Portaltech, an eBusiness consultancy that specializes in the mCommerce retail solutions, is the first to launch a UK retail mCommerce app which features PayPal’s Mobile Express Checkout. The app assists retailers in their efforts to offer customers fast and secure checkout on their mobile devices.

Portaltech’s partnership with PayPal came after recent research conducted by Portaltech and eDigital Research.  In the study, the companies wanted to understand the influencing factors and features of mobile apps, from a consumer’s perspective.

Of the people polled, “Convenience” was one of the top three most mentioned benefits of shopping via mobile phone.  86% of the people polled stated that they already have a PayPal account, while another 8% stated that they “Wanted one.”

The study also revealed that 20% of those with smartphones had made a purchase via mobile phone, with 93% rating this as a “positive experience.”  Additionally, 20% stated that they “Expected to spend more via their mobiles in the next 12 months.”

“There are 26 million PayPal accounts held in the UK,” said Rachel Wilkinson, Head of Brand and Retail at Portaltech, “and PayPal is a ‘must have feature’ for the Portaltech QuickLive mCommerce checkout.”

According to Cameron McLean, General Manager, Merchant Services, PayPal UK, “PayPal sees mobile as the next wave of growth for retailers. We have opened our secure payment platform to third parties like Portaltech to enable them to develop innovative mobile solutions for their clients.  Shoppers can use their PayPal account to pay on their mobile phones, with the same security and convenience they enjoy on their PC.”

Portaltech’s first retailer iPhone App using PayPal’s Mobile Express Checkout will be released for L.K. Bennett in September.