top of page

Family Business Founders Awarded Freedom Of The City Of London



Dan Drogman and Tom Drogman, co-founders of Smart Spaces, have been made Freemen of the City of London, in recognition of their contribution to the City, innovation in the built environment, and international business leadership. The two brothers attended their ceremony at Guildhall.


The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in the UK, dating back to the 13th century, and is often given by the City of London Corporation to individuals who have made a significant contribution to London’s civic, commercial, or cultural life.


Founded in 2010 in the City of London, Smart Spaces was born from the Drogman brothers’ shared vision to transform how people experience and manage workplaces.


The company’s smart building software now powers over two million square feet of office space in the City of London, including 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City, and is deployed in more than 30 countries worldwide, supporting landlords, occupiers, and employees with more connected, efficient, and human-centric buildings.


Born and raised in East London, Dan and Tom Drogman have long credited the City’s entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, and global outlook as foundational influences on their journey. From early beginnings building technology solutions locally, Smart Spaces has grown into an internationally recognised platform at the forefront of workplace and smart building innovation.

“Being made Freemen of the City of London is a huge honour for us both,” said Dan Drogman, Co-Founder of Smart Spaces. “We started Smart Spaces here, we grew up just beyond the City’s boundaries in East London, and the City has played a defining role in our lives and our business.”

“This recognition means a great deal to us personally,” added Tom Drogman, Co-Founder of Smart Spaces. “London is where our story began, and we’re incredibly proud to contribute technology that supports the City’s buildings, businesses, and global reputation for innovation.”


James Tumbridge, of the City of London Corporation, stated:

“Small and medium-sized enterprises are, essentially, the life blood of London. Having worked on the City of London Corporation’s SME strategy and seen at firsthand how Smart Spaces has evolved into a world-leading provider of smart building technology, I am delighted to support Dan and Tom Drogman’s nominations, which recognise their ingenuity, commitment, and hard work.”

Recent notable recipients include two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; leading trauma surgeon, Professor David Nott; one of the last surviving ‘Chindit’ soldiers from the Second World War’s Burma campaign, Sidney Machin; and former Shadow Home Secretary and Attorney General of England and Wales, Dominic Grieve.


As Smart Spaces continues to expand globally, the Drogman brothers remain committed to London as the company’s spiritual and operational home, championing British innovation on the world stage.



Most Read

Dina Foods Announces Nationwide Ocado Retail Partnership

Dina Foods Announces Nationwide Ocado Retail Partnership

Family owned and run Mediterranean food specialist, Dina Foods, has secured a Parnationwide listing with Ocado Retail, further expanding the reach of its authentic bakery and confectionery products.

2026 Family Business Road Trip Set To Showcase The Strength And Diversity Of UK Family Firms

2026 Family Business Road Trip Set To Showcase The Strength And Diversity Of UK Family Firms

Family Business United is delighted to announce the launch of its 2026 Family Business Road Trip, a six-week journey across the UK celebrating the innovation, resilience and community impact of family-owned firms.

Supply Issues As Weybridge’s Office Market Thrives

Supply Issues As Weybridge’s Office Market Thrives

Leafy Weybridge in Surrey continues to punch well above its weight in the office space market but a growing mismatch between supply and demand could prove crucial, says a regional commercial property specialist.

Categories

  • Jan 15
  • 2 min read


Dan Drogman and Tom Drogman, co-founders of Smart Spaces, have been made Freemen of the City of London, in recognition of their contribution to the City, innovation in the built environment, and international business leadership. The two brothers attended their ceremony at Guildhall.


The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in the UK, dating back to the 13th century, and is often given by the City of London Corporation to individuals who have made a significant contribution to London’s civic, commercial, or cultural life.


Founded in 2010 in the City of London, Smart Spaces was born from the Drogman brothers’ shared vision to transform how people experience and manage workplaces.


The company’s smart building software now powers over two million square feet of office space in the City of London, including 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City, and is deployed in more than 30 countries worldwide, supporting landlords, occupiers, and employees with more connected, efficient, and human-centric buildings.


Born and raised in East London, Dan and Tom Drogman have long credited the City’s entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, and global outlook as foundational influences on their journey. From early beginnings building technology solutions locally, Smart Spaces has grown into an internationally recognised platform at the forefront of workplace and smart building innovation.

“Being made Freemen of the City of London is a huge honour for us both,” said Dan Drogman, Co-Founder of Smart Spaces. “We started Smart Spaces here, we grew up just beyond the City’s boundaries in East London, and the City has played a defining role in our lives and our business.”

“This recognition means a great deal to us personally,” added Tom Drogman, Co-Founder of Smart Spaces. “London is where our story began, and we’re incredibly proud to contribute technology that supports the City’s buildings, businesses, and global reputation for innovation.”


James Tumbridge, of the City of London Corporation, stated:

“Small and medium-sized enterprises are, essentially, the life blood of London. Having worked on the City of London Corporation’s SME strategy and seen at firsthand how Smart Spaces has evolved into a world-leading provider of smart building technology, I am delighted to support Dan and Tom Drogman’s nominations, which recognise their ingenuity, commitment, and hard work.”

Recent notable recipients include two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; leading trauma surgeon, Professor David Nott; one of the last surviving ‘Chindit’ soldiers from the Second World War’s Burma campaign, Sidney Machin; and former Shadow Home Secretary and Attorney General of England and Wales, Dominic Grieve.


As Smart Spaces continues to expand globally, the Drogman brothers remain committed to London as the company’s spiritual and operational home, championing British innovation on the world stage.



Most Read

Dina Foods Announces Nationwide Ocado Retail Partnership

Dina Foods Announces Nationwide Ocado Retail Partnership

Family owned and run Mediterranean food specialist, Dina Foods, has secured a Parnationwide listing with Ocado Retail, further expanding the reach of its authentic bakery and confectionery products.

2026 Family Business Road Trip Set To Showcase The Strength And Diversity Of UK Family Firms

2026 Family Business Road Trip Set To Showcase The Strength And Diversity Of UK Family Firms

Family Business United is delighted to announce the launch of its 2026 Family Business Road Trip, a six-week journey across the UK celebrating the innovation, resilience and community impact of family-owned firms.

Supply Issues As Weybridge’s Office Market Thrives

Supply Issues As Weybridge’s Office Market Thrives

Leafy Weybridge in Surrey continues to punch well above its weight in the office space market but a growing mismatch between supply and demand could prove crucial, says a regional commercial property specialist.

Categories

‘Built to Last’ As Property Finance Lender Celebrates 45th Anniversary

‘Built to Last’ As Property Finance Lender Celebrates 45th Anniversary

More than 100 property professionals gathered to help an expanding finance lender in the sector celebrate its 45th anniversary.

Bestway Wholesale Appoints A Food Service Director

Bestway Wholesale Appoints A Food Service Director

Bestway Wholesale has appointed Charles Abraham as Food Service Director, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business accelerates its growth across catering, foodservice and the on-trade markets.

M&S Invests £2.1Bn To Extend Its Commitment To British Lamb And Beef

M&S Invests £2.1Bn To Extend Its Commitment To British Lamb And Beef

M&S announces that it is extending its commitment to British lamb and beef farming with a £2.1bn investment.

Recent Posts

bottom of page