Marks and Spencer notches up a first with completion of high street giant’s first ever Clothing, Home and Beauty hackathon

Last week, 200 M&S colleagues from across Stores, Clothing and Home, Digital and Technology teams came together for the retailer’s ninth 24 hour hackathon, powered by BEAM Academy.

The event was all about innovation and problem solving as 17 teams focused on opportunities to better serve customers and run the Clothing & Home business.

From digital outfit recommendations to improving the M&S bra fit proposition, employees worked around the clock to bring to life digital first solutions.

Womenswear Director and sponsor for the event, Maddy Sillem (Evans), said “Well done to everyone who took part. I’ve been thrilled to support the event.”

“It’s been great to see teams come together from across business areas, stretching themselves and incorporating insight to keep colleagues and customers at the heart of solutions - all while using the power of digital to accelerate these strategic opportunities."

In a LinkedIn post, Conor Rose, Principal Strategist at M&S, said: “The first Clothing, Home and Beauty hackathon! It might have been our nine iteration of this event - but it was one of many firsts too.”

He added: “Well done to everyone who chose to opt-in (60% being first-timers). Everyone committed their full time and talents so we can do better for colleagues and customers, digital first.”

“The intended result? Increased innovation against business outcomes, cultural change, accelerated colleague development and adoption of key tools and data.”

“All teams were amazing, but well done to the overall winners: Clare Pereira (Product Manager - Digital & Tech) and Aliyah Khaki (Senior Product Manager), and the Peoples Choice winners: Tufail Ahmed (Implementation Manager) and Laura Bradley (Lead Copywriter).”

“And of course, my amazing organising team who make it all happen: Jono Colenutt-Hutchins (Comms & Events Coordinator), Hayley Mckay (Digital Delivery Manager), Drew Spicer (Enterprise Data Architect), Philippa Knipe (Insight Analyst), alongside many more colleagues who support.” 

“That’s now over 1,500 participants who have been through this immersive accelerator!”