Co-working Expansion: Patch Targets UK Small Towns & Suburbs

The Evolving Landscape of Work and the Rise of Decentralized Workspaces

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped the work environment, coinciding with pre-existing trends like the growth of e-commerce and a desire for improved work-life balance. The increasing popularity of remote work has been notable, yet it isn’t without its drawbacks.

Many individuals are reassessing the necessity of lengthy commutes to major urban centers, particularly when faced with the prospect of co-working in shared spaces like WeWork. A significant challenge remains: the limited availability of convenient co-working options in suburban and smaller town locations.

Introducing Patch: A "Work Near Home" Solution

A new U.K.-based startup, Patch, is addressing this gap with a novel “decentralized workspace” concept, poised for expansion throughout the United Kingdom.

Patch intends to revitalize vacant retail spaces on local high streets, transforming them into “collaborative cultural spaces” under its “Work Near Home” initiative. This proposition specifically targets the approximately 6 million knowledge workers in the U.K. who traditionally commute to offices.

Seed Funding and Investor Support

The company has successfully secured $1.1 million in seed funding from prominent U.K. angel investors. These include Robin Klein, co-founder of LocalGlobe, and Matt Clifford, co-founder of Entrepreneur First.

Additional investors are Charlie Songhurst, Simon Murdoch of Episode 1, Wendy Becker (formerly of Jack Wills and Great Portland Estates), Camilla Dolan from Eka Ventures, Zoe Jervier (Sequoia), and Will Neale, founder of Grabyo.

A Response to the Hybrid Working Trend

Patch positions its “Work Near Home” model as a direct response to the post-COVID shift towards “hybrid working”. The company plans to establish publicly accessible venues focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and cultural events.

Each Patch location will provide a diverse range of options, including private offices, co-working studios, affordable access, and scholarship opportunities.

Launch and Expansion Plans

The inaugural Patch site is scheduled to open in Chelmsford, Essex, in early November. Further locations are planned for 2022, with expressed interest from communities such as Chester, St Albans, Wycombe, Shrewsbury, Yeovil, Bury, and Kingston upon Thames.

Founder's Vision

Freddie Fforde, Patch’s founder, explained: “Traditionally, where we live and work have been considered separate spheres. This has contributed to the decline of many high streets and the underutilization of office spaces.

We believe that technology is changing this dynamic, enabling individuals to work closer to home and fostering a new blend of professional, civic, and cultural interaction.” Fforde brings experience as a former Entrepreneur First founder and employee with a background in early-stage tech companies.

Leadership and Expertise

Paloma Strelitz, formerly co-founder of Assemble (a 2015 Turner Prize winner), will lead product development.

Industry Endorsement

Matt Clifford of Entrepreneur First and Code First Girls commented: “Technology consistently reshapes how we collaborate and work. Patch will unlock opportunities for talented individuals, regardless of their location.

Our goal is to create a nation where high-skilled jobs are accessible everywhere, and Patch is a vital component of achieving this.”

Focus on Towns and Smaller Cities

Patch will concentrate on towns and smaller cities, specifically targeting residential areas rather than major city centers. The company will seek underutilized landmark buildings, such as the Victorian brewery in Chelmsford, for its first location.

Simon Goldman, Chelmsford Councillor, stated: “The introduction of a new co-working space in Gray’s Yard is a positive development for the city. Providing local work options will reduce commutes and potentially improve work-life balance.

Working closer to home offers benefits for individuals, families, the environment, and the local economy.”

Commitment to Community Engagement

Patch will also implement a “giving back” model, dedicating 20% of peak event space hours to local and national community service providers. Initial partners include Code First Girls and Coder Dojo, a Raspberry Pi Foundation initiative.