Summer 2009 set in motion a research project to develop a new, ethical business model, one that would help both people and planet.
Fable & Base
The result is Blue Patch (launched in 2014), a directory full of exceptionally fine and sustainable businesses from top to toe of the British Isles.
Blue Patch is all about making it easy for customers to find outstanding products and services. We also provide a B2B network for our business members so they can collaborate on projects and share skills and resources.
Green + Blue
How Blue Patch works:
It’s simple. When we discover a business that fits our ethos, we invite them to become members. Membership dues ‘crowd-fund’ the website and creates a marketing budget. Fast forward and Blue Patch is now a flourishing community of over 350 members – please look for yourself.
JC Gardens
How green is green?
Our members are mindful of their supply chain, foster the circular economy and provide ethical employment, they may use seasonal ingredients, source organic fabrics and locally felled timber, offer apprenticeships or provide ethical banking – all these good principles and more are at the heart of the Blue Patch community.
Turnpost
Buy direct:
Customers are encouraged to browse products on Blue Patch and explore our member’s own websites for further information and better still pay them a visit or find their products in the nearest local shop. For those interested in low carbon miles, the simple act of adding a postcode to ‘advanced search’ will do the trick.
Blue Patch Ready to Hatch. Animation by Gail Walton
Blue Patch – a new business ecosystem:
We want the local green economy to burst into life and Blue Patch is designed to help this happen.
Shopping for a cool climate:
A social enterprise company, 100% of Blue Patch’s income supports our members. In due course 100% of our surplus profit will be used to purchase shares in renewable energy, support community projects and protect and conserve nature.
Huxley Hound
Notes on sustainability:
Sustainability is a very ‘broad brush’ term, it means providing local jobs, using biodegradable packaging, sourcing organic fabrics, solar powered workshops, training an apprentice……every one of these is cause for celebration. Our Blue Patch members all take different routes towards sustainability – motivated because their communities, the natural world and their families are counting on all of us to deliver a low carbon, healthy economy for the next generation.
The Soap Co.
To round it off
Our mission is to celebrate the achievements of our members, they are great, every one of them and we’re so proud to have them on Blue Patch.
Founder Jane Langley talks about Blue Patch on a podcast for the Disruptive Innovation Festival. Take a listen.
#POPBiz
Sign up for our newsletter. Please contact Blue Patch Team for more information on Membership.
Our Blue Patch infographic was created by Verynice a design consultancy based in LA who ‘give half’ a pro-bono programme for social enterprise and other not-for-profit organisations. Thanks guys!
