Why Independent Business Group Exists

Independent businesses are often asked to choose between scale and independence.

Traditional buying groups prioritise volume, rigid structures, and compliance. Consultants offer advice without accountability for execution. Franchises trade autonomy for systems and branding.

IBG was created to offer a different model.

We exist to support independent operators with commercial leverage, experienced guidance, and hands-on support, while allowing each business to remain firmly in control of how it operates.

No forced branding. No rulebooks. No volume-at-all-costs mindset.

A Different Kind of Support Model

  • Built alongside independent businesses

    IBG works with business owners as a partner, not as a controller. Support is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in the realities of running an independent operation.

  • Commercial, not theoretical

    Decisions are informed by real-world experience, data, and outcomes. Advice focuses on what works in practice, not frameworks or templates designed for scale at any cost.

  • Flexible by design

    IBG support adapts to the needs of each business. There are no mandates, forced branding, or rigid rulebooks. Independence remains firmly with the owner.

1 3

What IBG Actually Does

  • Buying power and supplier access

    Group buying leverage, improved trading terms, and access to strategic suppliers, while businesses retain full control over purchasing decisions.

  • Category, pricing, and margin support

    Support to structure categories, rationalise range, and improve pricing and margin discipline using real commercial data.

  • Operational and marketing support

    IBG support adapts to the needs of each business. There are no mandates, forced branding, or rigid rulebooks. Independence remains firmly with the owner.

  • Advisory and decision support

    Experienced guidance to help business owners make clearer decisions, navigate change, and plan for sustainable improvement.

1 4

Built on Experience, Not Theory

IBG is led by people who have operated independent retail and service businesses, advised business owners at scale, and worked directly with suppliers across multiple categories.

This experience shapes how IBG operates.

Support is grounded in what works in practice, not what looks good on paper. Advice is delivered with a clear understanding of the pressures, trade-offs, and realities faced by independent operators.

Why Independent Business Group Exists

To strengthen independent businesses by giving them leverage, clarity, and support without compromising who they are.

Cameron Harvey Independent Business Group

Cameron Harvey

Chief Executive Officer

With over 15 years of experience in consumer electronics and a passion for home appliances, Cameron’s vast experience in business strategy, direction and management means he’s seen it all. Cameron always keeps members and their communities at the forefront when it comes to making decisions to ensure growth and longevity in independent retailers.

Cameron is also CEO of Cartridge World Australia and New Zealand.

P: +61 414 444 654

E: cameron@independentbusinessgroup.com.au

Jerami Grassi

Chief Operating Officer

Jerami brings over 10 years of experience driving performance across finance, operations, technology, and retail. With a track record of transforming small businesses into efficient, scalable operations, he understands the pressures faced by independent operators and how to overcome them.

Currently the COO of Cartridge World Australia and New Zealand, Jerami also works as a fractional COO, helping business owners implement structure, strategy, and sustainable growth through his consulting practice. His passion lies in supporting local businesses to thrive through smarter systems, stronger margins, and clearer direction.

P: +61 429 345 895

E: jerami@independentbusinessgroup.com.au

Jessica Ashburner Independent Business Group

Jessica Ashburner

Chief Customer Officer

Nearly 2 decades of retail experience has led Jessica on a path from the sales floor to management and franchise ownership. Understanding the ins and outs of running profitable stores in regional towns saw Jessica turning underperforming stores into high achievers by utilising and supporting the community in which she is in.

Jessica is also CCO of Cartridge World Australia and New Zealand.

P: +61 421 283 119

E: jessica@independentbusinessgroup.com.au

Learn More About Working With IBG

If you’re an independent business owner looking for practical support, commercial leverage, and a genuine partnership, we’d welcome a conversation.

Explore Membership

Blog Posts

View all

  • Common Buying Group Mistakes Independent Retail...

    Buying groups can deliver significant value, but only when they are used properly. This article explores the most common mistakes independent retailers make with buying group membership, and how to...

    Common Buying Group Mistakes Independent Retail...

    Buying groups can deliver significant value, but only when they are used properly. This article explores the most common mistakes independent retailers make with buying group membership, and how to...

  • How to Maximise the Value of Your Buying Group ...

    Buying group membership delivers the greatest value when it is used deliberately. This article explores how independent retailers can engage more effectively with their buying group to improve decision quality,...

    How to Maximise the Value of Your Buying Group ...

    Buying group membership delivers the greatest value when it is used deliberately. This article explores how independent retailers can engage more effectively with their buying group to improve decision quality,...

  • The Hidden Value of Buying Group Membership Bey...

    Buying group value is often measured in discounts, but the most important benefits are less visible. This article explores how buying group membership supports decision quality, risk reduction, and long-term...

    The Hidden Value of Buying Group Membership Bey...

    Buying group value is often measured in discounts, but the most important benefits are less visible. This article explores how buying group membership supports decision quality, risk reduction, and long-term...

1 3
View all