Why We Do What We Do

At 1948, we know human connection has the power to change everything — not just at work, but in life.

We understand this through lived experience. We’ve seen how the way we show up for one another — in moments of uncertainty and challenge — directly shapes outcomes. Not in theory, but in real conversations where trust is tested and relationships either strengthen or fracture.

Drawing on backgrounds in L&D, acting, communication and leadership, 1948 was born during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the absence of meaningful connection was felt more sharply than ever. Established when our founders were both 48, the name reflects a moment of clarity as much as a point in time.

Because when people connect more consciously, organisations don’t just function — they flourish.

Our Core Values

At 1948, our work is guided by a set of core values that reflect who we are and how we help people CONNECT.

  • Connection

    Building trust, understanding and meaningful relationships through authentic communication.

  • Openness

    Embracing honesty and curiosity in every interaction.

  • Nurture

    Supporting growth in ourselves and in others.

  • Narrative

    Harnessing creativity, storytelling and imaginative approaches to make learning engaging.

  • Excellence

    Driven by the belief that every business deserves access to world-class communication training, we balance excellence with affordability.

  • Charity

    Giving back to communities, supporting causes that matter and using our skills to create meaningful impact.

  • Transformation

    Creating real impact by equipping people with skills that change relationships and outcomes.

Our Work With Charities

At 1948, human connection is at the heart of everything we do — and we  are committed to extending its impact far beyond business.

That’s why we donate funds from our business to charities close to our hearts. Through Work For Good, we are proud to donate 10% of revenue from all new client business to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, while 50% of our profits go to other great causes, including Spread A Smile.

We also offer tailored rates on our training programmes to charitable organisations, helping them access the skills they need to thrive. Supporting these causes allows us to amplify voices that need to be heard, and create meaningful impact in the world.

By choosing to work with 1948, you become part of something bigger — using the power of human connection to make a meaningful difference in the workplace and beyond.

Our Work With Charities

At 1948, we believe human connection has the power to change lives — and we want to extend that impact beyond business.

That’s why we donate funds from our business to charities close to our hearts. Through Work For Good, we are proud to donate 10% of revenue from all new client business to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, while 50% of our profits go to other great causes, including Spread A Smile.

We also offer preferential rates on our training programmes to charitable organisations, helping them access the skills they need to thrive. Supporting these causes allows us to amplify voices that need to be heard, and create meaningful impact in the world.

By choosing to work with 1948, you become part of something bigger — using the power of human connection to make a meaningful difference in the workplace and beyond.

Our Founders’ Story

In 2018, life threw us completely off script when our eldest daughter became seriously unwell. It was a time of deep uncertainty, full of fear and conversations we never imagined we would have to navigate.

Everything changed for us during that time. Our priorities shifted, our sense of control wavered, and even our definition of what mattered evolved.

But what surprised us most was how much human connection mattered. The way we spoke to our sick child, the compassion we showed her younger sister, the messages we shared with family and friends, the conversations with doctors, and the updates we gave colleagues — all of it shaped how supported and understood everyone felt. The importance of listening came to the fore, as did the need to give space to process when words failed.

It is fair to say we knew a lot about the art of communication, but nothing prepared us for living it in every moment of every day. Choosing words carefully when your child was scared. Steadying your voice when inside you felt anything but calm. Listening fully when she spoke, and delivering information in ways that offered reassurance.

Then there was the other side: the way medical professionals, family and strangers connected with us. We realised just how much power there is in how something is said — the tone, the pause, the attentiveness, the quiet reassurance. Every word, gesture, and silence landed somewhere, leaving a mark.

As parents, we felt the raw power of human connection. As professionals, it showed us more than ever how essential authentic connection is in every interaction.

This is our story, and it led us to do what we do today with even more passion. In 2022, our daughter had a life-saving kidney transplant, giving her a second chance at life. She is a daily reminder of why human connection sits at the heart of everything we do at 1948.