LEIGHTON Holdings Ltd has emerged as one of the most active buyers of small Western Australian businesses in the past year, paying more than $22 million for three service organisations that expanded its footprint in Perth and the South West.
A largely hidden side of wealth creation is in the private sector, where successful entrepreneurs have built considerable businesses, in many cases with their families or over more than one generation.
The WA Business News annual 40under40 Awards is among the biggest events on the Western Australian business community's calendar, and this year's awards certainly lived up to expectations.
There's progress and there's progress.
The opportunities for women in business have grown significantly during the past 30 years, aided by laws, societal changes and individuals who broke through barriers.
Navigating a business through Western Australia's economic boom presents enormous challenges for business, according to several leading WA business executives.
Several Perth entrepreneurs are nervous about the impact a change of federal government next month could have on the Australian economy in three to five years' time.
The rush to consolidate the minerals services sector continues unabated, with Cardno Ltd buying Buckland Engineers Australia, while Leighton Holdings Ltd negotiates to acquire Australian Mine Services Pty Ltd.
The setting sun cast a warm glow over the decks of the imposing Osman Gazi, the impressive venue for the sixth annual WA Business News 40under40 awards held last month.
The decision to sell the family home to fund a new business, with two children under three years of age, was one Julie Smith-Massara did not make lightly.
