"They are looking at all their costs at the moment and this [print] is a big area for them," said BRC sales and marketing manager Nigel Scott.

The service is being targeted at all sizes of retailers, for all print from letterheads and business cards to direct mail and point of sale, and is being managed by The Stationery Office (TSO) Document Services.

"We will try to advise them on how they can improve the print supply chain and if necessary will stick around and deliver the service for them," said Document Services business development director Collin Chamberlain.

The service will audit BRC members' print management and look for areas where they can save costs.

"It's not just about cutting costs, it's about providing extra funds for marketing so the money we save them will go back into the print marketing pot," added Scott.

If employed, it will work on the principle of blind or open e-auctions, with the offering fully customised for each member. TSO will set up a website for each client, which will include pre-approved suppliers, including the TSO and its suppliers, and customers' existing rosters.

The BRC is talking to members about the service, and hopes to sign up its first clients soon. The service is paid for by retailers paying a share of the money the service saves.

"We know it's got legs and some very high-profile retailers are showing an interest in it," said Chamberlain.

"It's also about improved time to market and brand consistency, we can do that remotely or on site," he added.

Story by Darryl Danielli