#75 : Why Accessibility in eCommerce Can’t Wait (feat. RNIB)

In this episode of the Space Bar podcast, Pete Robertshaw sits down with two expert guests from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design, and Kat Stoner, Head of Technology Transformation and Engineering.

Together, they unpack what it truly means to build an accessible digital experience in 2025 and beyond. With the EU’s European Accessibility Act looming, the conversation dives into how retailers can get ahead of the curve; not just to stay compliant, but to unlock revenue and improve experiences for millions of users.

Robin and Kat share how RNIB rebuilt their own eCommerce site on Shopify, creating what may be one of the most accessible websites in the UK. Along the way, they bust the myth that accessible sites can’t be beautiful, and share the practical changes any brand can make to improve digital equity — without blowing the budget.

This is a must-listen for anyone working in digital commerce, especially as the stakes for compliance and customer inclusivity continue to rise.

In this episode:

• What accessibility really means in a digital context
  
• The scale of the opportunity: why 2 million+ UK consumers are still being excluded
• The incoming European Accessibility Act and its impact on UK businesses
  
• The business case: how better accessibility also improves conversion and UX for all
  
• Common mistakes brands make when trying to “tick the box” on accessibility
  
• Why accessible design doesn’t have to look like a government website
  
• RNIB’s platform migration: why they chose Shopify, and how they made it work
  
• How to get started with accessibility audits and inclusive testing
  
• Using AI to power the next generation of inclusive tools and digital experiences

Pete Robertshaw is host of the Space Bar Podcast and Head of eCommerce Consultancy at Space 48.