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IMPLEMENTING a strategic focus and developing greater relevance to the local ICT industry are the major priorities for new Australian Information Industry Association chairman Geoff Harben.

TALK of interest rate rises is sparking concerns about falling sales and increased operating costs, according to the lates Dun and Bradstreet National Business Expectations Survey

COMPETITION in the growing online DVD rental business is set to grow with the entry to the market of a new player in November.

A NOVEL that Edith Cowan University student Danielle Wood wrote for her postgraduate degree in creative writing has earnt her more than a doctorate, which she picked up on Septemb

A PAIR of former used car salesmen who tried their luck in the restaurant game has been responsible for some of Perth's best-known venues.

BY his own admission Warren Mead is not a sophisticated dresser, but he sure knows how to create good looking and profitable restaurants.

SOUTH Perth dining institution Coco's is a shining example of how good management can deliver a crowd favourite for more than a decade.

A LEANING towards perfectionism has served Umberto Tinelli well during his many years in the Perth restaurant scene. He is aware of the smallest aspect of his business and if something is out of place he wants to set it right.

THERE'S no doubt Perth's entertainment culture owes a big thank you to Nic Trimboli and the team at Matilda Bay Brewing Company – just think of venues such as the Sail and Anchor, the Queens Hotel, the Brass Monkey and The Como.

FACED with increasing property management fees and wielding a thirst for more core business control, many of WA's listed retail property trusts are moving away from managing agents to in-house shopping centre management.

In the final part of our cash flow management series, Mark Beyer looks at finance options.

THE Australian Taxation Office has announced changes to make it easier for businesses to claim deductions for low-cost items such as office supplies, crockery and small tools.

While it has been a few years since David Pike attended a 21st birthday, a recent invitation was too good an opportunity to pass up.

LAST week State Scene highlighted South Australia's recent Constitutional Convention...

Nearly $100 million has been invested in olive groves in Western Australia over the past few years. Mark Beyer and Chris Leitch look at some of the looming challenges as the industry matures.

FORMER property developer Tony Fini has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a new tourism venture at his family's olive grove near Gingin, north of Perth.

IT has been fascinating to read some of the reports on Perth as a place to live and work in recent times.

THE next big growth area, and the next big challenge, for Western Australia's olive industry will be the establishment of processing and bottling facilities.

A MAJOR olive grove being established near Gingin is breaking new ground for the local industry by using ‘superdense' tree plantings.

THE Margaret River region is full of success stories, many of which revolve around tourism, wine or fine foods.

THE rapid expansion of the olive industry in the Moore River region has placed the area's underground water supplies under acute pressure.

THE legal position of employers whose employees engage in digital music piracy using company equipment remains unclear amid the bluster and noise of the latest debate on the issue.

A MOVE back to the brand is the defining feature of the RAC'S latest press advertising campaign.

AN effective communication and marketing strategy is paying dividends for Edith Cowan University, which was among the major winners at this month's Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) WA 2003 Awards for Marketing Excellence.

IN a win for the grass roots campaigning, the recently launched Land Tax Revolt campaign has received the backing of the Real Estate Institute of WA and the Property Council of WA, with other peak industry and community groups in sight.

LOCAL property development company Access West Developments Ltd has lodged a prospectus with ASIC to raise $5 million through an initial public offering, and will list on the Stock Exchange of Newcastle Limited (NSX).

In part three of our series on cash flow management, Mark Beyer looks at the role of technology.

COMPANIES worried about corporate fraud have recently been given stark reminders about the magnitude of the problem.

IF ever I were to be shipwrecked on a desert island with a crate or two of plonk I can say without a second's hesitation that my drink of choice would be champagne.

Dozens of talented young people leave Perth every year for the excitement and opportunity of bigger cities. But there is also a steady flow of returnees. What brings them back? And how do they cope with ‘Dullsville'? Mark Beyer reports.

ASK any West Aussie if they're living in a democracy and, Sydney-to-a-brick they'll say, yes.

WA Business News spoke to some prominent local council leaders facing pressure to develop the coastline.