in practice, not just on paper.
“Partnering with ImpactMatch is one of the most seamless and rewarding recruitment experiences we’ve had. […] We’ve confidently hired three outstanding leaders, all of whom have already made a profound impact.” – Gori Yahaya, UpSkill Universe
“They understood our needs, brought us brilliant candidates, and helped us find the right people who truly aligned with our values.” – Duncan Parker, The 44 Group
Helping leaders tell their story
Through our 1:1 advisory work, we’ve supported leaders stepping into new roles, preparing for interviews, or simply wanting to better articulate their value and impact. Five of the people we’ve worked with this year have since been promoted or landed new roles. This isn’t coaching for coaching’s sake, it’s direct, structured support that helps leaders show up with confidence and clarity.
“ImpactMatch helped me realise I could build a career with true purpose, where work isn’t just a job, but a way to make a difference. They helped me identify where my purpose lay, and find the perfect role to bring my passion for tackling inequality into a commercial setting. […] I’m eternally grateful they set me on this path.” – Alex Birtles, Co-Founder and CEO, In Good Company
Building the team, and backing the next generation
We’ve grown a brilliant team, bringing in the brilliant Em Wilson (Director of Digital) and Louise Stokes (Ops Lead). Alongside them, we supported four incredible young people through placements and internships, offering real-world experience, mentoring, and a seat at the table from day one. Watching their confidence and capability grow has been one of the best parts of our year.
From the very beginning, ImpactMatch has been powered by a tight-knit team who bring relentless energy, smarts, and heart to everything we do. Jess and Ellie have been there from the start, building alongside me, shaping the culture, and driving our work forward every step of the way. Watching Jess switch careers, from my apprentice hairdresser to an exceptional EA, has been a total joy. (If you’ve ever been on a deadline with us, you’ll know Ellie’s a total powerhouse, and always the calm in the chaos.)
We’ve also curated an exceptional Advisory Board of leaders who bring deep expertise across sectors, challenge our thinking, and help us go further. Their insight and support will help to shape not just how we grow, but how we lead.
But the real magic? It’s how we show up for each other. We share stories. We celebrate wins. We laugh – a lot. We bring energy and purpose to everything we do, and that’s what makes the work not just impactful, but joyful.
Seeing the impact land
The best part? Seeing the impact land. People we’ve placed are thriving. Clients feel more confident and better equipped. Leaders we’ve supported are steeping up with clarity and purpose. That feedback fuels us – it’s proof the work is landing, and helping others create impact at scale.
What we’ve learned
It’s been a big year, and while we’re proud of what we’ve delivered, the scale-up journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been 10x harder than we imagined, if we’re honest. But it’s also pushed us to get sharper, move faster, and learn quickly.
Learning fast, adapting faster
Onboarding over 30 clients at once stretched us. It forced us to get clear on what we could deliver, where to draw the line, and how to streamline our model.
We also experimented with office space, then let it go when we realised it didn’t serve how we work best. These decisions weren’t always easy, but they’ve helped us find a sharper rhythm, and better ways of working. (Now you’ll find me weekly on a Wednesday at RSA House if you fancy a coffee.)
1:1 work creates impact, but scaling it is tough
Our 1:1 advisory work has deep impact, but scaling it without losing quality is still a challenge. We’re exploring new formats carefully, because if it doesn’t land, it doesn’t last.
What’s Next?
We’re not slowing down.
In September, we’re hosting the Recruitment and Training Zone at Connected Britain, curating two days of sessions on digital skills, inclusive hiring, AI, and future workforce planning. Speaker announcements coming soon, so watch this space!
We’re also hard-launching our new Impact Accelerator Services, built to help organisations move from values to visibility, and from purpose to practice. From sprints to brand interventions and team coaching, this is about cutting through complexity and getting things moving, fast.
Want to start small? Get in touch to book a LinkedIn Fasterclass with Em Wilson, designed for client-facing teams and senior leaders looking to build smart, authentic visibility online
We’re also growing the ImpactExpert community, running masterclasses and roundtables that help people get things done.
One year in, we’re still just getting started. If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time. Drop us a note. Join a masterclass. Or come have a coffee with me at RSA. Let’s build something that lasts.
