In this episode, Brave Corporation CEO, Caleb Parker, and co-host Gary Helm from MUTE sit down with Patch Founder, Freddie Fforde, and Head of Growth, Andy Smith to unpack how they’re building a network of WNH hubs in smaller cities and towns, reactivating high street buildings, and creating town hall style workplaces that serve whole communities while lifting asset values for landlords and investors.

Patch, founded by Freddie Fforde, marked its fourth anniversary since opening its first location in Chelmsford’s Grays Yard brewery. The UK flexible workspace operator now operates 6 locations across 6 counties including Dorset, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, and Essex, serving over 1,000 current workspace members. The company estimates it has served approximately 3,000 total workspace members over four years, with 50,000+ people attending events ranging from business meetings to baby yoga and Christmas markets.

New Patch locations are now 3-4 times larger than the original Chelmsford site, with the company’s mission focused on creating workspace opportunities on every UK high street.

Freddie Fforde shares that Patch are opening their fifth high street location. The space in York is set to open in January 2025 and is in partnership with The City of York Council and the Helmsley Group.

Retail and coworking are not new partners, but it used to be the retailers that were adding coworking. Now, it looks like coworking brands has shifted to take over the stores that were being abandoned.

The Guardian provides a great snapshot of how retail is pivoting and provides a nice shoutout to Patch.

Freddie Fforde shares what happened when the Patch Twickenham site team invited in a group of children for a spontaneous art workshop. The result? A lovely popup display of kids’ creativity and art from right within their wider community.

If you’re in the work near home category, what could you be doing to engage with your neighbours?