Fraser Beattie

Home values in Perth rose by 0.3 per cent in November to a median of $499,000, while the combined capitals index dropped 1.5 per cent.

Decmil Group has continued to diversify its business from the struggling resources sector by acquiring Osborne Park-based telecommunications solutions provider SC Services.

The chairman of engineering contractor Calibre Group told shareholders that he would step down after the company completed its delisting from the ASX, despite being up for re-election at a general meeting today.

Former iiNet chief executive David Buckingham has joined the executive team of education provider Navitas as chief financial officer.

A definitive feasibility study on potash explorer Danakali’s Colluli project in Africa has found a 30 per cent reduction in development costs to $US298 million ($A415 million).

Mincor Resources founder and managing director David Moore has announced plans to step down from his role from early next year, but will remain with the company as deputy chairman.

Caravan and accommodation manufacturer Fleetwood Corporation has foreshadowed a first-half loss of $5 million, while also announcing that its chairman and one of its long-serving directors intend to leave the board.

A New Zealand-based insolvency expert has been put in charge of a new state government authority that will decide how $1.7 billion from the Bell Group litigation will be distributed.

Mineral sands explorer Sheffield Resources has raised $5 million for its Thunderbird project, and plans to bring in an additional $2 million via a share purchase plan.

Diploma Group has won a $52 million contract to build the Riverwood Apartments in Burswood, with work already underway.

The state government has begun the tender process to find a lead financial adviser as it plans to move ahead with divesting a portion of Keystart’s loan book to the private sector.

LandCorp has named a shortlist of three developers for the construction of a fourth lot at Claremont on the Park, while the City of Swan has approved a master plan for the Midland Oval redevelopment.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn says the days where companies do all of their innovation, research and development internally are over, while new creative and more nimble startups are proving that the scale of a business is no longer a competitive advantage.

Apartment developer Finbar Group says it has completed its $75.6 million Arbor North project in Rivervale on time and budget, with $54.6 million in sales received to date.

Perth-based potash explorer Elemental Minerals has received a proposal from a private equity group for a $US40 million ($A55 million) investment in the business to advance its African assets.

Two local public sector leaders have taken top honours at a Leadership WA ceremony last night, which acknowledge those who have shown exceptional levels of leadership and community contribution.

Three workers have been killed in two separate incidents across Perth today, including two men crushed by a concrete slab at a construction worksite in East Perth.

The state government remains cautiously optimistic about its proposed sale of the Utah Point bulk handling facility in Port Hedland, following the introduction to parliament today of legislation to allow transition of the asset to the private sector.

Rod Leonard has stepped down from his position as managing director of engineerig company Lycopodium, with existing board member Peter De Leo stepping into the role.

A technology company led by former Alinta Energy boss Bob Browning is seeking an ASX listing through a reverse takeover of Perth-based Cove Resources.

Silver Lake Resources is selling off its non-core assets in the Murchison region, with Metals X acquiring its Comet gold project and Musgrave Minerals agreeing to buy a large portion of its Cue project.

Lithium hopeful Pilbara Minerals has raised $12 million in an oversubscribed placement to fund ongoing work at its flagship Pilgangoora project east of Port Hedland.

Mining services contractor Sedgman has revealed that its major shareholder, CIMIC Group, is seeking greater influence over its operations, following its shock vote against the re-election of three independent directors, raising more questions about Cimic’s plans for Perth contractor Macmahon Holdings.

Shares in Perth-based Odin Energy have skyrocketed on news it plans to exit the resources industry by acquiring a tech company and re-list through the backdoor.

IT services provider Empired has grown its energy sector portfolio with the award of a $10 million contract by regional utility Horizon Power.

Engineering firm Monadelphous Group has won a $200 million contract for work on Shell’s Prelude floating liquefied natural gas project in the Browse Basin.

NRW Holdings chairman Ian Burston has announced plans to step down, while also announcing a remuneration review that will include chief executive Julian Pemberton, whose annual pay is substantially higher than his peers.

Local builders Pindan and Pact Construction have won contracts with the state government, worth a combined $23.1 million.

Recently-listed IT company Cirrus Networks has won a contract to provide its services to aged care provider Bethanie for an undisclosed sum.

Investors have welcomed news that Perth-based confectionery company Yowie Group has signed a licensing agreement with the firm behind the popular Angry Birds franchise, to manufacture an Angry Birds-themed candy for the US market.

Local contractor OTOC has won a contract to provide surveying services to a joint venture which is building a light rail route in Sydney, with the value of the deal undisclosed.

CIMIC Group's construction arm, Leighton Contractors, has secured a $1.5 billion contract to design and build Sydney's new M5 Motorway.