The web-based automated service, originally established in Norway 10 years ago, matches tenders that are entered by private, public or third sector organisations with print firms that have pre-registered their details with the site.

The Pro-X system will select printers whose details correspond with the specifications of a customer’s job, and email them to see if they are interested in bidding.

Developer of Pro-X UK Hugh Boyle claims that the system is better than similar sites because it has "a great deal more transparency".

He added: "The unique thing is that everyone can see the bidding as it happens and they can rebid if they want to. This a new way of buying for printers I believe. 

"It offers a new level of openness which is what the print industry has lacked over the last 10 to15 years with the advent of print management companies."

Boyle said Pro-X, which is free for printers to use but takes 10% of the value of a job from customers who place the tenders, would also save time and money.

"The growth of print management companies and services in recent years has not always been in the best interests of customers with some companies offering little added value for huge mark-ups. Pro-X will simply cut out the middleman and save tens of millions for our customers," Boyle added.

More than 100 print companies in the UK have already signed up to the site.

One London-based B2 commercial printer that has already registered with Pro-X UK and previously won jobs through its international sister-platform said its transparent nature made it more attractive than other purchasing sites.

The firm’s operations manager said: "It isn’t a new system but it is a bit different because you can track the whole bidding process instead of just seeing the last bid. It enables you to see where the price is levelling out and from a printer’s point of view, what it helps to do is discourage people from going in and undercutting with stupid prices."

"Printers are going to be very sceptical about this and say this will drive prices down but my view is that it is free to use, it has a really broad range of work and importantly the system is really targeted so you don’t get flooded with totally irrelevant jobs.

"I really think it is worth dipping your toe in – it doesn’t cost time or money. If you don’t like it you don’t have to use it."

Boyle said he recognised that bidding platforms such as Pro-X were commonly accused of driving down prices and squeezing margins but he said that injecting competition into a market was a positive thing.

He added: "Print companies will say they will be forced to drive down their prices but the reality is if they don’t want to they don’t have to, but if they do and they are willing to sharpen their pencils then they can get the work.

"This is an opportunity to do business and it will suit some and not others. People need to be competitive and move with the times."

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