Latest Headlines

The state's only listed financial planning firm, Plan B Group Holdings, suffered a tough year as falling equity markets eroded profits right across the financial services sector.

Nickel miner Mincor Resources has recovered from a big first-half loss to post a modest profit in the second half of the finacial year but it was not enough to save the group from an annual loss of $16 million.

Directors of Polaris Metals have recommended its shareholders accept an off-market takeover bid worth up to $67 million from mining services outfit, Mineral Resources, subject to an independent expert assessment and in the absence of a superior offer.

Gold producer, Avoca Resources managed to raise its stake in takeover target Dioro Exploration to more than 44 per cent by the close of business yesterday, ending the four-month acquisition proposal.

Engineering and construction company Clough has posted a rise in revenue and profit from continuing operations, which it said puts the group in a position to pay a higher dividend.

Garrett last Gorgon bar; Qantas to jettison $1.5bn in costs; State tax in reform mix, says Henry; Write-downs cruel Iluka result as zircon sales fall; Major store deals 'real barrier to competition'

BALCATTA-BASED Orbital Engine Corporation has a history of creating business opportunities from innovative advancements in alternative fuels technology, but has chronically failed to turn its technical expertise into financial success.

When it comes to appreciating the public mood, Labor is streets ahead of the Liberals.

EVERY time a customer calls it's an opportunity. The only question is: how are you taking advantage of it?

WESTERN Australia is poised to become a global competitor in the world of supercomputing, which could assist the state in securing the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and benefit various other astronomy industries.

AS belts tighten across the board and budgets are intensely scrutinised, early stage company executives are finding it harder to attain the necessary capital to progress their projects.

THE defunct Riverside Pier Hotel project at Barrack Square is to be sold within three months, as the corporate regulator circles the company that tipped investors into the failed development.

CURRENCY fluctuations during the past 13 months have made tough economic times a nd difficult trading conditions even more so, but experts suggest there are ways to combat the turbulence.

Western Australia can't wait for regional growth to happen organically, according to Rio Tinto's Sam Walsh.

The Western Australian Trade Opportunities Service is operated by the International Trade Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

NATIONAL drive-through coffee franchise Muzz Buzz has partnered with Perth-based Gull Petroleum to launch the independent fuel retailer's first unmanned petrol station in Western Australia.

OLDER office buildings in the Perth CBD are likely to require a major overhaul, as rising vacancies and new office blocks threaten their ability to maintain and attract tenants.

THE 83-year-old Muresk agricultural training school is expected to close within two years, potentially ending an important chapter in the history of Western Australia's regional education.

WESTERN Australia's resources industry is demanding urgent implementation of measures to overhaul the state's failing approvals processes following a damning review commissioned by the state government.

THE real estate industry was an early engager of the burgeoning online sector when readership figures for traditional print mediums began to decline.

FRENCH energy giant GDF SUEZ, formerly Gaz de France, is expected to beef up its presence in Perth following a $US370 million-plus deal with Santos to develop floating LNG facilities off the state's far north coast.

A RECENT State Administrative Tribunal decision that hinged on the definition of a retail shop could have major implications for business owners.

THE proponent of Australia's biggest new coal-fired power plant believes the two-stage 330-kilovolt upgrade of the Perth-Geraldton transmission line has left the door open to competition among aspiring power proponents in the Mid West.

THREE directors from global education services provider Navitas have pocketed a combined $18.6 million from the sale of more than 6 million shares following the release last week of another strong profit.

PERTH students seeking commerce skills to engage with Chinese business have a new avenue open to them with the launch of a program at Murdoch Business School.

WESFARMERS Energy has recently signed a major two-year sponsorship agreement with the Asthma Foundation of WA.

THE impact of the global financial crisis on the drilling industry was painted in stark relief this week in a flurry of news from key players in the sector.

Wholesale bread business backs Nedlands retail outlets. Jonathan Barrett reports

Labor to oppose retail trading change

A MOVE by Perth businessman Gordon Martin to bankroll a $20 million "rescue package" for Great Southern investors is widely expected to be the first of several competing proposals to be lodged in the coming weeks.

PATENT and trade mark attorney firm Wrays has extended its services by establishing a law firm specialising in intellectual property in recognition of the increased local demand for IP litigation s

Local executives joined a WA Business News forum to discuss ways to take innovative products into a competitive global market.