As we head into the second half of 2024, here is an updated UK-wide sector talent and skills overview for eCommerce agencies. This article offers a snapshot of the UK’s booming eCommerce sector in 2024, covering market growth, in-demand skills, emerging technologies, and employment opportunities.
Sector Overview
eCommerce continues to grow in the UK, with an increasing number of businesses expanding their online presence. The UK eCommerce market is expected to reach £280.55 billion in 2024, reflecting a significant growth rate. The focus has shifted towards creating seamless omnichannel experiences for customers, integrating various touchpoints such as online stores, social media, and physical locations to provide a unified shopping experience.
Skills in Demand
In 2024 skills in web development, particularly in eCommerce platforms like Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) and Shopify, remain in high demand. In 2023 interest in BigCommerce rose sharply but has cooled in 2024, whereas Shopify has gained market share in their battle to become the number one platform of choice.
Proficiency in digital marketing and SEO is crucial for driving traffic and sales whereas experience with analytics and customer journey mapping is also valuable, as businesses seek to understand and optimize the customer experience across multiple channels. Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and AR/VR are becoming increasingly important, enhancing personalization and customer engagement.
Employment Outlook
The outlook for eCommerce talent in the UK is strong, with a growing number of agencies looking for professionals who can help businesses succeed in the competitive online marketplace. The demand for eCommerce roles is expected to remain robust, driven by the continuous digitalization of commercial activities and the adoption of advanced technologies. What’s more, many eCommerce agencies are diversifying their technical specialities to offer a wider service for clients, in turn creating new hiring opportunities.
Key roles include:
Despite economic pressures and automation trends, the sector offers numerous opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.
You can read what we had to say about the eCom Agency sector earlier this year here.