Special Reports

SPECIAL REPORT: The financial pressures facing many Western Australian businesses are being compounded by significant levels of worker stress, sick leave and absenteeism, a local consultancy has found.

SPECIAL REPORT: The state’s construction sector has developed a unique initiative aimed at minimising the prevalence and effects of depression and substance abuse.

SPECIAL REPORT: WA businesses can point to a range of wellness initiatives, but tough economic times and an emphasis on safety over health has put some employers behind the eight ball.

SPECIAL REPORT: Apartment projects typically rely on streamlined, slick marketing techniques to attract and secure buyers; now, however, developers are turning to technology not only in their advertising, but also in their building design to establish a point of difference.

SPECIAL REPORT: New players have big ambitions in Perth’s apartment market, with listed company Finbar Group and Golden Group heading our ranking of the biggest developers.

SPECIAL REPORT: Developers say Perth’s apartment market is the most challenging it’s ever been, but that hasn’t stopped a groundswell of interest in big projects. Click through to see our listing of Perth's 30 largest developments.

Fortescue Metals Group is home to two of Western Australia’s wealthiest company directors, or so it was believed until a surprise disclosure last month.

SPECIAL REPORT: For the second year running, the value of shares held by company directors in WA has fallen sharply, though some operators defied the trend.

Conditions are ripe for the final piece of Bunbury’s harbour relocation.

SPECIAL REPORT: Earnings for the state from the powerhouse minerals and energy industries have softened, but agriculture, among other sectors, will create opportunities. Business News also takes an in depth look at Bunbury port, where a big expansion plan needs community backing and solid regional demand growth.

SPECIAL REPORT: The domgas market is going through a period of structural change, but history has lessons for those businesses that know where to look.

SPECIAL REPORT: As the energy construction boom winds down, policy makers must get the settings right to prepare for future investment, while energy players mull the best way to allocate scarce capital.

The surge in backdoor listings on the ASX hit new highs in the September quarter and is attracting more entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley experience.

A series of major trade sales and the prospect of one of WA’s biggest-ever IPOs were highlights in what remained subdued capital markets in the September quarter. Also in our special report, how a surge in backdoor listings is attracting Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.

The traditionally dominant players in Australian retail are being forced to reinvent themselves in the face of increased competition – from each other, and a host of international raiders.

While storm clouds gather over office assets and land development comes off the boil, interest in retail property is building as investors look for somewhere secure to park their cash. Click through to see our list of WA's top 10 locally-based shopping centre owners.

Claims of excessive prices have uncovered a deeper frustration surrounding aspects of WA’s electricity market rules.

Three waste-to-energy projects have received environmental approval, while the state government has increased landfill levies.

WA’s natural wave resources have made it home to three energy companies that have taken a collegial approach to developing the new technology.

SPECIAL REPORT: Business News looks at what’s holding up and what’s contributing to electricity price reductions, reviews the players in WA’s wave energy and waste-to-energy industries and reports on allegations of market manipulation by a Synergy-owned business.

Christian Simone’s small business often has people queuing for service, but despite the month-old cafe’s popularity, he hasn’t let a single patron inside.

WA is leading the charge in the growth of small business owners, and fresh research shows more women than men are out in front.

This innovative fast-food outlet is testament to how passion can drive business growth.

SPECIAL REPORT: Business News looks at what needs to be done to energize small business during the state's economic transition, reviews the growth of franchises in WA, and looks at the rise of women owning SMEs.

SPECIAL REPORT: Perth’s fashion sector is gradually making its mark by developing niche opportunities, despite growing international competition.

There aren’t many businesses that relish the lack of daylight saving in Perth, but newly formed market research firm Thinkfield says the time difference to the east coast creates big opportunities.

SPECIAL REPORT: Uncertain economic conditions mean ensuring a brand meets its market targets is increasingly important.

A Sydney-based angel investor has taken a lead investment role in a Perth startup.

Perth’s tech network has grown significantly during the past three years; what it needs next are some success stories.

Do you want to know how your app is fairing? Well, there’s a web-app for that.

SPECIAL REPORT: Two years on, the surge in ASX backdoor listings shows little sign of slowing, helping innovative technology businesses in Perth, interstate and overseas to raise capital.

Western Australia’s top 10 largest private sector employers employ more than 103,200 people between them, about 2,000 fewer than last year, according to BNiQ research.