Fine Toad : Rear of

35 Chipstead Valley Road, Coulsdon CR5 2RB

Meet Eleanor:

FineToad is set up by Eleanor Richardson, who is passionate about supporting local businesses and keeping the high street alive.

Based in Coulsdon, Surrey, the idea behind FineToad, is to offer a community hub where people can work together on the High Street in an affordable way. Bringing people into the town to meet, collaborate together with the existing retail offering. This is a great opportunity to try out a space on the high street, collaborate with other business owners and workers without all the overheads of taking on whole premises.

As leader of the Family Network (East Surrey), Eleanor understands how important it is for small businesses to support each other, and as such plans to run co-working events, networking opportunities and workshops alongside this office space, which will see a variety of users from local businesses to home-workers. Collaboration is key and she is looking for as many businesses as possible to join, succeed and grow together in this venture.

Why Coulsdon?

Eleanor has lived in the town since 2007 and is a highly regarded property solicitor, working through Keystone Law, helping people with all aspects of property, both commercial and residential. As a self-employed single parent, she has worked hard to become well established in the community and is now in a position to invest in Coulsdon High Street. She sits on the committee of East Coulsdon Residents Association, giving advice and support on planning matters, and is actively engaged in how Croydon’s Local Plan will affect Coulsdon. She also Chairs Coulsdon Community Partnership, the charity that organises Coulsdon’s Yuletide Magic, our Christmas Event and more. She believes now more than ever is there a need to invest in the local economy and encourage residents to shop local, support the high street culture and collaborate and work together, so coworking is an ideal opportunity to do all of this together.

Meet Wendy;

Wendy is supporting Eleanor at FineToad in the day to day running of the venture, and brings a wealth of knowledge and support when it comes to local businesses. Previously a business coach, mentor, trainer and speaker, she has supported business owners to develop and market themselves effectively, so that their businesses become more successful and grow. Not only is she helping FineToad to succeed, she will be helping the businesses involved maximise their potential and make great connections too.