Why Independent Business Group Membership Exists

A different kind of buying group

Independent Business Group was created to address a problem many independent businesses face: traditional buying groups that prioritise volume, rebates, or rigid structures over the needs of the businesses inside them.

Membership exists to give independent operators real leverage, clearer decision-making, and better support without forced branding, rigid rules, or loss of autonomy.

What Membership Delivers

  • Commercial leverage

    Access group-negotiated pricing and improved trading terms typically reserved for much larger organisations, while keeping purchasing decisions firmly in your hands.

  • Practical support

    Hands-on support across marketing, operations, systems, and strategy, grounded in real-world experience and focused on what works in independent businesses.

  • Confidence to grow

    Experienced guidance to help business owners make better decisions, navigate challenges, and plan for sustainable growth with clarity rather than guesswork.

1 3

IBG Member Benefits

  • ✓ Group-negotiated supplier pricing and improved trading terms
    ✓ Strategic supplier partnerships across key categories
    ✓ Practical marketing support and campaign guidance
    ✓ Hands-on business advice informed by real-world experience

  • ✓ Support with systems, operations, and process improvement
    ✓ Access to a trusted network of independent business owners
    ✓ Commercial insight to support better purchasing and planning decisions
    ✓ Ongoing support without mandates, quotas, or forced programs

1 2

How Membership Works

  • 1. Apply for membership

    We take the time to understand your business, your goals, and whether IBG is the right fit.

  • 2. Gain access and support

    Once approved, you gain access to buying group benefits, supplier relationships, and ongoing support.

  • 3. Engage on your terms

    There are no mandates or forced programs. Members engage with IBG in the way that best suits their business.

1 3

Who Membership Is For (and Who It’s Not)

  • Membership is right for you if:

    ✓ You operate an independent business and want to stay independent
    ✓ You value strong relationships over transactional deals
    ✓ You want support that improves performance, not adds complexity
    ✓ You are focused on building a stronger business over time

  • Membership is not right for you if:

    ✗ You are looking for a franchise-style rulebook
    ✗ You don't value increased margin and exclusive brands
    ✗ You want someone else to run your business for you
    ✗ You are chasing short-term gains over long-term improvement

1 2

The Types of Independent Businesses We Support

  • Core retail and technology

    ✓ Computer and technology retailers
    ✓ Appliance retailers
    ✓ Furniture and workplace retailers

    ✓ Hardware and home improvement retailers
    ✓ Phone repair and mobile service retailers

  • General retail

    ✓ Toy retailers
    ✓ Gift and general merchandise retailers

    ✓ Homeware retailers

    ✓ Electrical retailers
    ✓ Newsagents
    ✓ Post offices

  • Office and mixed-format retail

    ✓ Office supply and stationery retailers
    ✓ Multi-category independent retailers

1 3

Support is tailored to the business, not the category.

Built on Experience, Not Theory

IBG is led by people who have operated, advised, and grown independent businesses themselves. Decisions are informed by firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the realities faced by independent operators.

Membership is shaped by what works in practice, not what looks good on paper.

Our Purpose

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

Become a Member

Experience the benefits of IBG by submitting a membership today!

Apply for Membership

Blog Posts

View all

  • How to Choose the Right Buying Group for Long-T...

    Choosing a buying group is one of the most important strategic decisions an independent retailer can make. This article explores what to look for beyond price, and how the right...

    How to Choose the Right Buying Group for Long-T...

    Choosing a buying group is one of the most important strategic decisions an independent retailer can make. This article explores what to look for beyond price, and how the right...

  • Why IT Support Is Retail Infrastructure, Not an...

    IT is no longer a back-office concern for independent retailers. This article explores why stable, proactive IT support has become core retail infrastructure, shaping reliability, inventory accuracy, and customer experience.

    Why IT Support Is Retail Infrastructure, Not an...

    IT is no longer a back-office concern for independent retailers. This article explores why stable, proactive IT support has become core retail infrastructure, shaping reliability, inventory accuracy, and customer experience.

  • Why Marketing Infrastructure Matters for Indepe...

    Marketing is no longer just promotion. For independent retailers, it has become core infrastructure that shapes demand, inventory performance, and long-term viability. This article explores why structured marketing capability now...

    Why Marketing Infrastructure Matters for Indepe...

    Marketing is no longer just promotion. For independent retailers, it has become core infrastructure that shapes demand, inventory performance, and long-term viability. This article explores why structured marketing capability now...

1 3
View all