Staff Reporters

BUSINESS AND TRADE

James Douglas Packer increased its relevant interest from 90,010,600 ordinary shares (9.1%) to 167,948,510 ordinary shares (13.6%).

Adrian Neil Larking changed its relevant interest from 7,531,250 ordinary shares (12.73%) to 9,500,000 ordinary shares (6.43%).

Advise it has reached agreement with a number of institutional and sophisticated investors for a placement of 2,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of 25c per share.

WESTERN Australian-based iron ore supplier Portman Ltd has appointed Duncan Price as chief operating officer. Mr Price resigned as project studies director of Sinosteel Midwest Management.

Level 2, 46 Ord Street, WEST PERTH, WA 6005; Ph: (08) 9476 9200, Fax: (08) 9476 9099

Manpower Inc is a world leader in the employment services industry, creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work.

Title: Managing directorBusiness: Property investment consultancy group Total employees: 16

Title: MayorBusiness: Local governmentTotal employees: 580

Title: Sales manager, WA 

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 46,730,300 ordinary shares (5.23%).

Eskdale Petroleum Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 74,828,868 ordinary shares (37.42%) to 77,154,741 ordinary shares (38.47%).

Advises that a total of 2,200,000 Fully Paid Ordinary Shares will be released from voluntary escrow on Friday 2 March 2007.

General Meeting will be held at 30 Charles Street, South Perth, on Wednesday 14 March 2007 commencing at 10.00am

PERRON Group general manager Ian Armstrong has been elected the new WA president of the Property Council of Australia, replacing Luke Saraceni who completed a two year term.

IF you’ve ever thought of selling your business, do it now. That’s been my advice since a close friend phoned me to say he had sold his business. When I asked why, he said the economics were simple.

COUNSELLING a staff member whose job performance is unacceptable is an uncomfortable process for both the manager and the person, which is probably the main reason many managers avoid doing it.

Title: Divisional director, transaction advisory servicesBusiness: Professional services firm

Title: DirectorBusiness: Nickel miningTotal employees: 28

Title: Managing directorBusiness: Fruit and vegetable pack houseTotal employees: 46

Title: Managing director 

Firbird Global Master Fund increased its relevant interest from 50,499,028 ordinary shares (10.73%) to 55,710,704 ordinary shares (11.84%).

Geologic Research Fund Ltd changed its relevant interest from 29,170,165 ordinary shares (14.1%) to 29,222,455 ordinary shares (11.82%).

Has agreed to place 60 million shares with Crawley Resources Limited (“Crawley”) at 50 cents per share to raise $30 million.

FORMER liberal leader Matt Birney has refused an invitation to return to the frontbench, accusing the current leader of "D-grade, primary school" politics.

Nick Belyea has been appointed as general manager of Broome International Airport.

Catering and equipment hire for annual Easter championships: AKA Seating Systems Pty Ltd & Dee Catering and Logistic Services Pty Ltd - $144,599.90

Title: Managing directorBusiness: Boutique development  Total employees: 7

Title: Project managerBusiness: Oil and gas explorationTotal employees: 200

Title: Head of corporate, WA 

RAB Special Situations (Master) Fund Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 4,675.295 ordinary shares (5.91%).

APAC Resources Ltd increased its relevant interest from 128,828,675 ordinary shares (18.48%) to 140,583,921 ordinary shares (18.98%).