In June 2010 SajeImpact started on its first tentative steps as founders Andy and Sarah Reed cast a vision for the next season in their lives. After 20 years of front line politics the loss of the Loughborough seat meant Andy & Sarah had the rest of their lives to fill. Wanting to maintain their enthusiasm for creating positive impact on society around them the concept of the lifestyle agency approach was born and the name emerged. Saje Impact
We know the name has caused everybody difficulties in pronunciation! It is in fact pronounced ‘Sage” and Impact simultaneously. The meaning was more significant to me at the time than any potential marketing problems admits Andy.
“So this month we will be highlighting each of the best bits from each of the year and trying to jog some memories of the friends, colleagues and clients. ”
“The name was almost a working title for our thinking. When we launched we assumed we would remain low key and never really be doing any marketing so it seemed the reason behind the name was more attractive than useable it was! The S A J E - stands for Sarah, Andy, James and Emily… the family and Impact is simply what we wanted to do with our time. I was 45 and had 20 years until retirement. I needed a job and this was the perfect solution. Working on campaigning and tackling social injustice whilst working for myself and giving me the flexibility to continue to dedicate around half my time to voluntary non-exec positions. The problem was I had no idea if it would even work. But it has. The last 10 years couldn’t have been any better.
So this month we will be highlighting each of the best bits from each of the year and trying to jog some memories of the friends, colleagues and clients.
As we hit 2020 we were going to slow down and change emphasis anyway, but COVID-19 has hastened that decision. The loss of new clients (hopefully just for now) and speaking and teaching has meant the future will look different or may eventually close down the existing company structure and managing so many projects. But the passion and work for social justice will pick up as we use the new found freedoms of time and empty nesting at home to work out what the next season of our lives hold - from 55-65!
“I have always wanted to speak out and take action on the things I am passionate about - That’s where Saje Impact will be heading for the next decade!
“There are way too many people the thank for helping us along the way. But my clients in year 1 will always have a special place in out history - Sports Leaders, YST CSP Network and the Bible Society.
As you can see from our clients and partners page on the website we have had lots more memories since along the way. Like all good companies we have really good bumper years and some that have been a little leaner. However, what has been remarkable is that after 10 years the average for the company has always hit the overall ambition we set at the start. Enough to live and enough to give 2 days a week away. It has certainly taught me to remain calm in the slower months that somehow it all works out.!