Special Reports

GRD Minproc is well known as one of Australia’s top engineering construction companies, but who remembers Wilde Ireland Mining and Process Engineering Services (WA) Pty Ltd?

There were few surprises among the top 10 leading names in WA Business News’s 2003 branding survey. While the industries may be varied, WA’s top brands have one thing in common – advertising, marketing, and promotion spends in the millions.

DESPITE a reduction in its use of television advertising this year in favour of developing niche markets on the east coast, BankWest has managed to maintain brand stature in the WA marketplace.

THERE were few surprises among the top 10 leading names in WA Business News’s 2003 branding survey. From insurance to hardware to a casino, the State’s top brands represent high-profile companies from vastly differing industries.

Gaining prominence for a young company, product or brand does not necessarily require large advertising budgets, particularly if a good strategy is executed in a clever way, according to advertising insiders spoken to by WA Business News.

THE Lotteries Commission’s multi-million dollar transition to the Lotterywest brand has been well received by WA’s advertising industry, which has voted it as a more recognisable brand in 2003.

Jesters Jaffle Pie Company has been highlighted by members of WA’s advertising industry as the State’s best emerging brand. Julie-anne Sprague unearths its branding success.

A DECADE ago few businesses seeking premises would have considered Subiaco a potential office location.

THE contentious site of the proposed Subiaco tavern is to become the home of a three-storey commercial building.

IF anyone is qualified to comment on the changes in Subiaco in recent decades it has to be Tony Costa.

WA’S medical system is crucially dependent on overseas sponsored doctors.

THE cautious attitude of Australian immigration authorities is thwarting potentially large trade and business immigration markets from China, according to agents and organisations.

HEAT shrink and insulation technology specialist Radiform is building its business with a skilled migrant at the helm of technical production and development.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA could lose out following recent changes in business migrant visa classes.

UNIVERSITIES worldwide compete for research dollars and recognition to remain viable, and WA’s universities are no exception, advertising internationally to fill academic and executive positions with the best possible talent.

BUSINESS migration agents are expecting a decline in the number of business migration applications following changes to the business skills visa arrangements.

WA is well served by 123 business migration agents, with more than one quarter of Australia’s business migration coming to the State. And the State’s southern half seems the most popular destination, with both the South West Development Commission...

MIGRANTS, especially skilled migrants, are good for WA, providing a much-needed boost to the domestic economy.

The increasing popularity of inner-city living brings with it an inevitable conflict between business and residents, particularly regarding entertainment. Julie-anne Sprague investigates the pressure created by the residential squeeze.

DAWSON’S Garden World is a grower and retailer of plants in the Perth metropolitan area.

HUSBAND and wife team Rick and Clare Ferdinands established this communications software company in 2001, following two years of research and applications development.

IT was with some trepidation that I prepared for the judging process for this year’s Family Business Awards.

ESTABLISHED in 1913, Richard Noble & Company is considered largely responsible for the development of some of Perth’s oldest suburbs, including Bayswater, Maylands and Mount Lawley.

BLACKBIRD’S four Macaulay family employees watch over two very different businesses – Home Provedore and Kitchen Warehouse, and Price Savers.

JAH Roc Furniture has won awards every year but one since 1988, when two surfing mates – Gary Bennett and David Paris – acted on their desire to make "legendary" pieces from WA wood, stone and iron.

DOZENS of private sector projects are launched every year in Western Australia. Of all these projects, a select group has received big-ticket financial assistance – $600,000 or more – from the State Government.

THE role of a university vice-chancellor is that of chief executive officer, ultimately responsible for university activities, affecting the quality of life of future generations as well as the immediate prospects of clients.

THE chancellor’s position is an honorary one, but university business expenses are reimbursed. A chancellor confers degrees and diplomas, chairs senate, council or board of governors meetings, and consults and advises the vice-chancellor.

Western Australia’s five universities have always faced unique challenges.

WHILE the growth of Mandurah is good news for many, such rapid growth comes with challenges that, unless carefully managed, can turn a region’s success story into a disaster.

MANDURAH’S close proximity to Perth is proving to be attractive to many working people who are choosing to live in the regional city and commute to Perth. Many people who might have looked to buy in the northern coastal suburbs of Perth, such as Burns Be

ONCE regarded as a sleepy fishing hamlet, Mandurah has come of age and is charging ahead to become a regional city of note. As a city, it has capitalised on its unique natural environment.