Julie-anne Sprague

AN organic sprout producer is this year’s State winner of the Telstra Small Business Awards.South Fremantle-based company The Sprout Factory grows and distributes organic sprouts and took home $15,000 on Tuesday night for its business achievements.

THERE are many more ingredients that go into making a great chef than just an ability to turn it on in the kitchen. A deep appreciation of a variety of produce and the ability to move with, or ahead of, new food trends are just two.

INCREASING numbers of women are thinking about their financial futures.

Dinner and a show’ has assumed a new meaning, so this week Julie-anne Sprague goes out to dinner in her dancing shoes.

A RECENT decision by the WA Industrial Appeals Court has effectively removed the requirement for employers to pay redundancy in some situations.

THE concept of team building has slipped down the management ‘to do’ list of late, which is something of a paradox in these times of reduced staff levels and business insecurity, considering staff cohesion and unity can be

WITH the State Government’s industrial relations changes to become law this month the business community expects imminent action with regard to another pre-election platform – workers’ compensation.

Cafe Bocca co-owner Michael De Marte is set to make a few changes within the cafe in addition to opening another two stores over the next few months.

PERFORMANCE reviews are used, among other things, to give managers an insight into how employees feel about their company and their job – if they’re correctly undertaken.

EMOTIONAL intelligence, or EI, will be on the agenda when American HR specialist Dr Dorothy Marcic visits Perth next month.

THE cessation of State-based workplace agreements in WA is expected to take effect in September, shortly after the proposed introduction of the Labour Relations Reform Act on August 1.

AUSTRALIAN Leisure and Hospitality Group has completed this year’s acquisition plans with the imminent purchase of Subiaco bar and restaurant, Black Tom’s.

THE Subiaco Redevelopment Authority has approved the development of a $4.5 million tavern to be built by Perth tavern owner Sonja Gastevich.

AT WA Business News’ recent Success and Leadership breakfast, Premier Geoff Gallop announced his intention to focus on more training for traditional fields of police, teachers, and nurses.

A PROGRAM aimed at helping people enter, or re-enter, the workforce was launched this week, targeting those not traditionally found in the ‘unemployed’ basket.

EMPLOYER and industry groups are warning employers the State Government’s new labour relations regime will have effects reaching far beyond the increased labour costs associated with the abolition of workplace agreements.

Regulars at one of Perth’s best-known cafes are up in arms about the charge imposed on water, with some threatening to withdraw their patronage, as Julie-anne Sprague discovered.

Different industry sectors pose a variety of problems for recruiters – a shortage of graduates or Australian-trained workers, difficulty attracting people to remote work sites, or finding positions that require high degrees of specialisation.

SUCCEEDING in the new world of work requires constant market monitoring. And whether you’re an employer, employee, a generation Xer or a baby boomer, the ability to change focus and direction is a priority.

Did someone say ‘cake’? Julie-anne Sprague thinks so, and found a friend in Ubran Pantry owner and executive chef Craig Young.

POORLY-MANAGED and implemented workplace change is contributing to employee stress levels across a range of industries, according to Edith Cowan University School of Management lecturer Joy Hocking,

CLAYTON Utz partner of 21 years, Michael Hardy, will farewell the firm this week to start a new boutique practice, Hardy Bowen, with long-time colleague Michael Bowen.

After sampling some of the finest wines the world has to offer David Pike returns with his report on the stunning work being performed by Poderi Colla.

It seems many employers in the hospitality industry are struggling to understand conditions imposed by the Restaurant, Tearoom, and Catering Workers’ Award, as Julie-anne Sprague discovered.

THE expression ‘it’s lonely at the top’ resonates with truth when applied to many in the business world, who are frequently required to make important decisions without being able to consult with a colleague.

A RESTAURANT transfer application received by the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor appears to confirm speculation that a tavern could open opposite The Subiaco Hotel.

While she loves a beer, Julie-anne Sprague often wasn’t sure what she was drinking ... until BeerMaster.

CURTIN University has changed its recruitment advertising to brand the university and to attract world-class applicants.

A DECISION this week by the City of Fremantle to increase alfresco licence fees has left the door open for restaurateurs and business groups to devise an appropriate fee structure.

Change has been brewing at Dome Coffees Australia ever since Nigel Oakey was appointed CEO a year ago. And, as he told Julie-anne Sprague, it’s about much more than just branding.

ACCORDING to former C Restaurant general manager Jaime Steven, lots of people who order seafood at restaurants don’t buy seafood to cook at home.

BRANDING your company using recruitment advertising is relatively new but according to advertising executives it is the smartest use of print and online space.