Cognism approached us at a critical moment, having outgrown the serviced and coworking spaces that had supported them until this point. Rapid expansion meant they needed a workplace that felt like their own, with room to grow and an identity that reflected their status in the market. Their leadership team also required a location with straightforward transport links around London Bridge. After a detailed search and extensive alignment across multiple decision-makers, we secured almost 13,000 square feet in The Shard, giving Cognism a long-term home in one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
The Brief
Cognism were ready to transition from serviced space to a traditional lease. They wanted more control, more space and a stronger cost position than their existing model could provide. Beyond the practical requirements, the new office needed to present the right image. It had to mirror their ambition, support their culture and give them a canvas that would unmistakably feel like a Cognism workplace. London Bridge remained a fixed requirement due to essential connections for the leadership team.
The Challenge
The complexity of the project sat less in the market and more in the number of stakeholders involved. Each team had its own expectations for layout, brand presence and day-to-day functionality. Without alignment, the search risked becoming slow and fragmented.
We brought everyone together through a series of structured workshops. These conversations helped the group compare the realities of serviced, managed and leased space, including cost implications, operational demands and long-term suitability. Once the team understood the trade-offs clearly, the path forward became unified: a traditional leased office with space to grow and the potential for a bespoke fit-out.
Our Approach
With a clear brief, we began an extensive search across London Bridge and surrounding areas. We inspected more than fifteen buildings, assessing each one carefully. Our evaluation looked at the arrival experience, quality, natural light, layout potential, cost efficiency and cultural impact. For a business in Cognism’s position, the office could not simply be functional; it had to feel impressive and future focused.
Throughout the process we produced detailed comparison material, cost breakdowns and commentary on each opportunity. This allowed the leadership group to make decisions with the same confidence we brought to similar growth-focused projects, such as our work with Flo and Lenus. The emphasis was always on clarity, value and long-term suitability rather than speed alone.
Eventually, one building stood apart from the rest.
The Solution
The Shard delivered exactly what Cognism needed. Its location above London Bridge station provided the essential transport connectivity, while the quality of the building aligned perfectly with their brand. The space offered almost 13,000 square feet and the long-term control that comes with a traditional lease. It also gave them a foundation to create a fully tailored fit-out that expressed their identity.
From a financial perspective, the shift to a leased environment improved their cost per square foot significantly compared with remaining in serviced space. From a cultural perspective, the move elevated their presence and provided a workplace that supported collaboration, team pride and talent attraction.
The Outcome
Cognism moved into a space that matched their ambition in size, quality and impact. The new office provided room for growth, a recognisable address and a high-performing environment that supports both productivity and culture. More importantly, the decision brought consistency to their long-term workplace strategy and ensured the space felt distinctly theirs rather than shared or temporary.
Key Takeaways
Cognism’s journey highlights how important it is for scaling companies to rethink their workplace model as they mature. Serviced offices are ideal during early growth, although they eventually limit identity, cost efficiency and cultural impact. Traditional leases become a natural next step once a business reaches a certain scale. Clear alignment across internal stakeholders is crucial, and expert guidance ensures the business makes confident decisions with a full understanding of the market.