Bira has teamed up with ecommerce specialist EKM to provide members with a trusted way to build an online presence while supporting their bricks-and-mortar retail business.

Preston-based EKM has helped over 80,000 businesses create their own successful online shop.

Members who sign up will receive everything they need to run a transactional website, including a domain name, secure servers, the ability to take payments using all major payment gateways and expert customer support. There are 150 customisable themes and with EKM retailers can create a blog, a loyalty points system and submit products to Google Shopping easily. EKM’s Evolution Mode ensures the website never goes out of date, so the online shop stays in optimum condition.

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre said: “We are really excited to be able to bring this service to you, which provides everything you need to start selling online. By going through Bira you get a 28-day free trial.”

Additional functions include connecting with customers through Facebook Messenger and automating back-in-stock notifications to convert more visitors to repeat buyers. Users can handle all their website SEO with ease, benefit from PCI compliance and an SSL certificate. Bira members will also have their own account manager to help launch their online shop and answer any questions.