TURNING MOMENTS THAT MATTER

INTO MOMENTUM THAT LASTS

Start a Fire works with organisations at moments that matter.

We are a consultancy that helps leaders and organisations spark the energy required to move from vision to action – when ambition is high, the context is complex, and change needs to land with credibility.

 Our work brings clarity, alignment and participation when engagement is not optional, but critical to success.

How we work

We work closely with boards and executive management teams to build campaign architecture that builds focus and momentum.

Our approach is collaborative, rigorous and grounded in experience.

Through strategic workshops, dynamic experiences and carefully designed programmes, we help turn ideas into sustained capability.

Firestarters is our structured approach
for turning intention into action.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Gather

    Listen deeply. Understand the emotional temperature. Surface the real challenge.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Ignite

    Define ambition Set direction. Create a vision worth committing to.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Spark

    Design moments that invite participation and create momentum.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Fuel

    Embed change. Build capability. Make progress visible.

When we’re most useful

We are typically invited in at moments of transition, reflection or renewal, including:

  • Organisational milestones, anniversaries and launches

  • Strategy resets and cultural shifts

  • Periods of fatigue, scrutiny or disengagement

These moments carry both risk and opportunity. We help ensure they are used well.

What it creates

Clarity
A bold vision.

Alignment
A shared understanding of what matters most.

Participation
Engagement that feels meaningful and authentic.

Momentum
A solid operational plan to deliver progress, build belief and move forward.

We work on a small number of projects each year, often by referral or invitation.

If you are approaching a significant moment and would value a thoughtful conversation, we’d be glad to hear from you.

GET IN TOUCH

The Firestarter

Deborah has spent her career developing high profile global campaigns that move audiences at scale.

She’s worked across Europe and internationally with city governments and major creative, cultural and tech organisations - helping them figure out how to spark participation, inspire and engage audiences, and shift perception.

Her most famous ‘fire’ to date was the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, the UK’s largest post war public engagement campaign. Over 12 million people came out to witness the Torch Relay with millions more watching at home or online. Since then Deborah has helped start fires with organisations such as BBC Children in Need, Project Everyone, Design Council, META and the World Design Organisation.

What clients say

  • “Deborah doesn’t just inspire — she activates. She has a rare gift for creating energy in a room while keeping things grounded, focused and achievable. People leave with clarity, confidence, and a real sense of what needs to happen next.”

  • “She immediately understood the work of our charity and managed to bring our six senior managers on board in minutes. Every session been dynamic, full of purpose.”

  • “She has ignited a fire within us, the passion for the work we do has doubled and I believe the social good we achieve will not only survive but thrive.”

  • “Deborah brings vision, insight and a genuine curiosity that elevates every conversation. Her experience and expertise are immediately apparent, but it is her ability to listen deeply, ask the right questions and create alignment among diverse stakeholders that truly sets her apart.”

  • “She helped us close the gap between what we say we are and how we want the world to actually experience us. Through her expert guidance, strategic insight and thoughtful facilitation with our Board and Secretariat, she helped us transform aspirations into action.”