The PIAA will leverage the collective power of its Member Buying Group to negotiate below-market prices for a wide range of goods and services. It will be launched by early May.

Chief executive Bill Healey said the buying group was initially focusing on electricity as it was an escalating cost that affected all companies.

The PIAA is drawing on the results of a recent electricity survey as it searches for the cheapest electricity rate. Superior intelligence means a stronger negotiating position, according to the national director of communications and marketing, Joe Kowalewski.

The survey revealed that about 75% of printers don't have an electricity deal, he said, while even those that had wouldn't necessarily have found the best deal.

Kowalewski told ProPrint that about three-quarters of the PIAA's 1,500 members were small to medium-sized enterprises that would benefit from being part of a large collective.

He also noted that the buying group would include companies from other industries, further enhancing its bargaining power.

The buying group also plans to move into other areas like IT, telecommunications, travel, vehicle hire and office supplies, said Healey.

A website will list deals and request input from members on which products the buying group should add to its portfolio. Suggestions can also be made by emailing Kowalewski on joe@printnet.com.au.

PIAA members can request free, no-obligation electricity audits by contacting 1300 852 770 or energy@emsquared.com.

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