AS the Kevin07 campaign swept Labor into power almost two years ago, Australia's economy was riding high on a commodities and property boom underpinned by cheap debt.
FOR many wine drinkers, the word chianti conjures up images of red and white checked tablecloths, men (and often women) with an abundance of chest hair, and those squat, cane-wrapped bottles of brick-red wine more suited to stripping paint than accompanyi
WITH the global downturn having affected virtually all businesses regardless of sector, size or structure, service-oriented industries reliant on a buoyant marketplace have renewed their focus on key priorities and services to ensure survival.
REGARDLESS of the sector you're in or the position you hold in the corporate world, high-end fashion is coming back to the office as the downturn signals a return to smart suits and crisp shirts to project commitment and ensure job security.
GET back to basics, have the right people and advisers around you, and make sure everyone involved shares the values that have made your business a success.
THOSE famous last words, It seemed like a good idea at the time aren't what you'd expect from a man who spends most of his time in the boardrooms of the state's mining companies.
THE Swan Valley Tourism Council has scrapped plans for a levy on bus and coach operators during the Spring in the Valley festival after opposition to the move.
IT requires plenty of upfront capital, has high ongoing costs and, if it fails, the owner is almost certain to be forced into exile in a bid to escape out-of-pocket members.
WENDY Duncan is a name few Western Australians would be able to place, yet ask political observers who's who in the state's parliamentary jungle and her name comes up time and time again.
THERE is an interesting collection of businesspeople who wield influence in government due to their roles as board members of major corporatised agencies.
WITH the drums of the global financial crisis still pounding their deep-toned warnings, the shrill sounds of peripheral issues appear to have been drowned out.
IN addition to the vigorous commercial construction activity in the city in recent years, the resources boom and resulting prosperity also ignited discussions around 'place making' and the opportunity to create a liveable, attractive and sustainable city.
PERTH architecture firms have remained resilient in the face of adversity, with many emerging from the early stages of the downturn without significant changes to staffing.
PERTH universities have embarked on major capital works programs, developing award-winning, world-class research and learning facilities without sacrificing design aesthetics.
CHIEF executives of not-for-profit businesses speaking at the recent WA Business News boardroom forum said that balancing their community and member goals with the need to be commercially efficient was one of their biggest tasks.
UTILISING the latest in technology while adhering to a simple, effective philosophy has given corporate travel outfit Globetrotter Corporate Travel a fruitful 30-year run in the competitive business travel management market.
THE death of its co-founder, Michael Norton, six years ago had a dramatic effect on West Leederville-based consulting engineers SVT Engineering Consultants.
When local businessman David Clapin took ownership of Anchor Foods in 2002 and attempted to rebuild the fledgling company, he faced a stark proposition from one of the leading supermarket chains.
