About Us
Technology quality at the heart of everything we do
Spike exists to prevent the anguish retailers can experience when implementing and managing digital retail experiences, through carefully controlled processes and a quality-first culture.
We have a real passion for retail technology and years of experience in driving business growth through quality platforms.
We accelerate the growth of our client’s businesses and join them on the journey from conception to successfully delivered realisation of their technology ambitions. The aim is to ensure the experience for businesses and customers is fast, secure, and performs above expectation.
Delve into our story and see how our commitment to retail quality is helping retailers establish future-proof platforms for long-term success.
Spike's Clarity Commitment
Frankly, we've had it with suppliers who promise you the A team then deliver with the B team. Who leave behind poor implementations that don't work or won't scale. Those who provide incomplete information that stifles your decision making. And we're done with those who over-promise and under-deliver, we think you should be too!
That's why we crafted our Clarity Commitment, our way to de-risk how you work with us. it's our firm promise to you that we will...
Be fully honest and transparent throughout - good or bad.
Flag any issues early to maximise time for correction or pivoting.
Provide the team we promise - no surprises.
Apply our expertise to benefit you during (and beyond) our partnership.
Often go beyond expectations, but never fall short.
If your systems fail, so does your business. We stop that from happening.
A bold claim but one we care passionately about. Since first working together around the year 2000 (yeah, that long ago!) both have .....
Since taking over as the key leaders of Spike, both have brought a passion and determination to become true partners with leading retailers.
Under their leadership the Spike team are driving excellence in retail-specific technology quality assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who are your typical clients?
Our clients are retailers heavily reliant on technology to run their business, who are striving to grow and understand the importance of aligning technology with their goals.
They value a trusted, collaborative partnership and are ready to embark on a journey towards better outcomes and are open to working closely with us to achieve success.
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What is your experience in the retail industry?
We have worked with a wide range of retailers, including those in fashion, electricals, luxury and lifestyle goods, and personal care as well as supply chain, logistics and delivery.
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How does Spike approach change flow improvement? What’s the methodology & process?
We have developed our FLOW System to ensure you can launch technology change with confidence.
In our Focus stage we start with an in-depth analysis of your technology landscape and your approach to validating and proving tech change. Through a co-creative process, we then craft a Clarity of Vision Blueprint as your roadmap of activities needed to accelerate the flow of tech change.
We can then help you to move into Launch and Optimise activation phases which ensure that the blueprint is executed correctly and you build towards delivering future change at pace and scale.
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What is the business case for investing in improving our change flow?
Our most successful clients have seen dramatic growth in revenue and average order value, improved end user performance, faster sales cycles and increased customer loyalty. Equally we have also helped them reduce the cost of testing and rework. Both facets combine to a significant bottom-line improvement.
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How do you help us to follow the right QA strategy?
Our co-creation process involves all key stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and alignment from the outset. We rigorously test our recommendations against your team's feedback and your tech strategy to mitigate risks and ensure that the final blueprint resonates with you and your internal sponsors.
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How do you measure the success of a change flow maximisation project?
We're there for your long term succcess by helping you use technology better to drive customer loyalty and sales as well as to reduce the cost of change delivery.
Immediate success is measured through tangible outcomes like reduced outages, less rework, right first-time deployments and increased deployment frequency.
A stable foundation with a solid approach to deliver technology change also gives you the confidence to lead the market through innovation and excellence, and to maintain predictable costs.
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How long does a typical engagement with Spike last?
Our goal is to be your long-term partner, but equally we're not hanging around once you're at the point where you no longer need us!
Our initial Clarity of Vision Blueprint exercise is done in 30 days and we commit to have you well on the way to Go-live Certainty at Speed within 6 months.
Actual time will of course depend on scope and complexity and how amenable you are to upping the pace of change. We will always be super clear and open on the effort required and ensure we deliver value for your budget.
We will set clear milestones where you can take things forward yourself and after a clear Wrap phase we can package, handover and train your team to keep things moving.
Once things are moving well though, most clients then work with us on subsequent iniatives and further optimisation. This may be on a project by project basis or we transition into a managed service where we operate testing for you on an ongoing basis, even moving away from time-based contracts to an output-basis.
Whichever way is right for you, we always work closely with your team to ensure the final position is not only compelling but also actionable.
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What sets Spike apart from other consultancies?
We differentiate on a number of core factors across your solution, language (market perception) and offer (deal structure and features). Our MEHscapology™️ methodology ensures that every aspect of your consultancy, from marketing to product development, is aligned to attract high-value clients.
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What is the pricing structure for your services?
Our pricing is tiered depending on the depth and duration of the engagement. We offer packages ranging from £5k to £15k, each designed to meet different levels of complexity and support.
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How do you ensure stakeholder involvement during the Focus process?
We engage all key stakeholders from the start, ensuring their input and buy-in throughout the process. This helps create a final position that not only resonates with the market but is fully supported by your team.
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How do you approach resistance to change during and after your intervention?
We address resistance through a transparent co-creation process and quick wins that demonstrate the value of the new positioning. Our activation phase also ensures that the entire team is aligned and confident in the new direction.
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What ongoing support do you offer after the initial Clarity of Vision Blueprint work?
We provide ongoing tactical guidance to ensure that your new positioning remains relevant and actionable. We also offer support through the final activation phase, helping you realise new growth opportunities within weeks.
The FLOW System:
Built for speed. Engineered for certainty.
With Spike's FLOW System, you'll know your retail tech is ready - without the stress, the guesswork or the surprises.
Clarity of Vision Blueprint
in 1 month
Go-Live Certainty at Speed
within 6 months
Interested?
We're certain we can make a difference, to make sure you get change live quicker and with more confidence.
We guarantee our Clarity of Vision Blueprint and Go-Live Certainty at Speed commitments based on our success with other retailers.
Drop us a message and let's set up a chat to take you through how FLOW will transform your change activities!