eCommerce MasterPlan

Ben Boughton-White is the Operations Director at Dorwest, experts in herbal pet care since 1948. Selling globally via wholesale, marketplaces, Crufts! and their own Shopify store, they now do over 50,000 order a year, and were recently named Online Business of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.  Ben shares how Dorwest — a 75-year-old family-run pet care brand — brought its heritage into the digital age. From a smart Shopify migration to building efficient systems and strong partnerships, he reveals how they’ve kept quality, trust, and growth at the heart of their eCommerce success.  Hit PLAY to hear:  🚀 How Dorwest turned a 75-year-old pet care brand into a thriving Shopify success story 🧩 The smart, slow-and-steady approach that made their Shopify migration truly work ⚙️ Why documenting every process became their secret weapon for efficiency and growth 🤝 The power of choosing partners who actually “get” your brand — and how to find them 🏡 Why Dorwest refuses to outsource fulfillment (and how that decision boosts quality) 💬 How a husband-and-wife team keeps communication flowing and the business growing  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:59] "Morning Walks and Business Success" [09:00] "End-to-End Quality Control" [10:40] Trusted Partners Shape Our Brand [13:38] "Focused Loyalty Approach" [17:25] Evolving Loyalty Rewards Strategy [20:53] Listen to Ben’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/572  --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Julie Macken is the Deputy Queen Bee of Neve’s Bees a family business turning the produce of their bee hives and local beekeepers into products that are now certified 100% natural. Founded in 2017, they switched focus to eCommerce in 2021. They now sell via their WooCommerce store, wholesale, and a couple of events, and have now reached £100,000 a year and have just sold their 80,000th product. She shares how focusing on what truly works — and saying no to what doesn’t — helped her turn a local gifting brand into a six-figure sustainable skincare business. Hear how she refined her eCommerce strategy, built a lean but powerful team, and is now leading a mission to make the skincare industry more honest and eco-friendly. It’s always a treat when a past guest returns, and Julie’s comeback episode is packed with even more insights you can apply immediately to grow smarter and operate more sustainably.Hit PLAY to hear: 💡 The simple shift that helped Neve’s Bees double down on what really drives sales 🐝 Why splitting one brand into two strategies unlocked major eCommerce growth 💬 How Julie turned sustainability into a standout marketing story (not just a value) ⚙️ The key roles she outsourced — and how it boosted profits and freed up her time 🛍️ The brand placement mistake that nearly hurt their image — and how they fixed it 🌍 Julie’s bold mission to take on the skincare industry’s “ultra-processed” problem  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:32] Skincare Definition: Face vs Body [06:39] Skin Care eCommerce Revolution [12:17] "Skincare Website Revamp Focus" [16:09] Finding Income Through Quick Solutions [17:27] Small Business Operations Explained [22:23] "Pure Ingredients, No Water" [23:13] Skincare Industry Reform Needed [27:32] Listen to Julie’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/571  --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this WWYD episode, eCommerce Director Jaime Hill – whose career spans Monsoon, FatFace, Jack Wills, Oak Furnitureland, Hurtigruten, and more – joins host Chloe Thomas to share how she’d approach one of the biggest challenges facing eCommerce leaders today.   Jaime dives into where to start, how to prioritise quick wins vs. long-term impact, and why real efficiency begins with your people, not your processes.   Expect practical ideas, real-world examples, and plenty of inspiration for anyone trying to do more with less.  Hit PLAY to hear:  🎯 How Jaime would tackle a “make us more efficient” brief as Head of eCommerce 🧠 Why your team (not your tech stack) is the first place to look for efficiency gains 💸 Smart ways to shift ad spend between SEO, paid search, and social without hurting results ⚙️ How a 2-week payments project boosted conversions in Germany by 35% 🤝 The simple cross-team conversations that can save you time, money, and stress 🌱 A quick sustainability win: the one website check that can cut your carbon footprint  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:59] Streamlining Operations and Team Efficiency [06:47] Team Optimization and Process Review [13:09] Prioritizing Efficiency in Evolving Industries [14:15] Optimizing Spend and Data Accuracy [19:58] Improving Processes Through Experimentation [21:44] Breaking Silos Through Communication [23:31] Listen to Jaime’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/570--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chris Forbes is the co-founder at Cheeky Panda, leading the bamboo revolution selling toilet paper, period products, kitchen roll and more. Founded in 2016 they now sell via multiple international Shopify sites, and a plethora of wholesale and marketplace locations. Turnover is now £15,000,000 a year, and did I mention they’re a B Corp?  In this episode, Chris Forbes reveals how The Cheeky Panda turned a bold eco idea into a £15M brand loved by customers and retailers alike. From smart scaling moves to making sustainability fun, Chris shares the mindset and marketing strategies behind their incredible growth.  Hit PLAY to hear:  🚀 How The Cheeky Panda grew from a bedroom idea to a £15M sustainable brand 🧠 Chris Forbes’ biggest lesson: what to focus on (and what to outsource) when scaling 🌿 Why sustainability alone isn’t a USP anymore — and what actually sells now 😂 How a giant panda costume helped them win fans and supermarket deals 🛒 The secret behind their omnichannel growth across Shopify, Tesco, and more 💡 What it really takes to turn purpose into profit — and stay ahead of the competition  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:24] "Sustainable Innovation with Purpose" [07:36] Expanding Bamboo Product Range [12:01] Supermarkets Prioritizing Sustainable Suppliers [13:47] Pricing and Quality Drive Success [16:12] "Cheeky Panda: Fun & Friendly" [21:14] Channel Strategies: Pros and Challenges [22:36] Listen to Chris’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/569--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Isobel Ridley is the founder at Lavender Hill, a women’s fashion brand focused on ethically made luxurious staples. Founded in 2013 then now sell exclusively via their Shopify store, turning over around £500,000 a year.  In this episode, Isobel shares how she built a profitable, sustainable fashion brand by focusing on what works—core products, smart use of AI, and old-school PR that still delivers.  Hit PLAY to hear:  💡 How focusing on fewer products made Lavender Hill more profitable 🧠 The clever ways Isobel uses AI (including ChatGPT!) to run her store smarter 🛍️ Why she ditched 3PLs and still fulfills every order in-house ✂️ The surprising reason she cut product lines and boosted brand value 📰 How traditional PR still drives sales in a digital-first world 🔍 The data-driven mindset behind every major business decision she’s made  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:50] "Sustainability Over Excess Colors" [07:03] In-House Operations Over 3PL [10:40] "Shifting PR: Magazines to Influencers" [14:25] Early Struggles of a Business [18:05] "Adapting Strategies for Profitability" [21:17] Listen to Isobel’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/568 --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bert van Son is the founder at MUD Jeans, the first and only circular jeans company in the world. Founded in 2012 they’ve been a BCorp since 2013. Selling via their Shopify store, their own store in Amsterdam, and over 250 stockists across Europe.  In this episode, Bert shares how MUD Jeans is redefining what it means to be a sustainable fashion brand — from leasing jeans to turning old denim into new. Get ready to learn how circular design, smart eCommerce strategy, and genuine purpose can work together to build a brand that lasts.  Hit PLAY to hear:  👖 How Mud Jeans turns old denim into brand-new jeans — and makes it profitable 🌍 Why sustainability alone won’t sell (and what really drives customers to buy) 🔄 The smart circular model that keeps customers coming back 💡 How mindset-based segmentation helps Mud Jeans target the right audience ⚙️ The surprising tool helping them sell secondhand jeans online 🚫 Why ultra-fast fashion is hurting us all — and what eCommerce brands can do differently  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:51] "Intern Turnover and Inspiration" [08:22] Leisure Jeans: A Global Sensation [13:23] Customer Sustainability Segments [15:55] Fast Fashion's Economic Impact [17:21] Tech Hubris & Brexit Concerns [18:44] Listen to Bert’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/567--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Janis Thomas is an eCommerce & Subscriptions Expert, recently named in the Top 100 UK Marketing Influencers list.  In this episode of the special WWYD? (What Would You Do?) series, Janis answers the big question: What would you do as a Head of eCommerce tasked with massively improving operational efficiency — especially when growth at your brand has stalled?  Hit PLAY to hear:  🚨 Why stalled growth is actually a wake-up call for your eCommerce brand 🧾 The ruthless audit every Head of eCom should do on costs, teams & tech ⚡ Quick wins that free up cash and time to spark new growth ⏳ How to stop wasting hours on admin & turn time into your secret weapon 🤖 The smart way to use AI for creative output (without losing your brand DNA) 🎯 Why an inspiring vision — not cost-cutting fear — gets teams on board with change  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:42] Streamline and Audit for Growth [07:19] Evolving Design and Business Practices  [12:31] Strategic Prioritization for Quick Impact [15:46] Experimentation Drives Business Improvement [19:18] Team Meetings: Encouraging Experiments [22:28] Focus on Brand Consistency [26:22] AI Design Needs Specificity [28:17] Listen to Janis’ Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/566--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Andrew Steel, E-commerce Director at Charles Bentley, shares insights from managing over 20 sales channels for a 160-year-old brand. He discusses the evolution of multi-channel selling and the innovative stock-splitting system that prevents overselling. Andrew reveals how cutting their SKUs from 1,300 to 600 boosted efficiency and growth. He emphasizes leveraging data, weather patterns, and search terms for accurate forecasting, and highlights the benefits of using fractional experts to scale effectively. Also, hear about plans for relaunching products in Europe despite recent challenges.

James Rutter is the Chief Strategy Officer at COOK, home of award-winning frozen meals and puddings. Founded in 1997, and a BCorp since 2013! COOK now sell via their bespoke website, 111 shops across the UK, and via wholesale. And in the last 15 years they’ve grown from £30million to being on track for £150million in annual sales this year, of which about 1/5 are online.  In this episode, James reveals the three pillars that power COOK’s incredible growth — and how you can apply them to your business.  Hit PLAY to hear: 💡 Why culture is the ultimate competitive advantage in eCommerce 📝 James’ 7 Laws of Strategy (and why your strategy must fit on ONE page) 🛠️ How to make every team member feel like an “insider” 👥 Cook’s bold hiring program that brings in talent others overlook — and why it works 📈 The simple rhythm Cook uses to keep strategy, budgeting, and execution aligned 🔥 How to turn internal culture into external brand energy that customers love  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:57] "Vertically Integrated Retail Food Chain" [08:18] "Empowering People in Business" [12:54] "Balancing Recruitment with Social Impact" [15:55] Simplifying Strategy for Clarity [18:57] Painful Choices Ensure Strategic Clarity [21:21] Annual Strategic Planning Process [24:14] Cultivating Authentic Brand Connection [26:50] Confronting Brutal Facts [29:27] Listen to James’ Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/564--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jeremy McCarty is the Chief Subscription and Content Officer of iFIT, a global leader in connected fitness via their NordicTrack, Pro-form, and Freemotion brands. In this episode, Jeremy reveals the proven framework he uses to build and scale subscription success at iFIT — a strategy that helps attract the right customers, keep them engaged, and grow loyalty over time.He shares how iFIT blends product, content, and customer insight to create a subscription experience that keeps people coming back month after month.Listen in to discover the key pillars behind his approach (including the 4-Bucket Framework) — and how you can apply them to your own eCommerce business.Hit PLAY to hear: 🎯 The exact 4-bucket framework Jeremy uses to grow iFIT’s subscription business. 🚀 Why retention is the real growth driver (and how to stop churn before it starts). 🏃 How “magical firsts” can keep new customers hooked from day one. 🌍 The bold content strategy that makes iFIT stand out from every other fitness brand. 🤖 How AI personalizes the user experience — and why it matters for engagement. 💡 The simple mindset shift every eCommerce brand needs to build loyal subscribers.  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:05] Building Long-Term Customer Relationships [06:42] "Start with the Customer" [12:44] Expanding Fitness Innovations to All [16:26] Jeremy's 4-Bucket Framework [17:55] "Delivering Value in First Impressions" [23:27] Listen to Jeremy’s Top Tips!  Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/563  --- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy