Magazine publisher Hearst commits to London’s West End

Magazine Publisher Hearst has announced it will be moving into new office space in the heart of London’s West End. The move will see all of Hearst’s titles, which include Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire and Inside Soap, brought together under one roof for the first time in the company’s history.

The move from its current base in SoHo to Leicester Square, where they will occupy five “bespoke fit” floors, is expected to take place next summer.

A spokesperson for Hearst told journalists: “The move will bring Hearst’s London business under one roof for the first time to create a future-facing, highly collaborative and creative work environment.”

With “brand new modernised facilities for employees and first-rate technology specifications” the company is clearly investing in what it believes will be a bright future for the company’s magazine titles – which have gone from strength to strength despite a downturn in the wider publishing industry.

It also demonstrates a commitment to London at a time when other publishing companies are exploring cheaper options to house their businesses. Reuters have invested in subbing hubs in Nottingham and The Guardian are rumoured to be examining possibilities to return to their roots in Manchester.

James Wildman, president and chief executive of Hearst’s operation in the UK, told journalists: “We are extremely proud of Hearst’s new UK headquarters.

“We believe a long-term commitment to London’s West End is paramount to retaining and attracting the very best talent, as well as keeping us in close proximity to our commercial partners.

“LSQ London will provide a contemporary and vibrant space for our staff to enjoy and will help cultivate an, even more, joined up, creative culture.

“Its high-specification facilities offer a fabulous platform for growth and digital acceleration, and will truly reflect the modern media company that Hearst is today.”