AN IT firm has won a major deal to supply software for a luxury home accessories retailer.

K3 Business Technology Group, based at Linden Business Centre, Linden Road, Colne, has agreed a £1.3million multi-cahnnel' contract with The White Company.

Multi-channel retailing is where businesses use a variety of methods to sell goods such as in store and via the internet.

The contract will see K3 supply Microsoft software across The White Company's business to run its head office IT systems as well as the firm's mail order, website and retail stores.

The deal is seen as significant to K3 not only because of its value but also because it is the first time the business has won a major multi-channel contract.

Andy Makeham, chief executive of K3 said: "Multi-channel is a fast growing retail market and The White Company, as one of the leading multi-channel retailers, represents an exciting win for K3.

"Not only does this represent excellent progress in our strategy to target multi-channel retailers but this will undoubtedly be one of the most extensive and comprehensive implementations undertaken to date, making it a flagship implementation for K3."

K3 was formed in 2000 and also has an office in Nelson.

The company now has a turnover of £27million and employs 300 staff.

The White Company is based in London and has 17 stores across the UK as well as two franchises in Dubai.

The deal is the latest contract win for K3 this year after the company previously signed a number of agreements worth more than £3million to supply software to companies.

Among the deals were agreements with fashion store Jigsaw, and stationary chain Rymans.

In April K3 also became the market leader in its sector after it bought out its major rival, Salford-based McGuffie Brunton, for £12.5million.