A Preston-based e-commerce company has created a new free service to help struggling businesses without an online presence to survive the coronavirus pandemic.

EKM, which is based in Fulwood, has created Obodo to help local community businesses who primarily serve a customer base within 15 miles of their brick and mortar shop.

Through Obodo, these businesses can build a website with an online shop for free, so they can still reach their customers in lockdown.

The service will allow business owners to upload products, take secure payments, and provide delivery and click and collect services for customers in their local area. A range of themes are available for specific industries such as bakeries, butchers and greengrocers. 

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Antony Chesworth, founder of both EKM and Obodo, said: “While we have seen a lot of online small businesses thrive in the Covid-19 era, unfortunately we have also seen many brick and mortar local businesses shut their doors with no way to reach their customers.

“Helping small businesses has always been the driving force behind EKM, and we have always been passionate about doing the right thing. 

“We decided to use the resources we have and do something to help those struggling businesses.

“I hope that Obodo will help businesses not only now, when an online presence is more important than ever, but for years to come.”

EKM, which was founded by Chesworth in 2002, has helped over 80,000 businesses build successful online shops during the past 18 years.

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For more information or to sign up for a free online shop, visit the Obodo website.

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What do you think of this new service? Do you know a business owner who could benefit from it? Let us know in the comments.