Julie-anne Sprague

Julie-anne Sprague takes a look at the fine-dining experience and wonders whether we really appreciate the best of the best.MOST people in the restaurant industry will tell you there are four or five classy restaurants in Perth.

THERE were some famous names and some influential people at WA Business News’ inaugural 40under40 Awards last week.

The good people of Geraldton may soon be able to enjoy a movie or two with a picnic hamper and refreshing drink, as Julie-anne Sprague reports.

CALL centres are driven by their people and, to make the journey a whole lot smoother, the centres are designed for the maximum comfort and operational efficiency.Good call centres are set up in an area with open floor space.

WHILE technology is an important part of a call centre’s success, there can be no doubt people are the industry’s most valuable asset.

Joanna Ammon As the first female in the taxi industry in Australia to be appointed as a Deputy Chair and take office as a Chief Executive Officer, Joanna Ammon oversees some 3500 taxi drivers and 1500 taxi owners. Ms Ammon launched the inaugural

RENDEZVOUS Hotels Inter-national begins work on its new $35 million Broome resort next month.The Rendezvous Sanctuary Resort, located at Broome’s Cable Beach, is due to open early next year.

Those involved in the production and sale of organic produce are the chief propo-nents of a push for greater regulation of their industry, as Julie-anne Sprague reports.

THEY’RE commonly referred to as call centres, but technological advances and streamlining of business communications are transforming once phone-reliant call centres into contact centres.

Our 11 judges were buoyed by the strength of the field, even if it made their job harder. Let us introduce them to you...

WA’s resources and engineering sectors are responsible for a projected surge in employment, according to a recent survey, despite a lack of confidence from small business.

OH shucks, it’s the month of lurve, and restaurants around the city are lighting the candles and throwing some rose petals around to create romantic ambience for cupid’s day on February 14.

A MARATHON judges’ meeting last week determined WA’s 40 up-and-coming business leaders of tomorrow.

INDUSTRIAL relations concerns are prompting many companies to look at using temporary staff as a means of finding the right person for the job.

A BUSINESS’ training program and career development structure is more important to retail managers than other work conditions, according to a recent survey.

A RECENT court action by a big coffee wholesaler has thrown the spotlight on the battle being fought by Perth’s coffee suppliers.

Fancy a bit of culture during your lunch hour? Due to the overwhelming response last year, His Magesty’s lunchtime concerts are back for 2002, as Julie-anne Sprague reports.

THE spotlight will be on professional coaches next as the International Coaching Federation WA Coaches’ Week takes place in Perth.

AMNET’S ezesms website launch last week has implications beyond its marketing significance – it also offers cost-saving benefits for businesses small or large.

BOWLING balls, teddy bears, light fittings and knitting needles are just some of the objects artists in the Double Take exhibition have utilised to create striking and bold representations of the culture of recycling.

The popularity of alfresco dining comes at a price for Perth cafes and restaurants, as Julie-anne Sprague discovered.

THE Wine Industry Association of WA has filled its vacant chief executive’s position, once again going outside the sector to source new talent as winemakers batten down for a tough couple of years.

SHAUN Atkinson’s exhibition, Saint Alouran Place, opens at the Greenhill Galleries on February 1.

A RECENT survey has revealed 94 per cent of companies that adopt employee share schemes are experiencing benefits in productivity, employee interest, motivation, profitability and wage restraint.

THE revolutionary Radiator wetsuits are continuing to break sales ground, with about 350 surfing outlets nation-wide now selling the product.The suits are proving popular because of their light weight, which has not affected functionality.

THE City Hotel has been sold to Carlton United Breweries.While the deal is still to be finalised, industry sources suggest an agreement has been reached.

RENOWNED pianist David Helfgott and flautist Jane Rutter are among some of the famous faces that will be appearing at the Mundaring Weir festival next month.

Julie-anne Sprague noticed something was missing as she strolled along King Street this week ... a trendy favourite is no more.

THE Select Group has appointed a new State manager to the Perth arm of its recruitment services company, Select Appointments.

DATADOT Technology Limited plans to continue making headlines in the domestic market following the announcement last week of a venture with Automotive Holdings Group.

THE life and art of prominent Western Australian artist Guy Grey-Smith will be celebrated at the Holmes a Court Gallery later this month.

While she does enjoy a good hard workout at the gym, Julie-anne Sprague also is partial to a bit of indulgence. So, is the organic focus this week part of a New Year’s resolution?IT’S on again.