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** The Growth Newsletter for
UK DTC Brands
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Hey there,
Hope you’re all making the most of the heatwave 🌞
If you’re part of our DTC Live Community Platform, you’ll know August is our quieter month for in-person events, but it’s still busy online. There’s been plenty of chat lately about Q4 campaign planning, paid social testing, and how brands are making the most of summer sales spikes. If you’re not in there yet, it’s the easiest way to keep the ideas (and connections) flowing between events.
Join the Community ✏️ (https://2aahovc9gzu.typeform.com/DTCplatform)
And if you do fancy something face-to-face before Q4 kicks in…
Join Ruggable, ACAI Outdoorwear, Jaques London and others, as we’re heading back to Gran Canaria next month from 24–27 Sept for three days with 20 founders and decision-makers, and there’s just one space left.
This isn’t your usual networking trip. Think fewer name badges, more real conversations about what’s working (and what’s not), tackling challenges together, and building connections that last well beyond the flight home.
This year’s theme: Trends, Tactics & Transformations
Expect:
✨ Workshops and honest brand chats you can actually learn from
🌅 Morning yoga, scenic hikes, and proper downtime
🥂 Unhurried networking over dinner and drinks
🌴 A stunning backdrop that sparks fresh ideas
All expenses are covered except flights. One spot. First come, first served.
Apply here before it’s gone ✏️ (https://2aahovc9gzu.typeform.com/septretreat)
And just a few weeks later, we’ll be back in London for the big one…
🇬🇧 DTC Live London | 16 Oct
Our flagship London conference is shaping up to be our biggest yet, with talks, panels, and networking alongside some incredible brands, including:
TALA • RegalRose • Mallet • Smoothie London • Myprotein THG • YETI • Indu • Sealskinz• Hair Loving • Hollywood Browzer Beauty • One Good Thing • Selkie Hair • ALB • Reia • DECIEM • PACK'D • The Steam Bar • Eleven as One
Expect a full day of actionable insights, inspiring stories, and real-world strategies you can take straight back to your team. If London’s on your calendar this autumn, make sure this date’s saved.
Why not sign up and come join us?
use code JAQRGFUAX for a free ticket
Sign Up Here ✏️ (https://www.dtclive.com/dtc-live-london)
** Why ‘Human First’ Brands Are Winning in an AI-Flooded Market
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** AI is transforming business from automation to personalisation but it’s also creating a sense of detachment. A PwC survey found 75% of consumers feel companies are losing the human touch. This isn’t just a problem; it’s an opportunity. In a market filled with perfect algorithms, the brands that win are the ones bold enough to stay human.
What Does “Human First” Mean in 2025?
It means seeing the person behind every click recognising that customers aren’t just buyers, but individuals who want to be seen and valued. According to Edelman (2023), 71% of consumers choose brands that align with their values. It's no longer just about what you sell but why, how, and who’s behind it.
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** Core Principles of Human-First Brands
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* Empathy: Understand what people feel and need.
* Transparency: Be honest and own your mistakes.
* Authenticity: Show up as you are real and original.
* Purpose: Have a mission deeper than profit.
* Inclusivity: Involve diverse voices and collaborate with customers.
** Why This Approach Works
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* Trust & Loyalty: People connect emotionally with relatable, honest brands.
* Better Products: Listening leads to products that actually solve real problems.
* Differentiation: In crowded markets, authenticity stands out.
* Profitability: 76% of consumers prefer buying from emotionally connected brands (DigitalSilk, 2023).
** Balancing AI with Human-Centred Branding
The future isn’t AI vs. Humans, it’s AI with Humans. Use AI to enhance not replace the human experience:
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* Automate for efficiency, not for emotional moments.
* Let humans lead storytelling AI can’t express your brand’s heart.
* Design AI tools with friendly, emotionally aware language.
** Becoming a Human-First Brand Starts Now
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* Set a people-first intention across your team and strategy.
* Design for real life, not just ideal use cases.
* Use behavioural insights like the MIBA(Multimodal Integrated Behavior Analytics) framework to guide UX.
* Ask human questions:
– What need are we meeting?
– Does this feel personal and respectful?
– Would I enjoy this experience?
AI is powerful but your brand’s heart is human. In a world chasing speed and scale, human-first brands win by choosing connection, clarity, and care. Be the brand people feel, not just use.
Book your free call with our CRO expert (https://calendly.com/rainy-city/cro-growth-strategy-call?month=2025-02)
An Overview on Our Upcoming Events
DTC Live London
16th October | Fable, Holborn Viaduct, London
Talks, panels, drinks, and deep dives with teams from leading brands. More details to follow.
🎟️ Free brand tickets (https://www.dtclive.com/dtc-live-london) , use code JAQRGFUAX
Learning Labs Manchester: Annual Planning
October (date TBC) | Huckletree, Ancoats
Everything you need to get your annual plans sorted, actionable workshops, templates, and honest discussion with other brands.
🤝 Book your spot (https://2aahovc9gzu.typeform.com/to/nkYaO9XM)
Gran Canaria Brand Retreat
24th–27th September | 5-star wellness resort
An all-expenses-covered* escape for founders, leaders and decision makers, focused on trends, tactics & transformation (*except flights).
🌴 If you’re interested, fill out this quick application:
📋 Exclusive Brand Retreat Application (https://2aahovc9gzu.typeform.com/brandretreat)
Want a look at last time?
Take a look at our highlights video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_0YscPaf6w) , photos (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fzDcP7h0T4rr7prfb-m6ZULur-vS5STN?usp=sharing) , and last year’s agenda (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VOaL_O_goqUdp2ZmK9ikxcPcs4T-dS65/view?usp=sharing) !
Sculpt & Scale, An event of beauty and wellness brands
5th November | Reformer Pilates Studio, London
A private reformer pilates session, juices and breakfast, plus a chance to connect with other brands in health and wellness.
💪🥤Register your interest (https://2aahovc9gzu.typeform.com/to/YE93NOiQ)
Hope to see you soon!
Check out our FULL events calendar here 📅 (https://www.dtclive.com/events-calendar)
That's it for this week!
Thank you for reading :)
To help continue to build the DTC Live community, please forward this email on to someone you think might like it. Or if easier, share this link (https://www.dtclive.com/newsletter-sign-up) .
We'll be back with more growth strategies and insights for eCom and tech brands next week.
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