Michael Ramsey

A peak industry group says new data showing a drop in apprentice and trainee commencements is cause for concern and reflects continuing employer uncertainty about the state of the economy.

Mining equipment supplier Emeco Holdings has posted a $180 million half-year loss, writing off $158 million in goodwill amid softness in the mining sector.

The Environmental Protection Authority has rejected a bid to rezone land in Port Hedland which LandCorp had earmarked for its proposed $152 million Spoilbank Marina development.

Point of sale financing group ThinkSmart has returned to positive territory, posting a $2.3 million full-year net profit in 2013 after recording a loss in 2012.

Mount Gibson Iron has added to the run of strong half-year results from iron ore miners, more than doubling its net profit on the back of record sales. The market, however, marked down its shares after the company confirmed it would not pay interim dividends.

Seven Group Holdings chief executive Don Voelte has stepped down from his role as chairman of oil and gas junior Nexus Energy, saying the position was no longer appropriate as Seven Group eyes opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

Engineering group RCR Tomlinson says its $140 million purchase of infrastructure business Norfolk Group is paying dividends, announcing a 14 per cent increase in half-year net profit.

The City of Perth is poised to give the green light to plans for a $280 million, 40-level luxury hotel development in East Perth.

Agribusiness Ruralco Holdings has agreed to buy Perth-founded water management retailer Total Eden Holdings for $57.4 million from Anchorage Capital Partners.