Noel Dyson

COMPUTER networks no longer need cables.

Small WA retailers are breathing a sigh of relief after the promise that trading hours will not be deregulated until at least after the next State Government election.

IT SEEMS pets in the workplace are not as welcome as was previously thought.

APPLICATIONS are being called for $171 million of new funding from the Federal Government's Networking the Nation program.

International trade between Australia and overseas has increased, yet customs staff numbers have been steadily decreasing.

Two women have set out to bring Italian culture and language to the Perth business community.

THE WA Government has approved a $4 million multi-user infrastructure package to improve Broome's port facilities.

Some companies using just under one megawatt of electricity per annum are crying foul at the latest power deregulation.

A MEEKATHARRA-based Aboriginal company has won WA Government support to improve its management skills and plan for future growth.

WA FACES the risk of going from an exporter of food to an importer of food if growing salination problems are not addressed.

FIVE WA university departments are using process control equipment supplied by Motherwell Information Systems in their curriculums.

December brought a bonanza for WA with the Perth Convention Bureau winning conference and incentive travel business worth over $5 million.

Internet-based employment service Seek Communications has appointed brand experts Leonardi Brandhouse to further its marketing agenda.

THE Local Chambers, the Small Business Dev-elopment Commission through the Business Enterprise Centre, and the South East Metropol-itan College of Tafe, have launched the South East Enterprise Network to meet training needs for small business.

TWO alternative uses for the former Town and Country office building on Murray Street, Perth have been approved by the Perth City Council.

A SUMMER job collecting seeds for mining companies in WA's South West has grown into a business for Will Wishart and Andrew Johnston.

WHILE the big four Australian banks consider options overseas, BankWest is building its presence in their backyard.

A WA-based company is out to corner the information technology solutions for manufacturing and utility companies market.

A PLAN to knock down the Irabeena Centre and a four-storey office building at 53 Ord Street, West Perth and replace it with a seven-storey, 100-apartment building has been approved by Council.

PRETTY Girl Fashion Group has signed an agreement with Wool-worths to acquire the 257-store Rockmans women's fashion chain.

A PROPOSAL to place an illuminated pylon sign on the Aberdeen Hotel in Northbridge has been approved.

OWNERS of small to medium-sized businesses have the option of a super fund that meets employees choice of funds requirements while reducing employers' costs.

IS AUSTRALIA a nation of dummies or are people just hungry to learn?

A NON-profit organisation designed to develop experience in trading greenhouse gas emission credits has been established in Perth.EcoCarbon has been incorporated by its founding members which include the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Renewa

A NEW breed of big spending, influential super consumer has been identified, a breed representing 22 per cent of all Australians – and the Internet seems to be the easiest way to get to them.

TRADE opportunities in India are going to boom, says jeweller and prospector Charles Devenish.

SYD Shea's removal from the Department of Conservation and Land Management has also lopped Wally Cox from the top of the East Perth and Subiaco redevelopment authorities.

COUNCIL has reaffirmed its commitment to keep its Arden Street land for public open space.

WA'S small business sector is looking good and owners are positive.

WHILE a competitive power market place will bring discounts, those expecting eastern states-style price drops will be disappointed.

THE GST is having a profound effect on new car sales.Yet unlike consumers, businesses are not waiting for the GST and the expected fall in prices before purchasing says Westpac economist Justin McCarthy.

ADVERTISING agencies have to evolve or risk becoming extinct, says The Brand Agency chairman and managing director Ken James.