The expert panel for
e-Den panels comprise top e-business exemplars and experts on the more technical aspects of web commerce. Members of the 2008 panel included:
Martin Montague, CEO of Symbios
Group, runs over 200 e-commerce sites, dominating the respective markets for on-line dating and ring tone downloads. He has just completed the purchase of two major social networking brands - Faces.com and Profileheaven - via his 3Bill subsidiary.
Dubbed the e-Den rottweiler, Martin likes to cut to the chase. His insights, based on extensive sharp-end experience, can have candidates quivering with laughter or embarrassment. His knowledge of how to make money on-line is unrivalled.
Sarah Baker, Sales and Marketing Director of Refreshed Media, worked in radio for 9 years before founding the company with co-Director Simon Melaniphy in 2003. Since then, they have built an enviable reputation for state-of-the-art digital marketing including some spectacular viral campaigns.
When asked to describe herself, Sarah said, "passionate, passionate, passionate and very determined, I absolutely love what I do, so I'm thrilled to be on the e-Den panel this year. It's a great opportunity to share my online knowledge, meet like minded people with a genuine thirst to succeed and help their businesses grow".
Spencer Gallagher founder and MD of
Bluhalo, a
UK Top 20 digital agency, responsible for 1300+ active websites including many successful e-commerce sites. Bluhalo recently became the second fastest growing digital agency in the UK.
Spencer has successfully harnessed social media to increase traffic to his web site by 100% in the last 3 months. He invariably arrives at e-Den well briefed by his team of heavy-duty search specialists. He also brings his own particular blend of wit, wisdom and personality to the panel.
Janine Battersby is a strategic thinker and digital guru with a strong background in marketing and law. Her specialities include new product and service development, as well as negotiating and managing strategic alliances and partnerships. Janine has board level experience in mergers, acquisitions and disposals and consults for a number of companies specialising in new media, mobile and Web technologies, including IBM.
Allan Cummings, former Marketing Manager
of Novatech, a £20m e-commerce player, now working his magic with Zurich Insurance. Allan takes a very user focussed view of candidates' web sites. If Alan is not sure what you're selling then you can be pretty sure your customers won't know either.
Alan was not at heat 1 because he was running across the Sahara, in a desert marathon.
Vera Brannen runs Brannen Usable Brands, a company devoted to making Web sites or software easier and more fun to use. Her expertise involves bridging the gap between information architecture, usability and e-branding. She believes that only the balanced combination of screen design, usability and concise interface design creates a convincing product.
We are delighted to have Vera's lively, passionate presence on our panel for e-Den Heat 4.
Paul Tansey, CEO of Intergage Limited, has built a highly specialist Web marketing company. Paul brings a wealth expert knowledge and experience of Web site design founded in established, proven usability principles, as well as his vast experience in Search Engine Marketing through Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimisation. Intergage has over 350 customers and maintains over 400 websites currently. With offices in Poole and Southampton and continues to grow substantially year-on-year.