Content & Commerce

08:12-12:30
UK
11.9.2018
Conference

Malmaison Hotel, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 3BN, United Kingdom

Manchester

ing international women's day
Italy flagUnited Kingdom flagGerman flagDutch flagFrench flagDanish flag
Partnered with:

Content & Commerce

Manchester

Conference

September 11, 2018

Summary

Content & Commerce North

Our annual Content & Commerce conference was so popular in London that we ventured to Manchester for a second edition this year! The challenge clearly remains – synchronising your quality content with your customers’ interests – in a way that leads to measurable ROI, increased online business and hopefully higher margins. Our speakers were from brands, retailers and media players who are solving this riddle on a daily basis.

We had a fantastic line-up, which included;

Rebecca Scott, Founder & Owner - NEUapparel
Kate Mitchell, Head of eCommerce - Bensons for Beds and Harveys
Stephanie Nash, UX Lead - Graham & Brown
Paul Martin, Head of IT - Graham & Brown
Jonathan Wall, Chief Digital Officer - Missguided
Jon Cleaver, Chief Technology Officer - In The Style
Aaron Winsloe, UK Managing Director - Myprotein
Matthew Lawson, Chief Digital Officer - Ribble Cycles

PastriesDelegates networkingDelegates networkingAudience at a Commerce Futures conference.
  • Customer journeys across digital, as well as 3rd party sellers
  • Personalised content and its role in the buying cycle
  • The Content vs. Commerce debate
  • Measuring content effectiveness via individual channels
  • Content quality and its effect upon sales
  • Identifying gaps in content where competitors are not engaging - then producing to fill that gap
  • Generating an ROI that is truly based upon content investment
  • Social for conversion - how to turn traffic into sales
  • No short-cuts. The intricacies of Facebook/Instagram and how to use them for full effect
  • Growing up in digital - how to bring the business on your journey
Two arrows pointing up
To top
Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell

Head of Digital Trading

Forest Holidays

Kate has 15 years of experience in digital, having pioneered optimisation at LateRooms.com ao.com and more recently headed up e-commerce teams at Bensons for Beds, DW Sports and led trading teams at N Brown group and now Forest Holidays.

With a passion for all things customer led and an obsession for great customer experience, Kate has a proven track record of putting the customer first to deliver revenue and profit growth.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Aaron Winsloe

Aaron Winsloe

Head of eCommerce USA

The Hut Group

Aaron works at The Hut Group, a British-founded eCommerce unicorn in the health and beauty space. Aged 29, he has now taken a role overseeing online sales for the company’s beauty brands in the USA, having originally started with The Hut Group 5 years ago to launch their sports nutrition brand (Myprotein) into Asia. His knowledge is specific, focussed and up-to-date in today’s global eCommerce environment.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Rebecca Scott

Rebecca Scott

Founder & Owner

NEUapparel

Rebecca is the owner and founder of online active wear brand NEUapparel. Since first creating the brand at university 4 years ago to launching in 2016, the brand has grown to sell to over 60 countries with a sell out range and fast growing loyal customer base.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Stephanie Nash

Stephanie Nash

UX Lead

Graham & Brown

Over the last ten years Stephanie has been heavily involved in the growth of the UK and International websites. Her main focus has been to ensure Graham and Brown offer the best user experience. Stephanie used her consumer experience to run a series of success A/B tests with Monetate, which led to her presenting at the Monetate conference in 2018. Stephanie continues to lead the testing strategy for Graham & Brown which has included introducing AI to this process. Her success as the UX Lead for the Augmented Reality App has seen her taking on more responsibilities as the Product Manager for the long-term roadmap of the App.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Paul Martin

Paul Martin

Head of Information Technology

Graham & Brown

With over twenty years’ experience at a senior executive level across multiple sectors, Paul has developed a diverse background. Paul has specialised in working with senior leaders to solve business problems using innovative technologies and creating customer cantered approaches to disrupt with digital technologies.

In his career Paul has implemented a strategic technology roadmap to support the exponential growth at dabs.com, built a successful ecommerce team at Maginus which delivered multi-channel success for Cath Kidston and Fortnum & Mason and managed the implementation of a transformational case management solution at Keoghs LLP as the Programme Director at Slicedbread.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Jonathan Wall

Jonathan Wall

Chief Digital Officer

Missguided

Jonathan Wall began his eCommerce career in September 1999 at dabs.com. As Marketing Director, Jonathan and his team were instrumental to the success of dabs.com and helped it become one of the UK’s first and most successful pure-play retailers. He was responsible for Product Management, eCommerce and Consumer Sales, and as an Executive Director reporting directly to the Founder and CEO.

In September 2008 Jonathan became CEO at Flowersdirect.co.uk - one of the UK’s leading online florists - where he oversaw transformation of the business that included new business and eCommerce systems alongside the overhaul of the product offering.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Jon Cleaver

Jon Cleaver

CTO

In The Style

Jon is the CTO for fast growing e-commerce business In The Style, who specialise in fast-fashion for females 18-35. Prior to that he was CTO at Sofology with a turnover in excess of £200m, 42 retail stores and a best in class omni-channel customer journey, the business was sold to DFS PLC in 2017 with the technology being stated as a major factor in it's purchase. Other roles have been Senior Technology leadership positions in Legal services for 5 years and Motor retail for 9 years. In his personal life Jon is a serial marathon runner and and is a self development junkie who can often be found listening to his favourite podcasts or new audio books.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Matthew Lawson

Matthew Lawson

Chief Digital Officer

Ribble Cycles

Matthew started his eCommerce journey with an 8 year stint at AO.com, from post start up to post IPO, successfully doing many roles across the entire eCommerce space. From SEO to Social and was doing CRO before it was even a thing. He then took on a eCommerce Director role at Loveholidays.com which was again just post start up 2 / 3 year old business with a remit to step change a small digital team into a world class digital team capable to take on some of the established players. Matthew has undertaken many advisory roles along the way, mainly for SaaS and agencies businesses. He finally finds himself now in a Digital transformation role for what was a newly VC back direct to consumer bike manufacturer and cycling retailer Ribble Cycles.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Leaf wall textureSmiling woman networking at a Commerce Futures eventSmiling woman networking at a Commerce Futures eventPastries in front of delegates
18:30
Arrival & Welcome Drinks
19:15
Guests Sit
19:20
Welcome
Commerce Futures
19:30
Opening Speech
Kate Mitchell
Aaron Winsloe
Rebecca Scott
Stephanie Nash
Paul Martin
Jonathan Wall
Jon Cleaver
Matthew Lawson
20:00
Starters
Topic One - Discussion at individual tables
20:20
Topic One discussed as a collective
20:40
Mains
Topic Two - Discussion at individual tables
21:10
Topic Two discussed as a collective
21:30
Desserts & Networking
23:00
Event Closes
18:30
Arrival & Welcome Drinks
19:15
Guests Sit
19:20
Welcome
Commerce Futures
19:30
Opening Speech
Guest Speaker
20:00
Starters
Topic One - Discussion at individual tables
20:20
Topic One discussed as a collective
20:40
Mains
Topic Two - Discussion at individual tables
21:10
Topic Two discussed as a collective
21:30
Desserts & Networking
23:00
Event Closes
08:30
Registration & Networking Breakfast
09:15
Welcome from Commerce Futures
09:25
Ryan Clark, STATSports & Jim Hingston, The Gym Group
Keynote
10:10
Hollie Weatherstone, Muc-Off
Keynote
10:35
Break
10:55
Multi-brand panel – Decathlon, Ellis Brigham, Helen of Troy
Keynote (Main Stage)
Speed dating for delegates
(Breakout Room)
11:50
George Huxford, Apidura
Keynote
12:15
Break
13:15
Rich Philip, Contested
Keynote
13:40
Marc Guisti, Veloforte
Keynote (Main Stage)
David Hanney, Alpkit
(Breakout Room)
14:35
Networking
15:00
Closing Remarks from Commerce Futures
18:30
Arrival & Welcome Drinks
19:15
Guests Sit
19:20
Welcome
Commerce Futures
19:30
Opening Speech
Guest Speaker
20:00
Starters
Topic One - Discussion at individual tables
20:20
Topic One discussed as a collective
20:40
Mains
Topic Two - Discussion at individual tables
21:10
Topic Two discussed as a collective
21:30
Desserts & Networking
23:00
Event Closes
18:00
Arrival & Welcome Drinks
18:45
Guests Sit
18:50
Welcome
Commerce Futures
19:00
Opening Speech
Guest Speaker
19:30
Starters
Topic One - Discussion at individual tables
19:50
Topic One discussed as a collective
20:10
Mains
Topic Two - Discussion at individual tables
20:40
Topic Two discussed as a collective
21:00
Desserts & Networking
22:30
Event Closes

AGENDA

08:15

Registration / Networking breakfast

08:55

Welcome
Commerce Futures

09:05

Kate Mitchell, Head of eCommerce - Benson for Beds and Harveys

09:40

Rebecca Scott, Founder & Owner - NEUapparel

10:15

Coffee Break & Networking

10:35

Panel Q&A Session

Moderated by Richard Jackson, Director of eCommerce Practice from Inviqa, with appearances from;

  • Jonathan Wall, Chief Digital Officer - Missguided
  • Jon Cleaver, Chief Technology Officer - In The Style
  • Aaron Winsloe, UK Managing Director - Myprotein
  • Matthew Lawson, Chief Digital Officer - Ribble Cycles

11:15

Stephanie Nash, UX Lead and Paul Martin, Head of IT - Graham & Brown

11:50

Final comments before Networking

12:30

Event Closes

09:00
Registration & Networking Breakfast
09:30
Welcome & Partner Introductions
09:40
Panel Discussion with Q&A
Kate Mitchell
Aaron Winsloe
Rebecca Scott
Stephanie Nash
Paul Martin
Jonathan Wall
Jon Cleaver
Matthew Lawson
10:20
Networking Break
10:40
Workshop at tables
11:00
Group Discussion - Moderated
11:20
Final Comments & Networking
11:30
Event Closes
Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell

Head of Digital Trading

Forest Holidays

Kate has 15 years of experience in digital, having pioneered optimisation at LateRooms.com ao.com and more recently headed up e-commerce teams at Bensons for Beds, DW Sports and led trading teams at N Brown group and now Forest Holidays.

With a passion for all things customer led and an obsession for great customer experience, Kate has a proven track record of putting the customer first to deliver revenue and profit growth.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Aaron Winsloe

Aaron Winsloe

Head of eCommerce USA

The Hut Group

Aaron works at The Hut Group, a British-founded eCommerce unicorn in the health and beauty space. Aged 29, he has now taken a role overseeing online sales for the company’s beauty brands in the USA, having originally started with The Hut Group 5 years ago to launch their sports nutrition brand (Myprotein) into Asia. His knowledge is specific, focussed and up-to-date in today’s global eCommerce environment.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Rebecca Scott

Rebecca Scott

Founder & Owner

NEUapparel

Rebecca is the owner and founder of online active wear brand NEUapparel. Since first creating the brand at university 4 years ago to launching in 2016, the brand has grown to sell to over 60 countries with a sell out range and fast growing loyal customer base.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Stephanie Nash

Stephanie Nash

UX Lead

Graham & Brown

Over the last ten years Stephanie has been heavily involved in the growth of the UK and International websites. Her main focus has been to ensure Graham and Brown offer the best user experience. Stephanie used her consumer experience to run a series of success A/B tests with Monetate, which led to her presenting at the Monetate conference in 2018. Stephanie continues to lead the testing strategy for Graham & Brown which has included introducing AI to this process. Her success as the UX Lead for the Augmented Reality App has seen her taking on more responsibilities as the Product Manager for the long-term roadmap of the App.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Paul Martin

Paul Martin

Head of Information Technology

Graham & Brown

With over twenty years’ experience at a senior executive level across multiple sectors, Paul has developed a diverse background. Paul has specialised in working with senior leaders to solve business problems using innovative technologies and creating customer cantered approaches to disrupt with digital technologies.

In his career Paul has implemented a strategic technology roadmap to support the exponential growth at dabs.com, built a successful ecommerce team at Maginus which delivered multi-channel success for Cath Kidston and Fortnum & Mason and managed the implementation of a transformational case management solution at Keoghs LLP as the Programme Director at Slicedbread.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Jonathan Wall

Jonathan Wall

Chief Digital Officer

Missguided

Jonathan Wall began his eCommerce career in September 1999 at dabs.com. As Marketing Director, Jonathan and his team were instrumental to the success of dabs.com and helped it become one of the UK’s first and most successful pure-play retailers. He was responsible for Product Management, eCommerce and Consumer Sales, and as an Executive Director reporting directly to the Founder and CEO.

In September 2008 Jonathan became CEO at Flowersdirect.co.uk - one of the UK’s leading online florists - where he oversaw transformation of the business that included new business and eCommerce systems alongside the overhaul of the product offering.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Jon Cleaver

Jon Cleaver

CTO

In The Style

Jon is the CTO for fast growing e-commerce business In The Style, who specialise in fast-fashion for females 18-35. Prior to that he was CTO at Sofology with a turnover in excess of £200m, 42 retail stores and a best in class omni-channel customer journey, the business was sold to DFS PLC in 2017 with the technology being stated as a major factor in it's purchase. Other roles have been Senior Technology leadership positions in Legal services for 5 years and Motor retail for 9 years. In his personal life Jon is a serial marathon runner and and is a self development junkie who can often be found listening to his favourite podcasts or new audio books.

LEARN MORE →Close icon
Matthew Lawson

Matthew Lawson

Chief Digital Officer

Ribble Cycles

Matthew started his eCommerce journey with an 8 year stint at AO.com, from post start up to post IPO, successfully doing many roles across the entire eCommerce space. From SEO to Social and was doing CRO before it was even a thing. He then took on a eCommerce Director role at Loveholidays.com which was again just post start up 2 / 3 year old business with a remit to step change a small digital team into a world class digital team capable to take on some of the established players. Matthew has undertaken many advisory roles along the way, mainly for SaaS and agencies businesses. He finally finds himself now in a Digital transformation role for what was a newly VC back direct to consumer bike manufacturer and cycling retailer Ribble Cycles.

LEARN MORE →Close icon

Venue

Malmaison Hotel, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 3BN, United Kingdom

Find directions →
Content & Commerce

Partners

Want to know more?

Check out our frequently asked questions

Similar Events

Digital TrafficDigital Traffic
London
Dinner
6.2.25
Better, Faster, SoonerBetter, Faster, Sooner
London
Dinner
13.2.25
Content & CommunityContent & Community
London
Dinner
30.1.25
Conversion VS Friction Conversion VS Friction
London
Breakfast
26.2.25
View All