---
title: "North West Product & Ecommerce Forum: AI & Automation for Growing Brands"
description: Join the North West Product & Ecommerce Forum to explore AI and automation for scaling brands. Gain practical insights, network with experts, and enhance your business operations.
image: https://www.outserve.co.uk/hubfs/AI%2c%20Apps%20%26%20Auto%20Manchester%20Collateral%20(1).png
---
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## Solutions.
## Ecommerce Accounting.
Complete accounting solutions focussed on profit and growth
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## Inventory Management.
Inventory management systems play a crucial role in thriving product businesses
- [Backup Solutions](https://www.outserve.co.uk/unleashed-backup-service)
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## Ecommerce Automations.
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## Software.
## Accounting.
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- [Xero](https://www.outserve.co.uk/software-partners/xero)
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## Inventory Management.
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- [Unleashed](https://www.outserve.co.uk/software-partners/unleashed)
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- [Shopify](https://www.outserve.co.uk/software-partners/shopify)
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## Case Studies.
## Our client success stories.
Whether they use a single solution or a full end-to-end integration of multiple software packages we are proud to be a part of our client's success.
| [Protectapet](https://www.outserve.co.uk/case-studies#protectapet) | [Lola Designs](https://www.outserve.co.uk/case-studies#lola-designs) | [Origin Coffee](https://www.outserve.co.uk/case-studies#origin) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Saint and Sofia](https://www.outserve.co.uk/case-studies#saintandsofia) | [PD Adventure Sports](https://www.outserve.co.uk/case-studies#pd-adventure-sports) | [Atlas Flowers](https://www.outserve.co.uk/case-studies#atlas-flowers) |
- View all client success stories
\
3 min read
# North West Product & Ecommerce Forum: AI & Automation for Growing Brands
[ Philip Oakley](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/author/philip-oakley) : Mar 3, 2026, 3:01:34 PM
[Xero](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/xero) [Outserve](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/outserve) [Accounting](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/accounting) [Events](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/events) [Unleashed](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/unleashed) [Shopify](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/shopify) [E-commerce](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/e-commerce) [A2X](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/a2x) [B2B](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/b2b) [Food and Beverage](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/food-and-beverage)
.png)
North West Product & Ecommerce Forum: AI & Automation for Growing Brands
5:28
I spend a lot of time in London.
There are some genuinely excellent events there for founders and operators scaling product businesses. The quality of conversation is high. The rooms are ambitious. The insights are practical.
But it raises a fair question:
**Why don’t we see more of that calibre of event in the regions — particularly here in the North West?**
[Book your spot now](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-apps-automation-for-growing-product-ecomm-brands-north-west-tickets-1983201111912?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)
Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire and the wider North West are home to some of the UK’s most exciting FMCG, wholesale, retail and ecommerce brands. The talent is here. The ambition is here. The growth is happening here.
So at Outserve, we decided to do something about it.
We’re launching the **North West Product & Ecommerce Forum: AI & Automation for Growing Brands**, hosted at the Xero Manchester office.
And it’s built specifically for scaling product businesses navigating 2026.
## **Why This Event — Why Now?**
The reality for product and ecommerce brands in 2026 is clear:
- Margins are tighter
- Retail pressure is increasing
- Supply chains are still unpredictable
- Inventory ties up more cash than most founders realise
- AI and automation promise a lot — but clarity on ROI is mixed
At the same time, the opportunity has never been bigger.
Brands that get their systems, data and financial operations right are scaling faster — without adding unnecessary headcount or operational chaos.
But that requires honest conversations.
Not software demos disguised as talks.
Not generic “growth mindset” content.
Not sales-heavy breakfasts.
This forum is designed to be different.
## **Who It’s For**
This event is built for people actively running and scaling product businesses across the North West, including:
- Founders and leadership teams in **FMCG, wholesale, retail and DTC**
- Ecommerce leaders managing marketplace and multi-channel growth
- Finance directors and controllers looking for visibility and automation
- Operations leaders responsible for inventory, forecasting and planning
If you’re responsible for revenue, margin, stock, cash or systems — this is your room.
## **What We’ll Cover**
### **1. The 2026 Reality Check**
What is actually changing in FMCG and ecommerce?
We’ll tackle:
- Retailer pressure and margin compression
- Promotional intensity and working capital impact
- The operational strain of multi-channel growth
- How scaling brands are responding
No hype. Just practical insight from people in the arena.
### **2. AI That Actually Matters**
AI is everywhere — but where does it genuinely create ROI for product brands?
We’ll explore practical use cases in:
- Inventory forecasting
- Demand planning
- Ecommerce analytics
- Finance automation
- Margin and cash visibility
And importantly — what to ignore.
Because not every AI tool creates leverage. Some just create noise.
### **3. The Modern Product Brand Tech Stack**
We’ll break down how scaling brands are connecting:
- **Unleashed** (inventory control)
- **Xero** (finance and reporting)
- **A2X** (ecommerce accounting automation)
When connected properly, this stack:
- Reduces manual reconciliation
- Improves stock accuracy
- Surfaces real margin by channel
- Frees finance teams from spreadsheet firefighting
- Unlocks cash from inventory
This is where FinOps becomes strategic — not just compliance.
## **Confirmed Speakers (So Far)**
We’re bringing together founders, operators, tech specialists and finance experts who work directly with scaling brands:
- **Ian Phillips** — Head of Partner Sales, Xero
- **Phil Peters** — MD, YF (high-growth FMCG consultancy)
- **Shadia Al Hili** — Founder, Cuzena
- **Stu MacDonald** — Founder, ManiLife
- **Elspeth Cordray** — UK GTM Manager, A2X
- **Joshua Lunn-Scott** — Lead Consultant, Unleashed Software
- **Phil Oakley** — MD, Outserve (FinOps & systems integration)
More speakers will be announced shortly.
## **What Makes This Different?**
- Short, high-value sessions (maximum 20 minutes)
- Straight-talking founder and operator panels
- A room full of decision-makers — not spectators
- 45 minutes of focused networking over lunch
- Optional 1:1 expert sessions after the event
This is not about passive listening.
It’s about clarity, direction and practical next steps.
## **What You’ll Leave With**
Attendees will leave with a clearer view of:
- What AI and automation mean for your business in practice
- How to unlock cash from stock and operations
- Where margin is really being won and lost
- What “good” looks like in a modern product tech stack
- Who to know in the North West ecosystem
- The next operational steps to scale with control
## **Why Outserve Is Hosting This**
At Outserve, we work at the intersection of finance, inventory and ecommerce systems.
We see firsthand where scaling brands struggle:
- Fragmented data
- Stock tying up cash
- Marketplace reconciliation chaos
- Finance teams buried in manual work
- Systems that don’t talk to each other
We also see what happens when those problems are fixed.
Growth becomes controlled.
Cash becomes visible.
Decision-making becomes faster.
Finance becomes proactive.
This forum is about bringing those conversations into one room — here in the North West.
## **If You’re Scaling a Product Brand in the North West**
You don’t need more noise.
You need clearer numbers.
Stronger systems.
Better conversations.
And the right people around you.
That’s what this event is designed to deliver.
**North West Product & Ecommerce Forum: AI & Automation for Growing Brands**
Not just inspiration.
Direction.
[Book here now so you don't miss this event](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-apps-automation-for-growing-product-ecomm-brands-north-west-tickets-1983201111912?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)
[](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/digital-accounting-show-2024)
#### [Digital Accounting Show 2024](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/digital-accounting-show-2024)
[ Philip Oakley](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/author/philip-oakley) : Mar 7, 2024, 12:59:55 PM
Phil will be part of a lineup featuring 100+ thought-leaders, subject-matter experts, and accounting professionals sharing their insights with over...
[Xero](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/xero) [Shopify](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/shopify) [E-commerce](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/e-commerce) [A2X](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/a2x) [Amazon](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/amazon)
[Read More](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/digital-accounting-show-2024)
[](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-cost-flow-method-for-your-ecommerce-business)
#### [Ecommerce COGS Explained: A Complete Guide to Cost Flow Methods](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-cost-flow-method-for-your-ecommerce-business)
[ Philip Oakley](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/author/philip-oakley) : Dec 2, 2025, 6:20:07 PM
Struggling with ecommerce COGS? Discover the best valuation method for your business and learn how Outserve + A2X automate accurate COGS and...
[Xero](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/xero) [Unleashed](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/unleashed) [Shopify](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/shopify) [A2X](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/a2x) [ecommerce](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/ecommerce) [Amazon](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/amazon) [ecommerce COGS](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/ecommerce-cogs)
[Read More](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-cost-flow-method-for-your-ecommerce-business)
[](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/amazon-sellers-conference-2024)
#### [Amazon Sellers Conference 2024 - powered by Outserve](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/amazon-sellers-conference-2024)
[ Philip Oakley](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/author/philip-oakley) : Feb 1, 2024, 10:38:14 AM
Phil has been confirmed to speak at Amafest, the UKs leading conference for Amazon Sellers, powered by Outserve. Phil will be speaking about...
[Xero](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/xero) [Shopify](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/shopify) [E-commerce](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/e-commerce) [A2X](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/a2x) [Amazon](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/tag/amazon)
[Read More](https://www.outserve.co.uk/blog/amazon-sellers-conference-2024)
##### 
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##### Accounting Services
Accounting Services
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- [International Sales Tax](https://www.outserve.co.uk/accounting-services)
- [Bookkeeping](https://www.outserve.co.uk/accounting-services)
- [Business Insights](https://www.outserve.co.uk/accounting-services)
##### Solutions
Solutions
- [Ecommerce Healthcheck](https://services.outserve.co.uk/ecommerce-healthcheck)
- [Ecommerce Websites](https://www.outserve.co.uk/software-partners/shopify)
- [Inventory Management Support](https://www.outserve.co.uk/solutions#inventory-management-support)
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##### Company
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