Catie Low

THE SGIO building is facing its first vacancy since opening almost 20 years ago.A decision by the State Government to move the Department of Commerce and Trade into Dumas House in West Perth has left two-and-a-half floors empty.

RESTAURANTS in Northbridge rely more heavily on word of mouth to market their business than traditional advertising, largely be-cause the cost of traditional advertising deters many restaurant owners.

ALLEGATIONS of false advertising have been levelled at the WA arm of Ram Paper & Office Products.In an advertisement, Ram stated that its white copy paper was “superior bright white sheet produced in WA”.

THE Lester Group has acquired a $2.5 million property on the Dawesville Cut, just south of Mandurah.

A STATE Government push to streamline planning laws has been criticised by industry players for not going far enough.

THE Advertising Federation of Australia has changed its client agency agreement guidelines.AFA executive director Lesley Brydon said the guidelines had been updated to incorporate privacy, legal risk and GST.

TRANSPERTH customers were greeted by some very friendly people in pyjamas in the city last week with an important message about getting to work on time.

THE pitch for $3.5 million Western Australian Tourism Commission (WATC) account has attracted an international player.

AUSTRALIANS like investing in property and the rapid growth of investment in property syndicates has allowed small investors a piece of the top end of town.

THE battle for market share may have driven businesses of all sizes to develop discount and loyalty schemes, but market research suggests that loyalty is not the powerful marketing tool it might appear. It seems careful service is the key.

A NEW player with a familiar name has arrived in WA with ambitious plans to capture a share of the lucrative health insurance market.National group Manchester Unity has embarked on a serious marketing campaign to attract new members.

THE property market in WA has historically been viewed as susceptible to the boom-bust cycle of the mining and resource sector.However, WA’s tax profile is becoming a greater threat to WA’s ability to compete with other States.

OVERFLOWING bins and rubbish piled up against the side of a building aren’t just unsightly, they could make a building a prime target for arson.

RENOWNED for his strong leadership on the field, former Wallaby captain John Eales is tackling the corporate world with similar drive and enthusiasm.

PROPERTY players have warned that the rapid growth in property syndication is attracting fringe players looking to capitalise on the strength of the market.There are concerns that investors are being hawked risky offers in a heated market.

PERTH’S commercial tenants will make a further contribution to the Central Area Transport (CAT) buses following yet another hike in the Perth parking levy.

A FEDERAL Government commitment to funding the Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) over the next four years will secure the foundation’s immediate future.

A PLAN to sell off the bungalows that form part of the Cable Beach Club Resort will provide sun lovers from all over Australia with the opportunity to escape the winter blues.

THE Property Council has attacked Government plans to increase stamp duty on property conveyancing.

A COLOURFUL new resident has emerged from beneath the busy city centre, bringing all the colours and fragrances of the garden.

PERTH Airport has recorded its strongest arrivals performance since 1997 for the March quarter, thanks in part to a surge in international passengers.

THE WA Government’s rescue package to avoid any further delays in the construction of new homes shows the risk this vital industry sector is facing in light of the global insurance crisis.

CHICKEN Treat has made some big changes to its approach to advertising over the past 12 months.

BURSWOOD Resort Casino is part of The Brand Agency success story. The $5 million account was picked up by The Brand Agency last year following an aggressive pitch process.

The marketing industry in WA is operating in one of the toughest markets on record. In these difficult times it’s easy to lose sight of the fantastic work produced here in Perth.

PROPERTY syndicator Glenmont Properties has confirmed it is in negotiations to purchase private psychiatric clinic Perth Clinic.

What underpins a strong brand? WA Business News asked a number of marketing industry players what they believe drives a strong brand in the WA market.The answers reveal some key issues that power the development and maintenance of a strong brand.

AUSTRALIA’S relatively small manufacturing sector has major flow-on effects on the nation’s advertising industry, particularly in WA.

A STRONG, consistent strategy and good management are the powerhouse behind the hugely successful Bunnings brand, according to Bunnings Building Supplies managing director Joe Boros.

PROPERTY owners in the CBD are being asked to do their bit for the Swan River amid increasing concern about the waterway’s toxicity.

REALITY television has a strangely polarising effect on the population but, love it or hate it, there’s no doubt that astute contestants can use the media exposure to their advantage.

THE big news in the third radio ratings survey for the year is that there’s no news.