Celebrate:MK August 2020

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August 2020

MK entrepreneur challenges Deliveroo and Uber Eats New start-up business Presto, an app launched by Asam Aslam, helps retailers to sell online without the need to set up a website

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resto has launched in Milton Keynes providing an online platform for local retailers to sell their products, produce, and services. Despite the easing of lockdown, now is an uncertain time for many small and independent businesses. According to accountancy giant EY, more than half of UK shoppers now expect to go shopping less than before lockdown. With a negative outlook for the high street, many retailers are considering taking their business online, especially as research from Globaldata shows that 26% of UK shoppers are planning to continue to spend more online after Covid-19. But websites can be expensive and ranking on Google can be extremely competitive. An alternative to an individual website is for retailers to use an online platform, but with accusations that online marketplaces

Presto app founder Asam Aslam with his family at Stadium MK are charging up to 30% commission is this an option? Presto, a new start-up business in Milton Keynes says it is. Presto offers a solution for retailers to sell online without the need to create their own website. Businesses simply sign up at www.thepresto.co.uk and then sell their goods via the Presto app. This allows consumers who have converted to online shopping during lockdown to support local businesses. Once shopping has been purchased a customer can either use Presto’s delivery service or arrange to click and collect in-store. Presto is also helping businesses through its online payment system. The use of cash has significantly reduced as a result of lockdown, impacting many trades like taxis and tradesmen.

In the past, this would have led to businesses having to invest in card payment machines but Presto offers another option – a secure payment system based on QR codes allowing payment to be made from over two metres away. Presto’s founder Asam Aslam said: “Now is a tough time for businesses, the already low-profit margins they are working to are being squeezed and there is less footfall into shops, but the team at Presto truly believes that this app provides the service that is required in these difficult times to both businesses and consumers.” For more information call 01908 888450 or visit www.ThePresto.co.uk You can download the app from the App Store and Google Play.

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