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THE destruction of wealth wrought by the global financial crisis has focused many private business people back to their core operation, and given them cause to think about strategies for preserving what they have in case of another big bust.

Shares in Subiaco-based Ampella Mining closed higher today after the junior announced the board had approved a $13 million exploration program for calendar 2010.

The strongest quarterly increase in new home starts in eight years has highlighted the effectiveness of the federal government's stimulus package, but economists warn that not enough new homes are being built to accomodate a rapidly growing population.

Aspen Group says the Australian Taxation Office has signed up for an initial 15-year lease at its planned $200 million office tower in the Adelaide CBD area.

Property developers Georgiou Group, Match Group and Australand are among the shortlist the state government has today revealed to transform the disused Knutsford industrial site near Fremantle into a residential precinct.

CBH Group, one of Western Australia's largest businesses, is likely to remain a cooperative after WA farmers elected directors who are in favour of keeping its current structure.

Salta Constructions has commenced winding down its operations at Raine Square after spending the past three weeks trying in vain to negotiate a settlement with project developer Saracen Properties.

The Water Corporation has heralded its successful prosecution over an illegal building development in the city as a reminder to the building industry to ensure that planning for the provision of water services must be approved before building starts.

Western Australian gold miners have called on Premier Colin Barnett to first understand the gold sector's contribution to the state before singling out gold producers for increased tax.

Rio Tinto will shortly start a review of its HIsmelt pig iron plant, which is on care and maintenance, as the leasehold on the land is set to expire this year.

In a move demonstrating confidence in Western Australia's commercial property sector, Georgiou Capital will commence construction on a Nedlands office development without pre-sales or tenant commitments.

Explorer Catalpa Resources plans to raise $20 million with part of the funds to be directed towards a restructure of an existing debt facility with Macquarie Bank.

Shares in Forge Group surged higher today after the company upgraded its earnings forecast and secured a second contract at the Sino iron ore project, valued at more than $40 million.

CBH Resources has revealed that major shareholder, Japan's Toho Zinc, has proposed a proportional takeover offer in response to the $213 million offer from Belgium's refining major, Nyrstar.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has today unveiled a $632 million commitment to boost the number of training places for doctors and specialists, as part of the federal government's push for reforms in the sector.

Newmont Mining says its Boddington gold mine is performing to expectations and will hit full capacity by the end of this year.

Perth-based Venus Resources has appointed former United Minerals Corporation chief Matthew Hogan as managing director.

South Perth-based Central Petroleum has today unveiled plans to raise $22.6 million through a rights issue that has been fully underwritten by Patersons Securities.

Perth businessman Bruce Drummond has lodged an appeal over a Federal Court decision that cleared Euroz Securities from allegations the broker did not advise of risks associated with Opes Prime.

International pawn broker Cash Converters has signed a three-year $300,000 naming rights sponsorship deal with the state's under-18 junior rugby league club, the WA Reds.

Small to medium enterprises continue to show frustration with their banks according to a recent customer satisfaction survey, with two of the big four banks achieving a rating of less than 30 per cent.

A drilling contractor jointly owned by Perth companies Ausdrill and Barminco has secured two contracts valued at $US155 million ($A169 million) for underground work in West Africa.

CBH Resources confirmed today it has received a sweetened takeover offer from Belgium's Nyrstar NV, which has increased its previous offer by $65 million.

The nation's iron ore and coal exports reached record levels in the December quarter last year on the back of strong demand from key Asian markets including Japan, the Republic of Korea and China.

The state government has launched Western Australia's first large-scale electric vehicle trial with 10 electric cars to be trialled for two years by government departments, local government authorities and private sector organisations.

Perth company Orbital Australia has been awarded a $440,413 grant to develop greener engine technology for Chinese automaker Changan Automobile.

The stronger Australian dollar is bad news for a host of businesses.

The Liberals’ centralist urges should be of concern to the true believers.

Political reality has put an end to a brief period of cooperation between Colin Barnett and Kevin Rudd.

Multiplex Living and Mirvac are pursuing apartment developments at Leighton Beach.

ASKING guests to enter a black-tie dinner function through the loading dock was a sure sign the 2010 WA Business News 40under40 awards would continue a tradition of innovation.

THERE is considerable dissatisfaction in the not-for-profit sector concerning the delivery of government-funded human and community services, the Productivity Commission has found.