The Work Near Home Community

We’re on a mission to build the WNH vision. Here are some of the key ways you can get involved.

Members

Members are the core of the Patch community. They understand that the world of work is changing and are looking for new solutions to balance their work life goals.

Our members work across varied sectors from tech to the creative industries. This makes Patch a brilliant place to connect with a diverse professional community in your local area.

Online Network

We are building an online community for people interested in the WNH world, where we welcome everyone to get involved.

We want to hear your ideas and support you with community, inspiration, and resources. The world of work is changing - we want you to have a say in how that happens.

Local Businesses

Patch believes that strong local economies benefit everyone. We want to see our high streets and communities thrive and we’re committed to being a positive partner of the local business ecosystem.

We are always looking for opportunities to work, collaborate and partner with local businesses, operators and suppliers.

Community Groups

Because Patch is part of the local fabric, community is central to everything we do. Patch Academy & Market are beautifully designed, well-equipped local venues to host your workshops and events.

From books clubs to coding workshops, we’re interested in supporting you to deliver your mission, in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Councils & Public Bodies

As a purpose-driven company our mission is to create opportunity for work, people and communities on every UK high street.

We seek meaningful opportunities to work collaboratively with local authorities and public bodies, supporting the goal of creating sustainable and inclusive local economies.

Partnerships

Patch aims to be the new anchor of the high street. We combine a commercial high street presence, with spaces for community use. This means we’re an exciting environment to help your business or organisation reach new audiences.

We’re motivated by partnerships which have a positive impact in our communities and on the planet.

Patch Careers

We’re on a mission to reimagine the world of work. As an ambitious early-stage start-up we’re always looking for talented people to join us.

If you’re looking to work for a purpose-driven company with a supportive culture and opportunity for huge professional growth - get in touch!

Meet the Patch Team

The Patch Team are motivated by their passion to build the Work Near Home vision and make the world of work more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

Freddie Fforde
Founder

Freddie leads our commercial and operational functions. He started Patch to increase access to opportunity for people based on who they are, not just where they live. With a background in startups, he’s excited about the potential for technology to bring people together.

Paloma Strelitz
Head of Product & Creative Director

As part of Patch’s founding team, Paloma is motivated to create a future world of work that promotes inclusion, sustainability, and well-being. She writes, speaks, and advises on cities, culture, and technology. Paloma is a Harvard University Loeb Fellow and prior to Patch, she co-founded Assemble, the Turner Prize-winning social-impact design studio.

Varun Vassanth
Founder Associate

Part of Patch’s founding team, Varun currently leads Operations. He is motivated by collaborative and community-based projects and his passion lies in widening access to opportunity and platforming narratives of marginalised individuals. He is a Director of non-profit Opportutoring and prior to Patch he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with Data Science at UCL.

Jamie Dundas
Head of Network

Jamie’s primary role is to build partnerships with Local Authorities and Public Bodies to understand how best to support locally-driven ambitions. A true team player - he’s inspired by cultures of collaboration - especially when he sees community-led initiatives. He previously co-founded The Refinery, one of London's original neighbourhood coworking spaces.

Naomi Briffett
‍Site Director

CHELMSFORD

Naomi is Patch’s original Site Director. She leads the direction of the team from ensuring next-level service to members to supporting public events. She loves getting to know all the wonderful Patch members and thrives working in such a creative and welcoming community. Naomi is very knowledgeable about the world of coworking, bringing her experience from one of London's top workspace operators.

Elle Pieri
Community Manager

CHELMSFORD

Elle’s primary role is ensuring that all members have the best possible experience; this includes curating a calendar of inspiring events; Patch’s weekly Members’ Brunch is a favourite. Elle’s a trained chef with a background in corporate food product development and is well versed in all things hospitality. Her passion lies in the community, especially in bringing people together through delicious food.

Meet Patch's Investors

We are backed by a deliberately broad mix of investors, with experience in technology, retail, real estate, and civic place making.

Each investor supports our social goals and our mission to build a more inclusive Work Near Home future. Many are already active in founding or leading charitable or social initiatives.

30% of our founding investor group are female, and over 60% reflect minority groups. All are united by the goal for Patch to be an enabler of social change.