Business News - Business, finance, political, &amp; economic news.

Wesfarmers abandons costly UK move

25 May 2018

Wesfarmers has sold its struggling Homebase business for a nominal sum, with managing director Rob Scott confirming the UK hardware company has cost the conglomerate about $1.3 billion.

Mark my words podcast

Mark Pownall

25 May 2018

PODCAST: In this Business News podcast Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss BGC, Wesfarmers, National Lifestyle Villages, battery plant speculation, blockchain, and our special report is information and communications technology.

Quintis

Quintis faces third class action

25 May 2018

A new class action has been launched today against embattled sandalwood producer Quintis, along with its former managing director Frank Wilson and the company’s auditor EY.

Fortescue Metals Group

Rinehart and Forrest top WA rich listers

Property Council of Australia

25 May 2018

Iron ore maganates Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest remain in the top 10 of the nation’s wealthiest people, according to the 2018 AFR Rich List, which included 20 Western Australians out of 200 people listed this year.

Property group wants Metronet broadened

25 May 2018

Broadening the scope of the state government's Metronet rail project to include existing station precincts as a means to deliver short-term development opportunities was among the key recommendations outlined in an Urbis report released today.

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Corporate Finance DealsView all

Wesfarmers abandons costly UK move

25 May 2018

Wesfarmers has sold its struggling Homebase business for a nominal sum, with managing director Rob Scott confirming the UK hardware company has cost the conglomerate about $1.3 billion.

ClearVue Technologies

ClearVue set for ASX debut after $5m IPO

24 May 2018

Specialist glass company ClearVue Technologies will commence trading on the ASX tomorrow after raising $5 million via an initial public offering.

Sirona Capital

Sydney investor buys National Lifestyle Villages

23 May 2018

Sydney-based investor Rob Nichols has teamed up with Singapore-based investment fund GIC to buy the assets of Perth company National Lifestyle Villages following a review led by Sirona Capital director Kelvin Flynn, who has run NLV since October last year.

De Grey Mining

De Grey in $6m raising

22 May 2018

De Grey Mining has raised $6 million, with ASX-listed DGO Gold investing $5 million in the placement, to expand exploration work at the company’s Pilbara gold project.

Battery Minerals

Battery hopefuls pick up $50m

03 May 2018

Two Western Australian mining juniors focused on battery-related commodities have secured $50 million to advance their projects in Africa.

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BGC Australia

BGC up for sale

24 May 2018

BGC Australia director Sam Buckeridge announced this afternoon that the sprawling property and construction empire built by his late father Len Buckeridge is being prepared for sale.

Power Ledger

Perth crypto innovators crack the code

22 May 2018

A series of new blockchain plays and a growing assortment of associated businesses highlight how the new asset class is sparking entrepreneurship in Perth.

BGC Contracting

BGC cuts Perth staff

23 May 2018

BGC Contracting has announced personnel cuts within its Perth head office as part of a restructure that will also move its mining chief operating officer to Brisbane as the company shifts its focus to the east coast.

Battery plant rumoured for Wesfarmers

23 May 2018

Interest is growing in Kwinana as a possible battery manufacturing hub, with Wesfarmers mooted to be considering a move into the sector and representatives from US electric car manufacturer Tesla in Perth to meet with Premier Mark McGowan today.

CBRE

Development potential for Northbridge site

23 May 2018

A prime site in Northbridge, located on William Street opposite Yagan Square and Perth City Link and earmarked for a multi-tower mixed-use development, has been listed for sale.

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Bankwest

Lounge offers business connections

09 May 2018

The Small Business Lounge on Mount Hawthorn’s Oxford Street is just the first step for founder Brooke Arnott, who plans to take the advisory concept nation wide.

Hotchkin Hanly Lawyers

Dunsborough Puma developer has court win

11 May 2018

The proponents of a Puma Energy development on Dunsborough’s main street had a win in the Supreme Court yesterday, but the issue is far from settled according to a local advocacy group against the proposal.

Golden Group

Golden Group starts work at Belmont Park

01 May 2018

Fives years after unveiling its vision for high-rise apartments at Belmont Park Racecourse, Golden Group will host a groundbreaking ceremony at the site today.

Mineral Resources

Kidman JV selects Kwinana for refinery

Mark Beyer Tayler Neale

04 May 2018

Kwinana has been selected as the site for what is likely to be the fourth lithium refinery in Western Australia, with investment in the boom sector estimated to exceed $4 billion in the next few years.

Perth Festival

Grandage selected to lead Perth Festival

09 May 2018

For the first time in its 65-year history, Perth Festival has appointed a home-grown artistic director, Iain Grandage, whose creative vision will be executed across a four-year tenure starting in 2020.

Politics & the EconomyView all

WA Labor candidate quits after week of scrutiny

25 May 2018

Labor's candidate for the Western Australian state seat of Darling Range has resigned after a week of having her credibility and study history questioned.

July 28 is the preferred by-elections date

Committee for Economic Development of Australia

24 May 2018

Voters in two WA federal seats will likely go to by-elections on July 28 to avoid school holidays and await new rules for candidates.

Company tax holding Australia back

Public Transport Authority of WA

24 May 2018

High company taxes are one of the biggest impediments to Australia’s economic success, according to the latest global competitiveness index by Swiss business school IMD, although improving infrastructure and government efficiency have helped boost the country’s overall rating.

Perth city-to-stadium footbridge delayed

23 May 2018

The long-delayed footbridge linking East Perth to Optus Stadium will not be ready by the end of May despite previous assurances by the McGowan government.

Hanson rejects tax cut plan

Property Council of Australia

22 May 2018

Federal Labor is demanding the Turnbull government hand over details of the deal it struck with Pauline Hanson to get her support to cut business taxes, a pact One Nation is now reneging on.

Upcoming Business News EventsView all

Rising Stars Awards - 2018 Rising Stars Awards C...

Beaumonde On The Point (upstairs ballroom and function centre), 306 Riverside Drive, East Perth - 27 June 2018

PropertyView all

Property group wants Metronet broadened

25 May 2018

BGC Australia

BGC among WA’s largest private businesses

24 May 2018

BGC Australia is one of the state’s largest and most diverse business groups, with revenue last financial year in excess of $2 billion from its building, construction, property, contracting, trucking and manufacturing operations.

BGC Australia

BGC up for sale

24 May 2018

BGC Australia director Sam Buckeridge announced this afternoon that the sprawling property and construction empire built by his late father Len Buckeridge is being prepared for sale.

Peet

Peet confirmed for Swan Valley project

23 May 2018

Perth-based Peet has confirmed its appointment by the state government as the developer for the Brabham housing project near the Swan Valley.

CBRE

Development potential for Northbridge site

23 May 2018

A prime site in Northbridge, located on William Street opposite Yagan Square and Perth City Link and earmarked for a multi-tower mixed-use development, has been listed for sale.

WA Event CalendarView all

WA's most comprehensive guide to forthcoming business-related events. To list an upcoming WA event on this page, complete the online submission form.

29 May 2018 | @ 07:00am

AmCham Business Briefing with The Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia

29 May 2018 | @ 08:30am

CCI International Engagement and Growth Conference

29 May 2018 | @ 04:00pm

Networking Event - Engine Room Business Innovation

29 May 2018 | @ 05:30pm

#SMPerth May - Drinks for Perth Social Media

29 May 2018 | @ 05:30pm

Carbon Group's Quarterly Networking Event: Cost Savings For Businesses

30 May 2018 | @ 09:00am

COURSE: Mining and Geology Fundamentals for non-miners

30 May 2018 | @ 10:00am

How to Speak to an Audience

30 May 2018 | @ 11:45am

CEDA - Social licence to operate - the future for business

30 May 2018 | @ 05:00pm

Belmont Business 'Ask An Expert' Sundowner

30 May 2018 | @ 05:30pm

Town of Cambridge Sundowner May 30

Arts & CommunityView all

Cystic Fibrosis WA

Rose sales drive funds for Cystic Fibrosis

21 May 2018

Cystic Fibrosis WA is calling on volunteers and businesses across the state to help the charity raise $75,000 this Friday as part of its annual ’65 Roses Day’.

Art Gallery of WA

Hemsley heads AGWA Foundation

21 May 2018

Property consultant Warwick Hemsley has replaced Adrian Fini as the Art Gallery of WA Foundation chair after four years at the helm.

Art Gallery of WA

$17m of AGWA collection at risk of damage

17 May 2018

The auditor general of Western Australia has found about 785 artworks of the state’s $300 million collection is at risk of damage or loss due to inadequate storage, conservation and monitoring by the Art Gallery of WA.

WA Symphony Orchestra

Community culture works for WASO

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts

16 May 2018

WA Symphony Orchestra has deep roots planted firmly across Western Australia, having spent 90 years connecting with communities beyond its core audience of classical music aficionados.

Pica showcases emerging artists

15 May 2018

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts will launch its 27th Hatched: National Graduate Show this Friday night, showcasing 30 new graduates from across the country, including five local artists.

Featured PhotographsView all

Hadiqa Moroccan Restaurant & Bar at Hibernian Place

Meeting room and rooftop

Success & Leadership breakfast with Chris Sutherland, Programmed

Element office kitchen

The Melbourne Hotel

Conservatory

Riff powered by SpaceCubed

Riff powered by SpaceCubed

Sculpture By The Sea 2018

Sculpture By The Sea 2018

EnergyView all

Battery plant rumoured for Wesfarmers

23 May 2018

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric positive on WA

23 May 2018

Global company Schneider Electric anticipates continued strong trading in Western Australia, helped by work on established resources projects, new lithium developments and its Clipsal business.

AGL Energy

AGL rejects Alinta's $250m Liddell bid

AAP Business News

21 May 2018

AGL has knocked back Alinta Energy's $250 million offer to buy Liddell Power Station and reaffirmed its decision to close the plant in 2022.

Perdaman Industries

New Burrup projects aim to defy history

07 May 2018

Two groups aspiring to build gas processing projects on the Burrup Peninsula are aiming to fare better than many others have in the environmentally sensitive area.

Western Power

ERA tightening to reduce power price pressure

02 May 2018

State-owned Western Power will need to trim operating costs by about $100 million more than planned over the next five years under the Economic Regulation Authority’s latest draft access arrangements released last night.

"Mark My Words" PodcastsView all

25 May 2018

18 May 2018

PODCAST: Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss defence contracts, LNG developments, high density housing, master entrepreneurs, The West Australian, lithium and our special report on philanthropy.

11 May 2018

PODCAST: Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss the state and federal budgets, three byelections in WA (or maybe four), regulator activity, and our special report this week is the wine industry.

07 May 2018

Former Fortescue Metals Group CEO Nev Power’s new career as a non-executive director has started with Perth Airport.

04 May 2018

PODCAST: Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss Belmont Park apartments, Lithium projects, Fringe Festival, Chris Sutherland, and BN's special report on universities.

Food & WineView all

Nail Brewing

WA brewery tops international competition

18 May 2018

The local beer label behind Northbridge Brewing Company and Whitfords Brewing Company has won the top prize at Australia’s most renowned beer competition, hosted in Melbourne last night.

Varnish on King

King of Queen Street lifts veil on new Moroccan bar

15 May 2018

With the outlook for the small bar sector becoming more positive, hospitality entrepreneur Andy Freeman has embarked on a $2 million Moroccan-themed venue in Perth’s east end.

El Publico

Tiny’s brings big energy to QV1

04 May 2018

A new bar at Perth’s QV1 is aiming to make a big splash in Perth’s west end.

Perth first choice for Aloha Poké

Gage Roads Brewing Company

03 May 2018

Perth’s up-and-coming healthy food market was one of the factors that drew Singaporean restaurant chain Aloha Poké to the Western Australian capital, with its first international outlet opening at St Martin’s Centre in the CBD two weeks ago.

Stadium sales lift Gage Roads

30 Apr 2018

Shares in Gage Roads Brewing Company have jumped today after the company posted impressive quarterly results, driven by strong sales at Optus Stadium.

Special ReportsView all

Giving Well 2018

21 May 2018

Philanthropists, charities changing focus

Structure, strategy fuel funding

21 May 2018

Events still deliver the goods

21 May 2018

Giving with intent when done on Purposed

21 May 2018

Wineries 2018

14 May 2018

Chinese taste for WA wines leads Asian sales push

14 May 2018

Sandalford selling wine experiences

14 May 2018

Collaboration’s best to come

Fergal Gleeson

14 May 2018

Construction 2018

23 April 2018

Big builds bring confidence

23 Apr 2018

Payments’ security under review

23 Apr 2018

Dismantling the status quo

23 Apr 2018

Apprentices and training 2018

16 April 2018

Struggle to meet market needs

16 Apr 2018

Businesses wary of tax training plan

12 Apr 2018

Corporate finance March 2018

09 April 2018

Pacific Energy finds smooth M&A path

09 Apr 2018

AWE, Finders battles add M&A spice

09 Apr 2018

Large deals boost capital raisings

09 Apr 2018

MiningView all

Court orders freezing of Palmer assets

25 May 2018

A Queensland court has ordered the freezing of hundreds of millions of dollars of Clive Palmer's assets.

Ausdrill

Ausdrill JV secures $US211m contract

25 May 2018

A joint venture between Ausdrill and Barminco has secured a mining services contract worth $US211 million ($280 million) for the Siou mine in Burkina Faso.

Fortescue Metals Group

Rinehart and Forrest top WA rich listers

25 May 2018

Myanmar Metals

Perilya, Creasy invest $19m in Myanmar

25 May 2018

Chinese-owned mining company Perilya will take a 20 per cent stake in Myanmar Metals as part of a planned capital raising worth up to $35 million to fund its share of the Bawdwin base metals project.

McGowan sets up lithium taskforce

24 May 2018

Moves to encourage downstream lithium processing in Western Australia continued today, with the state government announcing a taskforce to develop a strategy for the sector.

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OpinionView all

Mark my words podcast

Mark Pownall

25 May 2018

Good leaders inspire their teams

Jeffrey Gitomer

23 May 2018

Managers can encourage or discourage sales with their policies and actions, so what makes a great sales manager?

Concerns for local lithium if Musk’s Tesla tanks

Tim Treadgold

22 May 2018

Recent comments by Tesla’s Elon Musk, and his company’s price dive immediately after, will be of interest to the state’s lithium miners.

Mark my words podcast

Mark Pownall

18 May 2018

PODCAST: Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss defence contracts, LNG developments, high density housing, master entrepreneurs, The West Australian, lithium and our special report on philanthropy.

Liberal move divides party

Peter Kennedy

18 May 2018

The GST is a potential sleeper issue as WA heads to three by-elections.

RetailView all

Scentre Group

Westfield shareholders approve takeover

24 May 2018

Westfield Corporation shareholders have voted in favour of a $33 billion takeover by Paris property giant Unibail-Rodamco, marking the end of an era for the Lowy family.

Myer

Myer blames warm weather for profit woes

16 May 2018

Myer has warned unseasonably warmer weather could dent its fourth-quarter profit after third-quarter sales dipped 2.7 per cent to $635.3 million.

Woolworths

Woolies' Q3 sales growth surpasses Coles'

02 May 2018

Woolworths has outpaced rival Coles' sales growth for a sixth consecutive quarter.

Wesfarmers leadership changes

30 Apr 2018

Wesfarmers has announced two leadership changes today, with Officeworks chief executive Mark Ward set to step down at the end of the year, while former New Zealand prime minister Bill English has been appointed to the board of the Perth-based conglomerate.