Agency on a mission - family-run firm pledges profits for the homeless

A London estate agency run by a brother and sister is trying something completely now - it pledges to use some of its profits to help the homeless and to introduce a ‘voluntary board‘ to decide how funds should be used.

Urban Patchwork is based near Surrey Quays in south London deals in sales and lettings and promises to promote ethical practices. It says an example of this is minimising fees for tenants ahead of the tenant fee ban next year.

In addition it will use the majority of profits for homeless help, including support for a local homeless charity, the 999 Club in Deptford. 

It says within 18 months it will establish a voluntary board “who can challenge and advise and have voting rights on how our profits are spent on homeless housing and support projects.”

The directors - brother and sister team Toby and Tessa Gooding - grew up locally.

A new London estate agency run by a brother and sister is trying something completely now - it pledges to use some of its profits to help the homeless and to introduce a ‘voluntary board‘ to decide how funds should be used.

Urban Patchwork is based near Surrey Quays in south London deals in sales and lettings and promises to promote ethical practices. It says an example of this is minimising fees for tenants ahead of the tenant fee ban next year.

In addition it will use the majority of profits for homeless help, including support for a local homeless charity, the 999 Club in Deptford. 

It says within 18 months it will establish a voluntary board “who can challenge and advise and have voting rights on how our profits are spent on homeless housing and support projects.”

The directors - brother and sister team Toby and Tessa Gooding - grew up locally. 

Tessa has previously worked for a place-related social enterprise, on planning housing for vulnerable people programmes, and worked in residential sales before studying for her Urban Planning MA. 

Toby is an ARLA- and NAEA-qualified agent with 14 years’ industry experience at established London companies, has managed successful teams for eight of those, and provides the highest standards of customer service.

You can see the firm’s website here - and everyone at Estate Agent Today wishes the pair every good luck with their new venture.