A company which runs a new search engine for online shoppers has appointed Rightmove’s Miles Shipside as a non-executive director.

Shoptility was founded by its CEO, Will Lownsborough, who used to be with Zoopla and, before that, Vizzihome.

He was managing director of Vizzihome which was sold to Zoopla last year. Lownsborough then became head of its data services before setting up Shoptility, which is due to launch shortly.

Before Vizzihome, he worked in lettings, latterly at Belvoir.

Shoptility aims to revolutionise the way consumers shop online by reducing the time they spend searching for products and services.

Working alongside some of the UK’s biggest brands, Shoptility enables a shopper to sent their inquiry to multiple retailers simultaneously, enabling a one-to-one dialogue between shopper and shop.

In his new role, Shipside – who is commercial director at Rightmove – will help Shoptility reach its goals and offer strategic advice.

Lownsborough said of Shipside: “His wealth of experience in online commerce and customer service will make a significant contribution to the board as we identify and address the future needs of the business.

“Miles has a great deal to offer and I am absolutely confident he will be an invaluable part of the Shoptility team.”

Shipside, who joined Rightmove from Halifax’s estate agency operation in 2001, said: “For so many people, the personal touch and expert advice is missing from their online shopping experience, and online searches can bring back an overwhelming choice of results.

“Shoptility is all about making it easier for people to shop online.

“Back in 2001, I saw the opportunity to change the face of property search for the better and now I see a parallel with the Shoptility proposition, which is why joining the team was an easy decision.”