Founder Voices (Episode 15): Repair, Reuse, Reimagine with Alex Horn (CEO, West Central London Fixers)
In this insightful episode of Founder Voices, we delve into the themes of courageous leadership, compassionate influence, and the transformative power of practical action through the journey of Alex Horn—CEO and founder of West Central London Fixers, a community-led repair organisation. His mission embodies grassroots innovation, skill-building, and a deep commitment to sustainable living.
Through WCL Fixers, Alex is championing circularity, challenging the 'replace-it' culture by creating local centres for repair and reuse. His work offers a powerful, hands-on solution to environmental stewardship—one that is not only practical but profoundly rooted in community empowerment, waste reduction, and the scaling of climate solutions.
This rich conversation brings together lived experience from the worlds of tech, finance, and environmental activism, alongside the practical realities of founding a community-rooted enterprise. We explore how circularity, skill-building, and local government partnerships sit at the heart of his mission. From navigating the complexities of multi-borough council engagement to designing scalable corporate team-building workshops, this dialogue reframes the narrative around sustainability—spotlighting practical, community-led repair initiatives as a powerful force for long-term climate action and skill development.
Recorded on 31 October 2025 as part of the Founder Voices series, this episode captures Alex’s clarity, thoughtful approach, and dedication to real-world change. It offers an honest exploration of what it means to build with purpose in a world facing waste and climate uncertainty. It stands as a reminder that when we create platforms grounded in repair, reuse, and shared skill, we enable people not only to reduce their carbon footprint—but to take climate action into their own hands.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear about:
Alex's shift from physics, finance, and renewable energy into pioneering community-led repair—and the vital lessons he carried from those diverse industries.
How grassroots action and a practical, hands-on approach are championing circularity and transforming the 'replace-it' culture in London boroughs.
The practical steps WCL Fixers takes to ensure skill-building and repair knowledge are truly accessible to local communities and volunteers.
The core strategies (local partnerships, corporate engagement, and training) founders must leverage when building a high-impact, mission-driven organisation.
Why repair, reuse, and shared skill are essential for taking climate action and building long-term sustainable living today.
Practical strategies for scaling impact through partnerships with local government and large corporates whilst maintaining a strong community ethos.
How empowering communities with practical repair skills creates a culture of local resilience, trust, and sustainable impact within urban environments.
Whether you’re a social entrepreneur, community organiser, or aspiring changemaker, this episode invites you to reflect deeply on what it means to build with purpose, circularity, and practical action. Alex’s journey and insights offer a powerful reminder that meaningful transformation—of our waste systems or our communities—begins with championing repair, building shared skills, and intentional local engagement.
A video version of the podcast:
Founder Voices: A Platform Amplifying Underserved Entrepreneurs
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About Founder Voices
Founder Voices is a podcast and storytelling platform powered by Cottage Factory, spotlighting grassroots founders, builders, and changemakers often overlooked by mainstream media.
Through honest, reflective conversations, we explore their journeys, challenges, and bold visions — helping early-stage ventures feel seen, supported, and inspired.
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