Lloyds Banking Group’s private equity arm LDC has named Dan Drogman, chief executive of smart buildings software developer Smart Spaces, as ‘One to Watch’ in its annual listing of the ‘Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders’.

Supported by The Times newspaper, The LDC Top 50 acknowledges the leaders who are pushing for growth and building successful medium-sized businesses. This year’s nominations – which totalled almost 500 – were of an exceptionally high calibre and the competition was fierce, showcasing the drive and determination that unites business leaders across the United Kingdom.

The leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 are growing their businesses at home and overseas, making a positive contribution to society and driving progress against their sustainability goals. They hail from every corner of the country and span every sector of the economy. Together, they employ more than 6,700 people and turn over more than £1.2bn.

Since it’s launch in 2010, Smart Spaces has grown to become a leading developer of smart building software for the global commercial real estate sector.

With projects in 26 countries and over 60 million sqft of global office space now managed through its software platform, the company maintains a strong foothold in the UK with its customers including AXA, CBRE, The Crown Estate, JLL, Hines, Land Security Group, Lewis Silkin and Santander. Its software is used in some of the most celebrated developments in London, including 22 Bishopsgate, Bankside Yards, Paddington Square and 1 Berkley Street – and further afield, in Manchester (The Noma neighbourhood) and Leeds (Wellington Place). 

We started The LDC Top 50 six years ago to champion the remarkable success stories of medium-sized businesses, the unsung heroes of the British economy.

John Garner, LDC’s managing partner, comments:  “We started The LDC Top 50 six years ago to champion the remarkable success stories of medium-sized businesses, the unsung heroes of the British economy. Since then, we’ve received more than 3,000 nominations and celebrated more than 500 business leaders through the programme, surpassing all our expectations.

“The stories behind this year’s Ones to Watch really captured our attention and I’d like to congratulate them on their achievements so far. We’ve no doubt that this is only the beginning for each and every one of them.”

Drogman adds: “Our ambition is to be the world’s leading smart building operating system for commercial real estate. 

“Our software platform and app enhance the experience and productivity of hybrid workers and people visiting buildings, with CRE owners, FM service providers and tenants able to improve the operational engineering and energy efficiency of offices.

“Winning a One to Watch award from LDC is a super endorsement of what we’ve achieved and it’s a real honour personally. But in reality, the award should also be for the tremendously talented team I work with, without whom our growth would just not have been realised.”

Winning a One to Watch award from LDC is a super endorsement of what we’ve achieved and it’s a real honour