A MALVERN internet company has picked up a prestigious industry award for a worldwide shopping site it developed in partnership with Parcelforce Worldwide.

Global eBusiness solutions specialist Retail Futures, based at Malvern Hills Science Park, picked up the Internet Commerce Award at the World Mail Awards in London.

Retail Futures and Parcelforce warded off competition from the United States Postal Service to win the award for internet developments that added value to the mail industry.

Their site, World of Shopping - www.worldofshopping.com - offers all aspects of web design, promotion, secure order processing and delivery on behalf of retailers, giving them the opportunity to sell their products across the globe.

A range of more than 20,000 products from 100 different suppliers, primarily with a strong British flavour and mostly gifts or collectibles, can be bought on the multi currency secure shopping site.

"When customers purchase goods from World of Shopping they can buy with confidence because their shopping will be delivered safely and securely to almost every country in the world," said John Andrews, CEO of Retail Futures.

Minister for Science Lord Sainsbury opened one of site's shopping channels by cracking open a bottle of virtual champagne during a visit to Malvern Hills Science Park last year.

"It's great to see an awful lot of hard work by John and his team being acknowledged by a top industry award," said Nigel Shaw, manager of the science park.

"It helps to highlight Malvern as an e-commerce hotspot."

The awards were part of the World Mail & Express Conference, one of Europe's foremost postal industry leaders.