The Shard has stepped into 2017 in style with the announcement that virtually all of its 600,000 sq ft of office space has now been let. 
Last week it was announced that global online retailer MATCHESFASHION.COM, which serves customers in 176 countries, has expanded its headquarters presence by 40% just six months after moving in. The luxury company has taken an additional 13,153 sq ft on a 10 year lease and will take occupation during in the first quarter. It will now occupy a total of 48,036 sq ft.
This news follows last month’s announcement that The Kraft Heinz Company has taken 38,000 sq ft of space on levels 20 and 21 on a 12-year lease to relocate its European and UK headquarters from Hayes, Middlesex, to The Shard in Q2 2017.
Premier global valuation and corporate finance adviser Duff & Phelps and leading, independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager, Foresight, have also taken additional space in The Shard. 
The role the building has played in drawing new business targets and clients to the company’s office space led Foresight’s founder Bernard Fairman to coin the term “The Shard Effect”. 
Tom Chapman, co-executive chairman of MATCHESFASHION.COM, said, “Since moving our global HQ to The Shard in June 2016, we have seen continued growth acceleration of the business. As a result, we require additional space to support MATCHESFASHION.COM to offer an inspiring working environment to the many diverse and talented people that are driving the success of the business.”
Irvine Sellar, The Shard’s developer, co-owner and vice-chairman of REM, said, “The Shard is a pull factor for business visitors while transport connectivity and local amenities are high on the list of priorities to satisfy employees. This has had a positive impact on our occupiers, but is also indicative of the quality of the businesses from different industries that The Shard attracts. We have a responsibility to support our 29 diverse occupiers, so we are considering holding back some of the limited remaining space for existing businesses that are already committed to this rich and inspiring location.”
The Shard’s 29 companies operate across a diverse range of business sectors including energy, retail, finance, technology, healthcare and professional services. 
With 97% occupancy, The Shard has played an instrumental role in the transformation of London Bridge, which has undergone a significant change over the last 15 years. London Bridge station has received significant investment including the remodelling of the concourse to accommodate increased footfall. These improvements have increased the attractiveness of the area for businesses.
In addition to its high-quality space and exceptional transport connectivity, The Shard’s outstanding broadband and telecoms infrastructure was awarded a platinum rating by WiredScore as an endorsement of the building’s resilience.