Astound Commerce

Finding the right fit for a hybrid-first business

Astound Commerce is a global digital commerce agency. As hybrid working reshaped how their London team used the office, it became clear that their existing leased space no longer made sense.

The Challenge

With hybrid working, Astound were carrying more space than they actually needed and paying for the privilege. The question wasn't simply where to move, but how to rethink the relationship with office space entirely. They wanted the flexibility and convenience of the serviced model, but without sacrificing quality or privacy.

Our Approach

We began the search in March, covering the market broadly across serviced and managed operators before narrowing focus as Astound's preferences became clearer. FORA emerged as the standout as their product consistently hit the brief, and within that portfolio, one building rose above the rest. We completed the search and secured terms by August, a process that covered significant ground and gave Astound a detailed overview of the serviced and managed market.

The Solution

Astound Commerce moved into The Black & White Building in Shoreditch, one of the most architecturally distinctive and environmentally credentialled office buildings in London. Its fully engineered timber structure carries 37% less embodied carbon than an equivalent concrete and steel build. For a business who care about sustainability, this was an important element.

The Outcome

Astound now occupies a workspace that reflects how they actually work today; flexible, right-sized, and with building amenities they can use when they need.