In this episode of The Space Bar Podcast, Peter Robertshaw chats with Ben and Clare Adams, co-founders of Start with Data. Together, they unravel the complex world of product data, enrichment, and Product Information Management (PIM) to help businesses thrive in today’s digital economy.

From understanding key data terminology to knowing when it’s time to invest in a PIM, Ben and Clare provide actionable insights for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re struggling with messy processes, limited data, or choosing the right platform, they’ve got you covered.

In this episode:

Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting at Space 48.

In this episode of The Space Bar Podcast, Peter Robertshaw sits down with Mairaid Hart, Head of EMEA Partnerships at Klevu, to explore the evolution of product discovery in eCommerce.

Together, they explore the latest advancements in AI-driven personalisation, from automating merchandising to deploying tailored recommendations that increase click-throughs and conversions. Mairaid explains why seamless search experiences have become essential for brands to engage shoppers, and why people are more likely to convert when their site search queries are specific. 

As they look to the future, Peter and Mairaid discuss the next wave of innovation, including conversational discovery and hybrid search capabilities.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

Meet Our Guest: Mairaid from Klevu shares her background and passion for eCommerce search technology.

The Rise of Product Discovery: How site search has evolved, and why it’s central to shopper engagement today.

AI-Driven Personalisation: The data-backed benefits of personalised search and merchandising.

Optimising Search Placement: Tips on making search visible and user-friendly for higher engagement.

Future Innovations: A look at conversational search, AI advancements, and the potential of hybrid search.

Hosted by Peter Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting at Space 48.

In this episode of The Space Bar Podcast, Peter Robertshaw sits down with Jim Herbert, CEO of Patchworks, and Lee Farmer, Operations Director at Ellisons, to tackle the complexities of integrating legacy systems with modern technology.

Jim shares how Patchworks simplifies these challenges with innovative middleware solutions and new features like database shapes. Meanwhile, Lee gives us an inside look at Ellison's journey from outdated, manual processes to streamlined automation, revealing how continuous improvement is essential for any business to thrive.

Together, they explore the role of APIs, the impact of AI on integration, and the vital importance of partnerships in executing successful projects, whether you're wrestling with legacy systems or looking to future-proof your operations.

Topics covered in this episode:

Meet the Experts: Jim Herbert (CEO of Patchworks) and Lee (Operations Director at Ellison's).

From Legacy to Modern: Ellison's transformation from manual, legacy systems to modern API-driven solutions.

Patchworks’ Innovation: Jim explains how Patchworks bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern platforms using cutting-edge middleware.

The Role of APIs: How modern integration technologies shape Unified Commerce.

Security & Compliance: Jim and Lee discuss the importance of data security.

AI's Impact on Integration: A forward-thinking discussion on how AI reshapes automation, operational efficiency, and the future of integrations.

Power of Partnerships: Solid partnerships are crucial in navigating complex integrations.

Looking Ahead: Future trends in Unified Commerce, the integration landscape, and the exciting potential of AI to streamline processes even further.

Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting, Space 48.

Welcome back to the Space Bar podcast! In this episode, we discuss how email marketing has transformed in 2024 with Phil Holman, the Senior Enterprise Account Executive at Dotdigtal and an expert in all things eCommerce and digital marketing.

Phillip shares his knowledge and experience in email marketing, examining how it’s changed over the years and the current trends. We study how retailers can segment and personalise their email marketing campaigns to improve their customers’ experiences. 

He also shares the challenges and strategies for success for B2B and B2C retailers when making email marketing campaigns.

Topics include:

Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting, Space 48. Guest: Phil Holman, Senior Enterprise Account Executive at Dotdigtal.

In this exciting episode of The Space Bar Podcast, we're joined by Jonny Webb from Active Matter and Chris Brooks from One Iota, two industry leaders transforming the omnichannel landscape.

Jonny dives into his journey from Noble to Active Matter, sharing how loyalty programs and seamless customer experiences are reshaping the future of eCommerce. Chris sheds light on One Iota’s work with iconic brands like Hugo Boss and Pro Direct, emphasising the importance of integrated strategies that unite the online and physical retail worlds.

Together, they explore how community engagement, personalisation, and AI elevate customer interactions and why TikTok’s eCommerce potential is skyrocketing. Plus, they unpack the growing influence of micro-influencers in the ever-changing retail space.

 Topics covered in this episode:

Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting, Space 48.

If you’re ready to level up your omnichannel strategy and learn how the best in the business do it, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Welcome to the latest Space Bar podcast episode! This time, we spoke with Ash Pallett, Senior Digital and eCommerce Manager at gardening retailer Sarah Raven.

In this episode, we discuss Sarah Raven’s journey since completing a platform migration in 2021 to BigCommerce. Ash shares her experiences and expertise in all things eCommerce. Ash and Pete delve into the current trends and changes in the eCommerce industry. Ash highlights the importance of personalisation and usability testing to Sarah Raven’s growth strategy, built around enhancing customer experience at every opportunity. She also explains how other eCommerce brands can empower themselves through data-driven decision-making.

Topics covered in this episode:

Challenges and opportunities in the gardening industry, including weather impact and sustainability goals.

Improving the ecommerce checkout experience.

Personalisation and merchandising to enhance the customer experience.

Usability testing and data-driven decision-making.

Advanced attribution modelling & understanding your customer.

Adapting to be successful agency-client partnerships.

Future trends.

Topics covered in this episode: Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting, Space 48.

Welcome back to the Space Bar podcast! In this weeks episode, Pete speaks with Tom Robertshaw, the founder of HYPA Apps.

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of HYPA from a project in the Space 48 innovation lab to a stand-alone brand today. He explains where HYPA fits into the eCommerce landscape and the challenges that come with eCommerce app development. We also discuss how retailers can jump to new technologies at the pace the business can sustain and grow. 

HYPA was launched by Tom Robershaw in 2024. It develops a range of innovative products that help eCommerce brands boost conversion rates, streamline store management, and create outstanding ecommerce experiences.

Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting, Space 48.

In this episode, we explore the complex world of payments in-depth, demystifying it and exploring how businesses can make informed decisions to enhance customer experience and boost revenue. Our host, Pete Robertshaw, is joined by Nicole Olbe, Managing Director at Adyen, and Alexander Speke, Commercial Partnerships Manager at Adyen—both renowned experts in the fields of payments and eCommerce solutions.

Throughout the discussion, Nicole and Alexander provide valuable insights on several key areas, including:

With their extensive experience and expertise in eCommerce and financial services, Nicole and Alexander share practical advice and innovative strategies that can help retailers and merchants optimise their payment processes, reduce friction, and improve overall business performance. They also discuss the latest technological advancements and how businesses can adapt to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and is a must-listen for retailers, merchants, and anyone involved in the payments industry who is looking to refine their payment strategies and enhance their business outcomes.

Welcome back to the Space Bar podcast! In this episode of the Space Bar Podcast, we discuss B2B commerce, its complexities, niche buying journeys, and some of the trends we’re seeing with B2B businesses and their digital propositions. To help dive into this topic, our host, Pete Robertshaw, is joined by Alex Weston, the Sales Director at SparkLayer and an expert in all things B2B digital commerce and ecommerce.

Alex shares his insights and experience in B2B ecommerce, focusing on the current landscape and the changes we are seeing. We will also dissect how a digital transformation can impact merchants and the importance of knowing your customers. Along with how to create a successful B2B ecommerce platform, we will discuss the current trends, features, and customisations we are seeing in B2B ecommerce and their impact.

Pete and Alex have a wealth of experience in ecommerce and B2B landscape, making this episode a must listen for any merchants in the B2B sector.

Topics include:

Hosted by Pete Robertshaw, Head of Commerce Consulting, Space 48. Guest: Alex Weston, Sales Director at SparkLayer.

In this episode of the Space Bar Podcast, we venture behind the scenes of the digital storefront to uncover the critical yet often overlooked facets of operational eCommerce. Join us as Jon Woodall, CEO of Dark Matter Commerce and the founder of Space 48, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pete Robertshaw, Head of Consultancy at Space 48.

Diving deep into the operational backbone of eCommerce, we unravel the complexities of fulfilment, inventory management, order processing, customer service, and streamlined payment solutions. With a keen emphasis on how these operational aspects are not just part of the machinery but are vital for sustaining customer loyalty and driving the engine of business growth, this episode is a must-listen for any eCom professional.

Our experts tackle the challenges businesses face in operational eCommerce. From navigating the intricacies of delivery costs to the seamless integration of order management and ERP systems, every topic is addressed with actionable advice and real-world examples. The conversation also covers organisations' critical roles and responsibilities for making technology decisions that significantly impact operations.

Obstacles such as scaling customer service, managing product data, and excelling in omnichannel retailing are brought to light. To wrap up, Pete stresses the monumental impact of identifying and addressing operational gaps in today's competitive eCommerce landscape. He also teases the highly anticipated Commerce Fusion event, which aims to address these challenges.

This episode promises valuable perspectives on enhancing operational efficacy and ensuring business success in the digital age.

Listen to the podcast now and attend Commerce Fusion for an even deeper dive into operational eCommerce excellence.