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About us

Our Story

In 1980, around a kitchen table in the English Lake District, David Williams and two friends used their passion for inspiring and developing people using experiential learning to create Impact.

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Wave Broken Beach
Impact International Logo

2023

The evolution of the Impact brand

New logo, new visual identity and clearer brand identity and story. Impact is a human brand rooted in nature, adventure and learning. 

training industry logo

2022

Award-winning leadership

For the 12th consecutive year, Impact has been named a Training Industry Top 20 Leadership Training Company.

inscape rooms

2020

Inscape Rooms

Following an award-winning program with CPP Investments, Impact recreated their immersive installation rooms with a game-changing virtual alternative named Inscape Rooms.

air

2018

The launch of air™

Impact launches air, a unique learning application designed to transform the effectiveness of virtual and blended learning solutions.

learnfest

2016

Learnfest, a sell out festival of learning

With an impressive line-up of headline acts, practical workshops to build and apply skills, and a stack of exciting fringe activities…in only its fourth year, Learnfest sold out!

Impact International SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

2015

SDGs at the heart of what we do

Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and CSR activities - embedding them into our programmes and embracing them internally - was recognised in 2015 with a Gold Standard from EcoVadis.

Impact San Francisco and Miami Offices

2014

Impact San Francisco and Miami open

Impact continues to expand in North America, adding two new offices. 

learnfest

2013

A new conference...a festival of learning

After sixteen conferences we broke the mould… Learnfest combines professional and personal development into an action-packed three day festival of inspiration, collaboration and adventure!

sustainable partnerships Cumbria University

2011

Sustainable partnerships

Partnering with Cumbria University, we created the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability, a global hub enabling the transition to more fair and sustainable societies.

singapore

2007 - 2010

Impact Hong Kong , Singapore, and Boulder open

Impact continues to grow internationally.

un global compact

2006

A force for good

Highlighting our dedication to shaping a sustainable future, Impact became a signatory of the UN global compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.

voluntary project impact

2005

Giving something back

In our 25th year, Impact dedicated 25% of its profits to a huge HIV project in Zambia, with manpower from every global office. Our entire Asia team also rallied in Phuket for a post-tsunami project.

shanghai office impact

2004

Impact opens offices in Milan, Shanghai, and London
Zambia, Wasafiri, Impact Project

2004

Driving change in Africa

Impact established a relief and development group to support relief efforts around the world. This has now grown into a separate sister organisation, Wasafiri.

new york

2001

The American Dream

In response to client demand for Impact’s unique approach, our first Impact Americas office opened in New York in 2001. 

Impact Rome, Sydney, Auckland, and Warsaw open

1997-1999

Impact Rome, Sydney, Auckland, and Warsaw open
conference

1997

Impact's first flagship event

We launched the first of 16 annual conferences at our Lake District Headquarters – bringing together inspirational guest speakers with leaders, HR and L&D professionals to discuss emerging trends and topics.

Impact Aid launches

1996

Impact Aid launches

Passionate about supporting a diverse range of democratically selected charitable causes, our team has raised over £100,000 for 200+ charities since Impact Aid began in 1996.

Kids' holiday

1994

Kids' holiday

Impact UK has run an action-packed residential holiday for disadvantaged children since 1994. This is now being replicated around the world, giving a confidence boost to those who need it.

Impact Bangkok office

1993

Impact Bangkok opens

Bustling Bangkok has been one of Impact's homes since 1993.

tokyo

1989

Impact goes international

Opening an office in Tokyo led to 17 offices worldwide. Combining our unique approach with multicultural leadership best practice helped us to become a global industry frontrunner.

cragwood

1985

On the property ladder

Using all of our savings and more, we purchased Cragwood Country House. This base on the shores of Lake Windermere is an inspirational place for outdoor activities and personal reflection.

Impact Lake District UK

1980

In the beginning

Around a kitchen table in the English Lake District, David Williams and two friends used their passion for inspiring and developing people using experiential learning to create Impact.