Community

Who We Are :)

The Coach House is shared by a small group of independent professionals.

There’s no pressure to network or collaborate - the atmosphere is calm, quiet, and focused. Over time, a gentle sense of familiarity naturally develops between members.

That said, we do have the occasional catch up in the kitchen and get together usually at a tasty eatery in Penarth.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a white jumper, holding a black and miniature schnauzer dog with long ears and a collar, standing outdoors overlooking the sea, with clear blue sky and greenery in the background.

Vanessa (& Rufus!)

Your Host

Hi! I’m the owner and your host, you’ll find me at The Coach House full-time. I purchased the building as a wreck back in 2009, bringing it back to life as a bright and airy space to work in for myself and other like-minded business owners.

As well as being your host, I’m a graphic designer (Folio Creates), all-round creative, and a passionate plant lover - the space is filled with my collection of greenery.

Quiet, well-behaved dogs are welcome here, and my own trusty sidekick, Rufus the mini Schnauzer, is often here, snoozing beside me or offering the occasional greeting to members and visitors.

I really love the community we have at The Coach House and look forward to welcoming new members to our beautiful space.

Our Members

A woman taking a selfie outdoors with a coastal view of blue ocean, mountains, and clear sky in the background.

Rachel

Accountant

  • Bookkeeping, VAT returns, personal tax returns, financial accounts, corporation tax, payroll

  • I love it in the coach house as it’s lovely to work in a friendly office environment.

  • I love spending time with my two boys and husband.

A man with glasses and a beard smiling, standing outdoors with his arms crossed, wearing a dark green button-up shirt and a smartwatch, with blurred trees in the background.

James

Senior Programme Curator at Resource Alliance (plus a few freelance ventures)

  • At the Resource Alliance, I design and deliver international events and learning programmes that bring together fundraisers and social impact leaders to drive positive progress for people and planet. My work focuses on equipping organisations with the tools, insight and confidence to navigate an evolving and uncertain landscape - from digital innovation and AI to community-led resourcing and collective leadership. My freelance work also centres on impact-driven projects for people and planet - including helping run Hot2Cold Sauna, where we’re spreading the joy and wellbeing benefits of sauna culture.

  • I’d been working almost entirely from home since the pandemic and really missed the everyday interaction you get in a shared space. The Coach House gives me the perfect balance. I can drop in once a week, have a chat and feel part of a community, but still find a quiet corner to focus when I need to. It feels like having teammates again - just without the usual office politics ;)

  • I spent two years travelling across Central and South America, making my way from top to bottom entirely overland (and a bit by sea - no flights). I later worked as a tour guide out there…although my Spanish has become very rusty in the years since.

A woman with short brown hair and earrings laughs in a workroom, standing near a whiteboard and large windows. A man with glasses and dark hair, wearing a blue shirt, stands in the background.

Impact & Strategy Consultant

Hannah

  • or organisations to understand, measure and deliver impact. I’m particularly passionate about helping organisations use their impact data and insights as practical tools – not just for reporting, but to improve decision‑making and maximise the difference they make for the causes and communities they serve.

  • Having a calm, quiet space away from the demands of a busy home life where I can really focus and get my head down. I value the conversations and connections with other co‑working friends too - whether that’s sharing work ideas, gym motivation, or family day‑trip recommendations. I also love the headspace that comes from walking to and from the office, whatever the weather.

  • I founded an inclusive group for neurodiverse young people in Penarth (no diagnosis needed), creating space for them to connect, build confidence, and enjoy being themselves together.

Join Us…