Special Reports

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.

SPECIAL REPORT: It has been a tough year for job seekers in WA, but some new sectors have emerged to keep the state’s employment levels at record highs.

SPECIAL REPORT: World-class entertainment infrastructure is proving to be one of the keys to Perth’s growing maturity as a globally significant city.

SPECIAL REPORT: The privatisation of Fremantle Ports will have a major bearing on the future shape of freight movements across Perth.

In some of the state’s more remote towns, where electricity can be 700 per cent more expensive to deliver than in Perth, embracing cheaper new technology is only part of the solution to driving down costs.

The federal government’s $89 billion spend for new naval vessels represents an opportunity for businesses at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, as energy and resources projects dry up.

Contractors pursuing new infrastructure projects are continuing to diversify across industry sectors and geographies in response to continued weakness in mining-related work.

SPECIAL REPORT: The Committee for Perth has suggested an alternative route might be the best way forward for Perth's promised light rail network; part of our ten page feature on infrastructure.

New gold mining projects under way or in advanced planning will collectively deliver more than 1 million ounces to production each year when operational.

The past year has marked a period of major change at many of WA’s gold producers in terms of personnel and pay.

Refining is a vital step in the gold supply chain, but it’s a practice facing increasing competition from within the sector and from technological change.

Gold is a rare bright light in the mining industry, with major changes during the past two years to be followed by the opening of multiple new mines and more M&A deals. Click through to find the special report, which ranks WA producers, and looks at Gold Corp, executive pay, and new gold projects.