What does it take to grow a successful e-commerce business and enjoy every minute of it? Ian Hammersley, CEO of SmarteBusiness, shares exactly that.

As part of The Changing Education Group’s Inspire Future Leaders series, Ian opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the power of passion, and how young people can carve out their own path in the digital economy.

Who is Ian Hammersley, and what can students learn from his journey?

Ian Hammersley is the co-founder and CEO of SmarteBusiness, an e-commerce growth consultancy that helps businesses scale through strategy, data, and performance marketing.

In a video interview hosted by Amos Madra, Ian shares the story behind his business, built with his brother Mark, and offers students valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in the fast-moving ecommerce world.

Career highlights:

• Finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (2014)
• Keynote speaker at major ecommerce and digital marketing events
• Author of multiple books including The Ultimate Guide To E-commerce Growth
• Helps ecommerce brands scale from six to eight figures in revenue

Ian’s message is clear: “If you run a business you’re passionate about, it’s not work, it’s fun.”

What is SmarteBusiness, and how does it support digital careers?

SmarteBusiness is a growth consultancy that partners with already-successful ecommerce companies to unlock new levels of scale. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes engine helping online brands grow smarter, faster, and more profitably.

The company’s success is rooted in:

• Data-driven strategy
• Deep understanding of ecommerce platforms and customer journeys
• Continuous testing, learning, and adapting
• Real passion for innovation in digital retail

For students, it’s a great example of where careers in digital marketing, analytics, tech, and entrepreneurship can lead, especially in today’s digital-first world.

What advice does Ian offer to future entrepreneurs?

Ian’s story is about more than just strategy; it’s about mindset. He reminds students that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit, it’s about passion, progress, and problem-solving.

“If you are going to run a business in something you are passionate about, it isn’t business, it’s fun!”

Ian’s key advice for students:

• Follow your curiosity, it could lead to a business idea
• Learn from failure, mistakes are part of growth
• Think big, start small, every brand started with a single idea
• Keep learning, reading, testing, and adapting are daily habits

By seeing someone like Ian in action, students can picture themselves as creators, not just consumers in the digital economy.

How does this support careers education in UK schools?

Ian’s journey is a powerful fit for Gatsby Benchmark 5 (encounters with employers) and Benchmark 4 (linking curriculum to careers). His story brings business studies, ICT, and even English (he’s a published author!) to life.

Benefits for schools and students:

• Promotes entrepreneurship and innovation
• Encourages self-motivation and creative thinking
• Provides real-world role models in the digital sector
• Supports career engagement in tech, business, and marketing

Through The Changing Education Group’s Work Experience Suite, schools can integrate stories like Ian’s into their wider careers programme, inspiring confident, creative learners.

Business Starts With Belief: Ian’s Message to Future Leaders

Ian Hammersley’s story shows students what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Whether it’s scaling a business or starting from scratch, his advice empowers the next generation to think boldly and act creatively.

Want your students to hear from more entrepreneurs like Ian?
Book a demo to see how The Changing Education Group helps schools connect learners with inspiring industry insights and career pathways that truly matter.

FAQs

What is e-commerce?
E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. It includes online shops, marketplaces, and subscription services.

Who are SmarteBusiness?
They’re an ecommerce growth consultancy helping online businesses scale through smart strategy, performance marketing, and data analysis.

Why is Ian Hammersley featured by The Changing Education Group?
As part of our Inspire Future Leaders series, Ian shares a real-world journey into entrepreneurship, helping students understand digital business careers.

How does this support Gatsby Benchmarks?
It contributes to Benchmark 5 (employer encounters) and Benchmark 4 (curriculum links), showing the real-world impact of business and ICT learning.

Can my school access more employer stories like this?
Yes, our Work Experience Suite includes employer videos, virtual placements, and tailored content to support high-quality careers education.