Local resident helps Aussie companies save big
A Clayfield businessman is helping medium-sized companies save hundreds of thousands of dollars every year by joining together to obtain better prices and service from suppliers.

John Greenhalgh joined Supply Clusters of Australia (SCA), the company behind the concept, as the Queensland Associate five years ago. He helps Queensland businesses reduce their costs and creates networking opportunities for them.

John left a career in the international freight forwarding industry after over 30 years of experience as a Senior Executive, Director and business owner in three different countries.

“Supply Clusters was offering me an opportunity to continue to use my business expertise in a way that gave me some flexibility. I also liked the idea of giving companies the chance to save big money,” John said.

“My international forwarding career gave me the skills to negotiate with various suppliers and procurement departments of industries but also to introduce the concept of Supply Clusters at senior CFO and CEO level,” he said.

Supply Clusters negotiates deals for its 150 Australian corporate members with about 75 suppliers covering categories such as stationery, transport, electricity, couriers, human resources, travel and accommodation, etc. In 2005, SCA members made $93 million in purchases from their preferred suppliers.

John said that Supply Clusters offers companies greater buying power by bringing members together.

“Members pay a flat yearly fee to join the Cluster and then deal directly with SCA’s preferred suppliers. Everyone gets the same discount, small and large companies alike. Most of our members say Supply Clusters has saved them five times their membership,” he said.

“Members’ savings are not only financial, but intangible, as they stay up-to-date about new processes and ideas. We are a knowledge community driven by the enthusiasm, trust and the will of our members to share experience and learning,” he said.

John is currently getting ready for Supply Clusters’ 10th Annual National Conference to be held 7-8 September at the Carlton Crest Hotel, Brisbane. More than ten speakers will give participants valuable tips on a range of business issues and help them brush up their skills on procurement and save their companies time and money.

One of Supply Clusters’ members, Ms Vicki Davidson, purchasing officer of industrial textile maker Albany International, said her company has saved over $100,000 every year since it joined Supply Clusters in 2003 - a 10 fold ROI.

“There are obvious financial and time-saving benefits of joining Supply Clusters. Our savings grow every year as we make sure that other divisions from the company are aware of the deals we can get with preferred suppliers all around Australia,” she said.

“Another major benefit of Supply Clusters is the opportunity to participate in networking events. Members exchange regular emails and we have monthly mini conferences to discuss experiences, purchasing practices and a wide range of business issues and opportunities. We can talk about problems other companies may have overcome in the past and find quick solutions together,” Vicki said.

For more information on Supply Clusters or to subscribe to the Conference, call (02) 9449 8368 or visit www.supplyclusters.com.au.

***
Released for Supply Clusters of Australia by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations.
For more information contact Kim Larochelle or Dennis Rutzou
on (02) 9413 4244.