When the Economy Gets Rocky, How Does the Beauty Business Avoid the Horror? WHEN THERE WASN’T a TELCO WE LIKED… WE CREATED ONE for PEOPLE LIKE US

WESTBUSINESS INS DER WA’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE March 2017

When the economy gets rocky, how does the beauty business avoid the horror? WHEN THERE WASN’T A TELCO WE LIKED… WE CREATED ONE FOR PEOPLE LIKE US.

VOCUS MEANS BUSINESS. WESTBUSINESS WELCOME From the editor

THE LIPSTICK EFFECT There have been some terrifying Lipstick and other little luxuries are the best countercyclical headlines in recent years about Budget economic barometers of our time. Monica Videnieks, cuts, debt levels, unemployment and Amanda Keenan and Kim Macdonald report. P6-8 the mining downturn. Coming on the back of the other extreme — the mining HEAR YE, HEAR YE boom — the impact has hit Perth’s Why does WA start-up company with an innovative assisted- commercial property market hard. In hearing device think Perth is a better place to run a tech this edition, we look at how this perfect company than Silicon Valley. Kim Macdonald reports. P10-11 storm has affected the sector. P14-16 Despite the undeniably lacklustre THE DEBT DILEMMA economy, there are a few industries On March 13, the next WA treasurer will inherit a big pile of . . . which are doing surprisingly well. The debt. Shane Wright considers what can be done to reduce it. beauty industry is one of them, and P14-16 three WA women have used the downturn to their advantage, MAD MARKET creating world-class beauty empires Perth’s commercial property market appears to have gone mad. worth small fortunes. A few local Helen Shield discovers it is a good time to buy. P14-16 start-ups are reaping the rewards of the new economy too, such as PLUS ASX-listed Nuheara, featured on Motoring: Test driving the Maserati Levante. P24 page 10. No doubt you’ve heard of Reg Howard-Smith, from the Wine: The thoroughbreds in the cellar of Perth Racing boss Neil Chamber of Minerals and Pinner. P26 Energy, during this election. On Fashion: The must haves of 2017 P28 page 30 he opens up about P24 P10-11 work, life and cycling, over a pescetarian lunch. EDITORIAL Kim Macdonald Editor WESTBUSINESS INSIDER magazine 08 9482 3104, [email protected] ADVERTISING Elizabeth Poustie 08 9482 3254 [email protected]. DESIGN John Henderson Kim Macdonald I NS G HT

The art of A day in my working life PHOTOGRAPHY KEITH JOHN, FOUNDER OF PIONEER CREDIT ress the shutter button. ne of my team members Press it lots. You may not got in late this morning. always capture something It was quarter past seven. Pgreat but you will capture OWe all piped up with something. Try to learn what “good afternoon”. good light is. It’s different for That’s the greeting you get if everyone. Find your version of it you arrive at work after 7am, as and shoot in it whenever you can. we are all early starters here. Pretty things make pretty I wake up at 4.30 every morning pictures. If you want that, and watch the news before getting photograph pretty things. into the office by 6-6.30am. I make When I’m photographing people phone calls to the east coast on I often find the result equates to the drive in. the groundwork I’ve put in I cringe when people call us a beforehand. Give me 20 minutes debt collection agency. There is for a shoot and I’ll probably talk nothing wrong with debt for 15 of them. collectors but it’s not what we do. If they swear, I’ll swear, they Pioneer is a different talk about footy, I’ll talk about organisation. We are a financial footy. Haggis hurling, well I’ll try services provider. and talk about that too. We buy customer accounts from Part photographer, part banks and we work with our used-car salesman. customers so they can pay off that Capture emotion, any emotion, account over time. We have it will always make a picture. recently starting offering loans to people who had been rehabilitated Ian Munro, photographer, The and have paid back what they West Australian newspaper owe. I started in the industry as a university student 25 years ago nsel Adams, a famous serving summonses for my American landscape family’s collection agency. photographer, said you Back then, the industry was Adon’t just take a about collecting debt rather than photograph — you make it. curing it. I try to tell a complete story Many years ago it came to me with my travel pictures. I’m not that the better you treat someone, only looking for the iconic scenes the more respect you give and the of landscapes and buildings but more humility you show, then the also for insightful portraits, better the result. interesting lighting and quirky We started walking away from details. the debt-collection mentality at Take your time, photography is that point and now we are about the art of observation. sprinting away from it. Look for interesting and As managing director, I am unusual things and seek out interested in hiring people who different points of view and understand this. Our business is geometry. Think about about recruiting good people who composition and lighting and scan want to make a difference in the Keith John Picture: Trevor Collens the edges of your viewfinder for community and then teaching unsightly distractions. them the skills they need to do the people across the various parts of It’s an honour to have someone Simple, easy-to-understand job. our business. work for you every day and I’m pictures are usually the most One of my passion projects at I stop for sushi at 11.30am. I passionate about ensuring our powerful and will stand the test of the moment is organising a have sushi every day of my life. It leadership respect that choice. time. Street photography has non-denominational thanksgiving is a running gag in my family. I go to the gym for an hour become really popular. Unposed, service for our 260 team members In the afternoon I get updated before heading home to my wife natural-looking images are a in Perth. We have another 100 on how the day is going. We talk and two sons, who are 12 and 13 great way to illustrate daily life. people in the Philippines. about positive movements, in years old. These shots provide real insight I have a strong faith but for me, terms of the number of people They can already beat me at into what you have it’s not about religion, it is about we’ve been able to get in touch basketball and I am starting to experienced, and the mood our sense of community. We have with, as opposed to revenue. struggle with their algebra and flavour of the place. every faith in this office including I leave work about 4pm and I homework. Hindu, Muslim, Anglican and finish the day by thanking each After dinner I’ll normally do Mogens Johansen, non-believers. person in my team. We run another hour or so of work. photojournalist, The I spend a lot of my day talking, internal leadership development A lot of people tell me that I am West Australian either on the phone to people we courses and we encourage every a workaholic but, if you love what newspaper work with at the banks or to my leader to finish the day this way. you do, it isn’t work.

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hey say heels and hemlines fluctuate with the The economic downturn was a stockmarket but it is lipsticks that have lucky break for three West proved the most reliable countercyclical Teconomic barometer of the modern era. The so-called “lipstick effect” was coined by Estee Australian women who have Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder in the months after the September 11 attack, when the US economy created health and beauty went into freefall and lipstick sales almost doubled. empires worth tens of millions But the dynamic was first noticed during the Great Depression of the 1930s when increasing of dollars each. Monica cosmetic sales bucked almost every other sector across the entire global economy. It held true during Videnieks, the recent global financial crisis, which helped to almost double the stock price for leading cosmetic Kim Macdonald and brand L’Oreal. The theory contends that as economic downturns Amanda Keenan report. force shoppers to give up big-ticket items such as new cars, furniture and holidays, they splurge on smaller ones like lipstick. And in Australia, the dynamic has returned as boldly as a classic red lip, with 20,000 lipsticks flying off the shelves every a day in 2015, worth a total $217 million a year. (Or $310 million annually once lip liners and glosses were included, according to the latest research by Euromonitor.) This is up from 16,500 lipsticks a day, or $180 million a year in 2010. (Or a total of $260 million on all lip products.) While the theory highlights make-up, it extends to a whole host of other little luxuries that have outperformed the market in recent years with the promise of a quick, cheap thrill. In Australia, this includes growth in sales of fine wines and spirits (up 26 per cent between 2010 and 2015, Euromonitor), gourmet chocolates, (up 18 per cent between 2008 and 2012, Leatherhead Food Research) skin care, (up 15 per cent between 2010 and 2015, Euromonitor) and vitamins and dietary supplements (up 81 per cent between 2010 and 2015, Euromonitor). Increases may seem reasonable given population growth but it is countercyclical when you consider Australians had fewer savings in 2015 than five years previously; (6.81 per cent compared with 8.9 per cent of disposable incomes) more debt; (204 per cent of their net disposable income compared with 189 per cent) slightly lower assets; (22.56 per cent compared with 22.95) and were more likely to be jobless, with the unemployment about one per cent higher in 2015 compared with 2010. MEGAN LARSEN, CO-FOUNDER ‘People needed to feel nurtured SODASHI Megan Larsen knows all about the lipstick effect. — when money and economies At the height of the crippling global financial crisis, sales of her Sodashi luxury spa products and become tight I think that our treatments were bucking the downward spiral. “In the GFC, I remember Four Seasons (Hotel) market (the beauty industry) Paris telling us that whilst there was so much does that.’ instability going on; people hadn’t stopped booking Megan Larsen spa treatments,” Larsen says.

6 MARCH 2017 Call of beauty

hey say heels and hemlines fluctuate with the The next phase of the Sodashi business will see it The economic downturn was a stockmarket but it is lipsticks that have push further into markets in the Middle East, the US lucky break for three West proved the most reliable countercyclical and UK. Online sales are galloping — the last Teconomic barometer of the modern era. quarter saw online sales increase by 107 per cent The so-called “lipstick effect” was coined by Estee from the same period the previous year. Australian women who have Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder in the months International online sales grew by 285 per cent in after the September 11 attack, when the US economy “People needed to feel nurtured — when money that time as brand awareness expanded globally. created health and beauty went into freefall and lipstick sales almost doubled. and economies become tight I think that our market While setting up a business in Perth was empires worth tens of millions But the dynamic was first noticed during the (the beauty industry) does that. And, hey, at the end challenging — no internet in the first few years and Great Depression of the 1930s when increasing of the day, if you look good you’re going to feel the physical isolation — Larsen says it made her of dollars each. Monica cosmetic sales bucked almost every other sector good.” drive and determination to succeed even stronger. across the entire global economy. It held true during Larsen, 53, is the woman behind Sodashi — the “Isolation is the big thing when you are in Perth Videnieks, the recent global financial crisis, which helped to all-natural face and body products used in many of because you are cocooned in a way,” she says. “In the almost double the stock price for leading cosmetic the world’s best and most exclusive spas. The brand early days of Sodashi I spent a lot of time travelling Kim Macdonald and brand L’Oreal. boasts a vocal celebrity following including the likes globally to both build relationships for people to The theory contends that as economic downturns of models Lara Worthington, Nicole Trunfio, become more clear about us as a brand and for me to Amanda Keenan report. force shoppers to give up big-ticket items such as Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow and US acquire information about what spas were actually new cars, furniture and holidays, they splurge on designer Phillip Lim. looking for. smaller ones like lipstick. Like Rebecca Morrice-Williams, Larsen first “In a way, Perth has kind of got a safety net. It’s a And in Australia, the dynamic has returned as created her range in her South Perth kitchen in the great place to trial and incubate something because boldly as a classic red lip, with 20,000 lipsticks flying late 1990s, driven by the desire to create a you are not under enormous scrutiny here. I off the shelves every a day in 2015, worth a total $217 chemical-free skincare range that harnessed the remember reading that the number of million a year. (Or $310 million annually once lip powers of aromatherapy and the goodness of entrepreneurs out of Perth is really quite high and I liners and glosses were included, according to the natural elements to nurture the body. wonder if that is why. latest research by Euromonitor.) When Larsen first took Sodashi (a Sanskrit word “I think with Becca, Super Elixir and some really This is up from 16,500 lipsticks a day, or $180 meaning wholeness, purity and radiance) to market impressive brands coming out of Perth that we are million a year in 2010. (Or a total of $260 million on in the early Noughties, the brand was arguably the getting noticed as a city in the global beauty all lip products.) only all-natural skincare range available. The industry.” While the theory highlights make-up, it extends to prestigious five-star luxury Asian spa group Six a whole host of other little luxuries that have Senses was among the first spas to snap up Sodashi outperformed the market in recent years with the and it wasn’t long before elite spas in Europe promise of a quick, cheap thrill. followed suit. In Australia, this includes growth in sales of fine Today, Sodashi services a portfolio of high-end wines and spirits (up 26 per cent between 2010 and luxury spas in 25 countries around the world. 2015, Euromonitor), gourmet chocolates, (up 18 per Clients include Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Four cent between 2008 and 2012, Leatherhead Food Seasons George V in Paris, Emirates One & Only Research) skin care, (up 15 per cent between 2010 Wolgan Valley in NSW, Rosewood London, Ritz and 2015, Euromonitor) and vitamins and dietary Carlton Tokyo and Como the Treasury in Perth. supplements (up 81 per cent between 2010 and 2015, Most recently, Sodashi was launched exclusively Euromonitor). into the spa at Kokomo Private island Fiji; the Increases may seem reasonable given population brainchild of Sydney billionaire property developer growth but it is countercyclical when you consider Lang Walker. Australians had fewer savings in 2015 than five years Sodashi offers an extensive range of products previously; (6.81 per cent compared with 8.9 per cent including 64 retail stock-keeping units and 99 of disposable incomes) more debt; (204 per cent of professional SKUs. their net disposable income compared with 189 per Larsen won’t divulge what Sodashi is worth but cent) slightly lower assets; (22.56 per cent compared industry estimates put it about $50 million. At the with 22.95) and were more likely to be jobless, with helm of the business is Larsen (director and the unemployment about one per cent higher in 2015 shareholder) who operates it alongside director compared with 2010. Christine Smetsers and company secretary Adrian Smetsers. Larsen’s former partner Ken Barrett, who REBECCA MORRICE-WILLIAMS, MEGAN LARSEN, CO-FOUNDER helped her set up the business, remains a FOUNDER BECCA shareholder. In the early days, Sodashi was financed Like many great empires, BECCA cosmetics started SODASHI with personal savings and money from the sale of at a kitchen sink. Megan Larsen knows all about the lipstick effect. her health shop. She refused to go into debt for the It was in the late 1990s and make-up artist Rebecca At the height of the crippling global financial enterprise. Morrice-Williams wanted to create a flawless crisis, sales of her Sodashi luxury spa products and “From 1995 to 2005 it was all funded by me and my make-up finish that looked natural but was strong treatments were bucking the downward spiral. partner at the time (Barrett). I think anyone who and pigmented enough to last all day and cover “In the GFC, I remember Four Seasons (Hotel) starts a business knows; it is a bottomless pit,” blemishes. Paris telling us that whilst there was so much Larsen laughs. At the time, it was the seemingly impossible instability going on; people hadn’t stopped booking New general manager Faisal Ansari started with CONTINUES PAGE 8 spa treatments,” Larsen says. the company last month.

MARCH 2017 7 high-quality products fuelled by my own frustrations and creating a brand with a point of difference and a very distinctive aesthetic that I could perhaps follow in their footsteps. “I think women do still spend on the little luxuries to make them feel better in tough times. “Whilst they may have cut back on big-ticket items like an expensive bag or dress, a new lipstick or foundation provides relatively good bang for your buck if you are looking at something to make you feel fresh, new and pretty.” And her base in Perth — though not considered one of the world’s most glamorous hubs — was also Bux says she gets constant feedback from a positive. customers who will go without, say, a new frock or “I never saw Perth’s isolation as a hindrance. car, so they don’t have to sacrifice their protein FROM PAGE 6 Talented, clever or creative people can come from powder or super green smoothie. anywhere and sometimes, for me anyway, being in a “This isn’t a super-elite wealthy person’s product, cosmetic equivalent of having both low inflation and smaller, sleepier city made me more competitive and our customer base goes right through,” she says. low unemployment simultaneously — two desirable more focused on my goals. “And it’s all to do with the shift; I think people are outcomes that were innately at odds with one “With the internet you can be connected to anyone valuing more important things in their life and another. and anything so there were not really any problems wellness, it’s the most important thing.” Her frustration prompted the make-up artist to with operating the creative side of the business from Bux and her dear friend Elle Macpherson founded roll up her sleeves and mix more than 1000 different Perth, particularly in the early years. WelleCo in 2014. The founder of Australian Style skin-coloured foundations, which she tested on “When the business became very much about the magazine and Invisible Zinc was inspired by the friends and family, eventually perfecting the 30 US market then it was essential for the business to apparently ageless model’s vitality. The 52-year-old varieties which now anchor the brand. actually operate from there. I am not sure that Perth swore by a green tonic prescribed by Dr Simone The former Penrhos College girl then created a is seen as a beauty hub but I think Australia is Laubscher after a health scare. concealer, a sheer tinted moisturiser with SPF, a certainly now seen as a producer of fine cosmetics.” “Having spoken to Elle about this product and cream blush and then the silky, perfecting powder having spoken to Dr Laubscher and then trying it that locks the products on to the skin. ANDREA BUX myself I thought if I’m going to use my skills in This formed the Skin Perfecting Makeup System business for something then the fact that this is so which anchors the make-up business that she CO-FOUNDER WELLECO good for people and the fact that it’s plant based — launched in London, 2001. They say people pay to make themselves feel better it’s good for the world as well— was very compelling Beauty industry veteran, Andrea Bux, the founder in an economic downturn and it seems many are for me.” of WelleCo, helped to bring in investors to set up and doing that quite literally by taking vitamins and The brand now includes a suite of products, expand. Over the next few years the brand caught supplements. The sector grew an astonishing 81 per including the Super Elixir and a popular protein the eye of some of Perth’s top investors, including cent between 2010 and 2015. powder. She knew it would be tough to re-educate a John Schaffer, John Bond, Heather Zampatti and Among the beneficiaries is WA’s WelleCo and its public used to popping and slurping synthetic pills Luc Longley. range of alkalising greens and proteins. and powders. Some local investors, who declined to be named, “As we see fluctuations in consumer buying “I honestly didn’t realise that in less than three said they initially held high hopes for the brand but patterns and the downturn that’s happening in years the business would actually be bigger than over the years it seemed to slip off the radar. Many retail, WelleCo is just going from strength to Invisible Zinc was at the time that we sold it. And of them, already bitten by a raft of failed strength every month, far exceeding all of our that’s phenomenal. I thought it would take a long investments during the GFC at the time, thought expectations,” co-founder and chief executive time to educate and communicate to the market. they had done their dough. Andrea Bux says. The company has a employee profit-sharing plan But Morrice-Williams plugged away and improved “I think there’s a much deeper movement going on to share the love. sales each and every year throughout the GFC. By around wellness, it’s not something that you can see, Bux says the digital nature of the business makes 2012 it was turning over about $15 million a year. it’s not a label you can walk around and wear as a it a dynamic beast. It was then, as the Australian and the global status symbol. It’s deeply personal . . . and it’s quite “It’s a living, breathing thing and it runs 24 hours economies limped on, Morrice-Williams sold to New profound.” a day across all time zones and all parts of the world York-based company Luxury Brand Partners in and it’s very exciting. exchange for an undisclosed amount of shares. “We’re very responsive and it’s almost like Within years LLB boosted BECCA sales up to running a political campaign, it’s that fast moving.” about $80 million annually. The online model also means WelleCo can easily Estee Lauder bought the brand for an estimated run a global business from Perth. $US200 million ($270 million) about four months ago, “I think that nowadays with a digital business you and the brand is on track for annual sales of more can be anywhere. There’s a democratisation that’s than $100 million this year, with hundreds of happened from little brands to big brands to products ranging from lipstick to highlighter selling multinationals, whatever location you’re in — you in 22 countries. can be anywhere. Investors estimate Morrice-Williams’ personal pay “Obviously we have logistics — we have cheque from the sale is about $40 million, though she manufacturing and warehousing in the key places in won’t confirm or deny the figure. She will stay on as California, Sydney, outside of London and we the brand’s creative director. service our markets from those different points but “My hope was that . . . if BECCA was to become to have the hub and the team based together in one successful that it would be noticed by Estee Lauder,” place in Perth is an advantage because there is this she told WestBusiness Insider. independent thinking that happens here. “I was inspired by brands such as Bobbi Brown, “Maybe it’s our wide blue skies and our isolation Mac and Stila and believed that by creating that people talk about.”

8 MARCH 2017

I NNOVAT O N WA tech start-up ready for take-off Nuheara is now working with an as yet unnamed university to conduct clinical trials of how the A chance discovery has potentially doubled device is helping people suffering these concentration disorders. the market for hearing device company According to Perth mother Mel Green her eight- year-old son Kai, who has an auditory processing Nuheara. Kim Macdonald reports. disorder, is able to distinguish his teacher’s voice in the classroom when wearing the device. The disorder had previously made it difficult for all it serendipity. Perth tech start-up him to follow classroom instructions and socialise Nuheara was seeking to assist people with with children in the playground. While he could hearing problems when it stumbled on a hear noises, he could not distinguish individual Csolution for people suffering concentration voices from background sounds. disorders. Green says his response to her question about his Not only was Nuheara the first company to first day back at the school with the device summed develop a hearing device that can reduce some up his new opportunities and outlook in life. noises while amplifying others but by chancing upon “He said it was a good and bad day,” she says. the benefits for people with concentration disorders “Good because he could hear the teacher and bad it has more than doubled its potential pool of because he could hear the teacher so he had to do customers. what she said.” Little wonder its share price has doubled over the Miller concedes that while Nuheara was first to past 12 months at a time when Perth’s tech bubble market, others will follow. But he downplays the looked close to bursting, with analysis late last year threat of Doppler Labs, a US company which raised showing very few local tech start-ups were making a $50 million through crowdfunding for a similar profit. assisted-hearing device but which has not yet But the $75 million ASX-listed company has moved released a product to market. from the promise stage into manufacturing, having For his part, Miller has no desire to return to this year started shipping its innovative assisted- Silicon Valley where he spent several years, hearing devices called IQ Buds to about 4000 claiming Perth is the better place to develop a customers who pre-bought $1 million worth of the product. This was primarily because he did not have devices through crowdfunding platform Indigogo. to compete with major companies such as Google The device is similar to a hearing aid but with a and Facebook to attract top workers. critical difference — it can reduce background noise The design drew on experts in the fields of while simultaneously amplifying key sounds. software, signal processing, acoustics, electronic In other words, you get to choose what you hear. design, radio-frequencing, bluetooth and industrial At a football match, for example, you can turn down design as well as anthroprometrics. the sound of the crowd and turn up the voice volume “The level of skill in WA is on par with Silicon to better hear the person sitting next to you. Valley,” Miller says. “We have got some of the The other critical difference is the price. Hearing brightest brains here in this State. aids, which are required to meet standards set by the “I think the tech market in Perth is thriving. Therapeutic Goods Association, cost about $6000 There are a lot of incubators allowing like-minded each. Nuheara has purposefully avoided the TGA people to work together and learn from each other.” and audiologist route to keep costs down to a Miller calls the company a “poster child for relatively cheap $400. Malcolm Turnbull’s innovation statement”. In a sign of the times, the device will not be sold “One, we have have done a start-up before through audiologists but on shop shelves. US chain (Sensear); two, we have experience from overseas store Best Buy, which has more than 1600 stores in that we have been able to bring back into Australia America, Canada and Mexico, has just signed a and leverage off; and, three, it’s an industry that has distribution agreement. gone back to university to make it better, rather than Co-founder Justin Miller says he noticed their relying on a university to spin it out.” so-called “magical listening tours” through bars and “We are an ASX-listed company, we pubs in San Francisco, where Nuheara has its have a global presence and we are marketing branch, attracted people with disorders growing from Perth.” such as autism, ADD, ADHD and what is colloquially known as pub deafness. Kai Green, 8, wears the new device Miller says some participants broke down in tears developed by Perth-based Nuheara in the as they put on the device and found that for the first classroom. The company is researching time they could actually distinguish voices in a noisy how the device might help children with pub and hold a conversation. It was a life-changing ADHD and other concentration issues. solution to a problem that has kept many people Below right: Justin Miller, co-founder of away from social gatherings all their lives. Nuheara. Picture: Danella Bevis

10 MARCH 2017 (Nuheara is) “the poster child for Malcolm Turnbull’s innovation statement”. Nuheara co-founder Justin Miller P OL T ICS

Mike Nahan Treasurer Questions of priority for new government Ben Wyatt Shadow Treasurer Government’s Perth Freight Link nor the McGowan Opposition’s Metronet met these demands. Microeconomic reform could be the turning point for the In the eyes of the ERA, before politicians commit to big, expensive projects they should check to see if State’s economy and the Budget, writes Shane Wright they do what they promise and are value for money. Nicolaou says embracing microeconomic reform hen Mike Nahan or Ben Wyatt walks into economist John Nicolaou who has his own to-do list could be the turning point for the economy and the the treasurer’s office in Dumas House for the incoming treasurer. Budget. there will be a to-do list on the desk. At the top of his list is an independent review of “There needs to be a genuine commitment to W It will be contained in the Treasury the “machinery of government” that would look over growth and to do that you can start with the Budget update that was released at the start of the every nook and cranny to see if it’s being done microeconomic reform policies that the ERA put up,” election. efficiently, should be done at all or should be offered he said. One particular section of the update will be to the private sector. Treasurers, however, don’t work in a political dog-eared, have a couple of Post-it notes sticking out Second on his list is an independent infrastructure vacuum, and that’s where the results in the Upper and have line after line of copy highlighted in bright audit. This audit would not only identify the House will be a key issue. yellow. priorities for the government but also map out a If Pauline Hanson’s One Nation manages to snare This will be the 19-paragraph section entitled The 10-year plan of infrastructure construction while the balance of power there will be huge doubts over Debt Challenge that rang through the election also looking at assets that might be better off in plans by Nahan to sell assets such as Western Power campaign like an old-fashioned air raid siren when it private hands. which is critical to the Liberal Party’s overall Budget was made public. A public inquiry into the Royalties for Regions policy. Under Treasurer Michael Barnes used the program, a competitive overhaul of the energy One Nation doesn’t make life for Wyatt any easier independence of the Budget update to set out the market and even a progressive 10-year tax reform with some of Labor’s spending plans likely to face a single biggest issue that will confront whichever agenda are also on this list. tough fight. party forms government — the size of public debt. And then there’s the Economic Regulation Then there are the other members of the Upper In 2013 net debt was pencilled in at $21.9 billion on Authority which, almost three years ago, released its House menagerie. Some analysts suggest that the back of plenty of public infrastructure spending microeconomic reform report. Sightings of that preference deals done by Fluoride Free WA give it a and an economy that, while likely to slow, was still in report since then are on a par with those of the good chance of holding a potentially important seat. a strong position. Tasmanian tiger. Its “policies” include the repeal of WA’s Barnes’ update showed net debt is now at $33.2 That ERA report made almost 50 separate fluoridation system, the provision of a free source of billion and on its way to $41.1 billion. Debt to revenue recommendations that, while politically toxic, were fluoride-free water in every council area across the is at 82.3 per cent and the domestic economy is likely all aimed at improving the overall economy and the State and in every childcare centre, hospital and in recession. performance of government. nursing home. Apart from this comment, Treasury will present The first one was to apply “project evaluation How any of these will help the Budget or the the treasurer with an incoming brief that will processes, including cost-benefit analysis, economy is one of life’s unknown unknowns. outline the key challenges facing the government consistently and rigorously to all major But what is known is that a State that has just while delivering some sobering insights into any infrastructure projects”. enjoyed the biggest mining boom since the gold promises the winning party has made that will have No. 2 was “subject all election commitments to rushes of the 19th century finds itself with a busted to be factored into the Budget. rigorous project evaluation processes before being Budget and a busted economy. But Nahan or Wyatt will have their own ideas. included in the State Budget”. That’s what awaits the winner of the March 11 Perhaps they should take a leaf from respected WA You can see the problem. Neither the Barnett election.

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Call centre staff on St Georges Terrace? Pubs selling for a fraction of their fit-out cost? Helen Shield reports on the post-boom market.

MO hospitality and business broker Murray increase in occupied space last year. Channel 9 is Brown does not mince his words. “At the now broadcasting from the CBD. moment, if you have got balls, you will buy Pioneer Credit, which originally subleased Gcommercial property because the rent you Bankwest’s unused space at 108 St Georges Terrace, are getting now is the lowest you will get. Ever.” now leases three floors — its call centre takes up two But he admits it’s a hard pitch in Perth’s boom- — on the Terrace. bust mining market which has winded investors and Five years ago, when Knight Frank office leasing seemingly whipped the floor out from underneath director Greg McAlpine reminded us the vacancy Perth’s office markets, created intense headaches for rate was less than one per cent, the idea of a retailers locked into boom-time rents, decimated telemarketer having a St Georges Terrace work small-bar owners and left industrial property address was unthinkable. owners scratching around for tenants. So was having a CBD-based university but Central Divergence dominates, it seems. Take hotels. Queensland University, signed up by McAlpine to During the boom, Perth visitors complained about the centrally located 10 William Street, which threw outrageous room rates and lack of availability. open the doors of its Perth CBD campus last month. Fast-forward a few years and by 2018-19 CBRE Over five years, top-grade office rents have slipped forecasts Perth will have to contend with declining from roughly $950/sqm to $650/sqm. Incentives, performance as 3431 hotel rooms promised or under unnecessary when companies were stacking construction hit the market. Collires put the figure employees into meeting rooms because they could at 5000. not buy extra space at any price, have swelled to 50 It’s the same in retail. Despite the big headlines per cent and, in some cases, 50 per cent plus. and hoopla surrounding the arrival of international No senior leasing agents contacted wanted to talk fashion retailers Top Shop, Zara, Superdry and, now, raw numbers on incentives but let’s just take a H&M, to the prestige, high-traffic mall spaces in the moment to do the maths. city, industry sources say the longest stayers, Top Five years ago, premium CBD office space cost Shop and Zara which opened to much fanfare in late $950/sqm. Now, it is $650/sqm and has an incentive 2014 are paying steep rent for premium retail real estate but have experienced nowhere near the turnover they anticipated. ‘In the past 12 months the CBD has That will be no surprise to those in the know, who lost more than 4000 office have been warning about the sharp fall in the number of people wearing out their shoe leather workers’ along St Georges Terrace and the city shopping Y Research principal Damian Stone malls. Y Research principal Damian Stone says the of 50 per cent. plunging population of city workers goes hand in Let’s face it, if you are the tenant, you can take the hand with mining and LNG companies beating a incentive as fit-out or rent or Tim Tams. You choose. hasty retreat from their CBD office digs. But if you choose rent, premium space costs closer “In the past 12 months the CBD has lost more than to $350/sqm over an eight to 10-year lease, shredding 4000 office workers,” Stone says. a significant operating expense. “Since the peak of the resources boom in 2012 JLL director and tenant representative Kathryn there are nearly 15,000 fewer office workers in the Moss says tenants are very aware that the balance of Perth CBD despite the addition of more than power in the landlord-tenant relationship has shifted 200,000sqm of new office.” in their favour. Stone says the CBD vacancy rate is 25.2 per cent Aside from the workspace, tenants will be asking with worse to come. Official Property Council WA for the best of everything — trains, buses, amenity, figures have office vacancy pegged at a slightly less views, compelling outdoor spaces and food-and- horrific 22.5 per cent and the council has drink choices not even contemplated 10 years ago. optimistically declared the worst is over. Big building owners, including Mirvac, AMP and According to Stone, who is upbeat about the Charter Hall, have launched multimillion-dollar emergence of new CBD tenants in the crucial spending programs, not just updating St Georges non-mining, non-LNG sectors of technology, Terrace tower lobbies, lift services and medicine and education, it is unlikely that that air-conditioning but throwing in ground-floor growth will offset the yet-to-come pain of further drawcard cafes, baristas and concierge-style services contraction in LNG. in an overt, tenant charm offensive. He says LNG will take the dubious distinction of Dexus Property Group has just unveiled a being crowned this year’s office villain, a trophy iron compelling suite of food-and-beverage tenants — ore executives are doubtless happy to pass on. including Japanese soul food and ramen hot shots Stone enthuses about the greater and healthier Ippudo and Marketta tavern — at the base of its mix of CBD tenants, which he says will increase half-empty Kings Square 3 office building in Perth Perth’s resilience against future shocks. In the past City Link. four years, improved affordability has heralded the But Moss cautions that tenants still need to GHOST TOWN? arrival of education, technology, medical companies understand the factors that drive efficiencies in their and even two shared workspaces, Spacecubed and business (location, having all staff on one floor Flux on St Georges Terrace. instead of five) and apply a higher level of He says WA’s start-up community is flourishing sophistication and rigorous due diligence to A quiet St Georges Terrace in the city. and technology companies posted the biggest selecting a home. Picture: Sharon Smith Those seeking good A-grade and premium stock

14 MARCH 2017 Old Perth GPO at the corner of Murray St mall and Forrest Place. Picture: Bill Hatto

with large floor plates could very quickly find they their bankers, who are querying their income had limited options. against the size of their loans. “If you are in the premium side, it’s a small “I don’t think we are at the end for those building market and things do turn around quickly,” Moss owners,” Denny says. says. “There are some challenges there.” She recommends tenants get “forensic” in their The silver lining from a landlord’s point of view is office search, saying while two buildings may appear that there are unlikely to be any new Perth office similar on paper, if one has only one floor vacant, towers without an iron-clad, blue-chip tenant and the other has a number of vacant floors and commitment. several tenants with soon-to-expire leases, the Architect and design firm Woods Bagot senior would-be tenant is in a position to negotiate a very associate Ken Anderson, a self-described eternal different offer. optimist, says he sees a huge upside. Property Council WA executive director Lino “Perth is one of the best places to grow over the Iacomella says the two-tier market has been evident next five, six, seven years,” Anderson says. “We’re for some time, with stable levels of premium and seeing significant upgrades already. A-grade office space and surging B-grade vacancies “The city has inbuilt capacity now — Waterbank (30.3 per cent in January) and worse in lower grades. to the east, Elizabeth Quay to the south, Perth City That is why Iacomella has been campaigning for Link to the north. A city that was pretty much City of Perth and State Government assistance and thought to be hamstrung by the river, by the rail and incentives for building owners holding ageing, we have actually produced capacity in the last five empty stock, to allow owners to regroup and breathe years. The capacity to grow in three directions is new life into the CBD. significant for the next 15 to 20 years.” Subiaco-based architects MJA Studios has worked Retail advisory and leasing specialist Metier’s on plans to reclaim and rework two Adelaide Darryll Ashworth says Perth’s retail heart is Terrace sites as futuristic CBD primary and high experiencing unprecedented shopping schools. infrastructure investment. Despite enthusiastic noises from the City of Perth, Dexus has paid $140 million for Carillon City which has proved to be a willing listener, the idea arcade, which will shortly amount to a multimillion has otherwise fallen on deaf ears. dollar pledge to upgrade it. ISPT is close to deciding There is no question that for property in Perth, who will do the building work on its $100 million making the transition to a post-boom economy will Forrest Chase overhaul. be tough. Charter Hall is part way through its $150 million Stone says the key is fostering diversity in the CBD Raine Square revamp including returning a cinema occupancy mix. complex to the city. And international high-street “Removing older, vacant secondary buildings for fashion juggernaut H&M has thrown open the doors alternative uses such as residential, education, to its city flagship store — opening up the GPO tourism will add vitality to the CBD,” he says. ground floor. CBRE’s Andrew Denny says tenants are fleeing “The city will become the gateway to the Perth not just West Perth (which several mid-tier Stadium — because you can only get to it by train,” accountancy and legal firms had vacated in favour of Mr Ashworth says, adding that Yagan Square and its the CBD), but far further afield. food and drink market will become a festival, launch “We are seeing tenants coming from Canning Vale, and cultural magnet in much the same way as GHOST TOWN? South Perth, East Perth, this is a widespread trend.” Federation Square in Melbourne. Denny says, adding that some are expanding their In Northbridge, to be linked to the CBD via the $5 space “It’s a great opportunity for tenants to get set billion Perth City Link, William Street pedestrian for the next 10 years.” thoroughfare and $65 million Yagan Square, there But it’s an opportunity that is putting landlords of are proposals for not one but two student residential less than A-grade buildings under pressure in three ways, with lower rent, added incentives and now CONTINUES PAGE 16

MARCH 2017 15 RENTAL AS ANYTHING

C OMMERC A L PROPERTY � Total offi ce vacancy rates in Perth, East Perth and West Perth totals more than 500,000 sqm, which is equivalent to more than 20 vacant Woodside Plaza buildings

FROM PAGE 14 as a proposition for a full-time, working owner and it � There are 280 offi ce building in the CBD and one is thought will probably go for less than $400,000. under construction towers. Stirling Capital’s $41 million, 24-level, 399 Bar, also advertised on buyabusiness.com.au, 571-bed Stirling Street tower is working to a 2019 one of Northbridge’s original small bars has forged � The resources industry, including contractors and academic year timetable. a well-deserved reputation as a cocktail and craft suppliers, occupies up to 44.7% of occupied Hong Kong-based Gaw Capital paid $35 million for beer drawcard. space in the CBD Telstra’s ageing headquarters just down the road, It costs $500,000 to $1 million to set up a small bar, also in Stirling Street, with plans to convert it into and many small-bar owners have spent far more, but � Tech companies were the largest new occupier of accommodation for more than 500 students. 399 Bar is yours for $549,000 including stock. offi ce space in the CBD across 2016, with 41 tech Theoretically that means 1000 new CBD residents Then there’s The Public House opposite the seeking food, drink and entertainment, and bringing Duxton. It cost $2 million to establish just four short companies occupying space life into the precinct. years ago. It is under offer and that offer is thought � CBD offi ce vacancy: 22.5% But here’s the thing. While the bigger players, who to be for less than $400,000. can afford to dream large and spend up big, roll out Given the high costs of setting up, it’s virtually � West Perth offi ce vacancy: 14.8% plans for the future, many smaller operators living impossible for small-bar owners to get a return on in the now are experiencing seemingly intractable their investment in less than three or four years. � East Perth offi ce vacancy: 28.4% financial difficulty. And yet those lucky enough to be buying in now — The law of the jungle dictates one person’s pain in many cases buying assets worth three times the � Total hotel rooms currently under construction in the seamlessly morphs into another’s gain. asking price — may be in a position to pick up some CBD, West Perth and Northbridge: 1418 rooms Take The Spaniard, formerly Bar de Halcyon, in of the most profitable small bars ever sold, for a Wolf Lane. Its original owners are said to have spent fraction of their tangible assets. � Total number of mooted hotel rooms for the CBD, $1.3 million on the fit-out in 2012 before selling it, at JLL WA managing director John Williams West Perth, Northbridge and East Perth: 5000 significantly below replacement value for $580,000, prophetically warned last year that CBD bargain to publican Craig Shortill. hunters who did not act soon would likely miss out. SOURCES: COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL, Y RESEARCH, A year ago Shortill blamed the low CBD Brown, who slogs it out in the toughest of small PROPERTY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA population and a sudden surge in small-bar business battlegrounds, concurs. numbers for the difficulties confronting small-bar “It’s a very good time to be buying a business in owners, half of which were running at a loss. the city,” Brown says. “Many people have sold for less than they have “I can’t believe what’s on offer. You will never buy invested,” Shortill said then. a business of consequence in the city for the prices Now The Spaniard is back on the market, pitched you are getting now, ever again.”

3462749GBEP03022017 The SMSF Association

Equipment Financece Commercial Property helps me stand out & Construction and step up.

“The SMSF Association’s Specialist Membership also keeps me Working Capital Accreditation sets me apart from the connected to my industry. & Cash Flow Solutions Banking Facilities thousands of other self-managed The monthly Discussion Group super fund auditors. Recognition is an invaluable service that enables Insurance Residential & Homeloans from a respected industry body me to get together with like-minded Premium Funding shows my clients that I’m a specialist, professionals via teleconference I’m technically proficient, and I to discuss and work through audit provide an audit service of the issues. You could say it makes highest quality. me a better auditor.” Member SINCE NOVEMBER 2011 Health & Medical Cherie Archibald AUDITOR, INFOCUS AUDITS 6 YEARS SMSF Specialist Auditor (SSAud®) Ledge Finance Ltd. Australian Credit Licence No. 392211 Contact MD Phil Botsis on 6318 2777 or 0418 912 889 www.ledge.com.au RENTAL AS ANYTHING � Total offi ce vacancy rates in Perth, East Perth and West Perth totals more than 500,000 sqm, which is equivalent to more than 20 vacant Woodside Plaza ”The rent you are getting now buildings is the lowest you will get. Ever.” � There are 280 offi ce building in the CBD and one under construction GMO hospitality and business broker Murray Brown

� The resources industry, including contractors and suppliers, occupies up to 44.7% of occupied space in the CBD

� Tech companies were the largest new occupier of offi ce space in the CBD across 2016, with 41 tech companies occupying space

� CBD offi ce vacancy: 22.5%

� West Perth offi ce vacancy: 14.8%

� East Perth offi ce vacancy: 28.4%

� Total hotel rooms currently under construction in the CBD, West Perth and Northbridge: 1418 rooms

� Total number of mooted hotel rooms for the CBD, West Perth, Northbridge and East Perth: 5000

SOURCES: COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL, Y RESEARCH, PROPERTY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

3462749GBEP03022017 The SMSF Association

Equipment Financece Commercial Property helps me stand out & Construction and step up.

“The SMSF Association’s Specialist Membership also keeps me Working Capital Accreditation sets me apart from the connected to my industry. & Cash Flow Solutions Banking Facilities thousands of other self-managed The monthly Discussion Group super fund auditors. Recognition is an invaluable service that enables Insurance Residential & Homeloans from a respected industry body me to get together with like-minded Premium Funding shows my clients that I’m a specialist, professionals via teleconference I’m technically proficient, and I to discuss and work through audit provide an audit service of the issues. You could say it makes highest quality. me a better auditor.” Member SINCE NOVEMBER 2011 Health & Medical Cherie Archibald AUDITOR, INFOCUS AUDITS 6 YEARS SMSF Specialist Auditor (SSAud®) Ledge Finance Ltd. Australian Credit Licence No. 392211 Contact MD Phil Botsis on 6318 2777 or 0418 912 889 www.ledge.com.au DORIC Built on Powerful Principles Supported by some of the best people in the industry and world-class business systems, our construction capabilities are vast and varied.

Since our inception in 1989, we have focused on creating a company capable of delivering a broad range of projects and this has driven our diversification into every sector of our industry.

In the past year we have delivered hotels, apartments, shopping centres, commercial offices, health facilities and research facilities.

We are currently delivering a range of landmark projects for valued clients including local, State and Commonwealth governments.

As we look to the future, we remain focused on adhering to the values, principles and ethical practices that have served us well over the past three decades.

Level 1, 420 Hay Street , SubiacoWA 6008 T: +61 (8) 9388 2655 E: [email protected] www.doricgroup.com.au NEW OFF CE OPTIONS ADVERTISING FEATURE

he Perth commercial office and business services market is in a highly competitive phase. If you are currently looking to start up a business, downsize offices, relocate a business The Perth or find a meeting and conference venue, there is currently an exciting range of alternative office Taccommodation options around Perth. The recent downturns in the resources market and the more ‘mature’ project cycle phase means many resources consultancies are exiting the market or downsizing to have a SERVICED smaller market footprint with fewer full-time and contracted workers. “We have also seen some downsizing in office space requirements of established businesses, with more companies doing away with board rooms and training spaces as a means OFFICE market to reduce overheads,” Saxons Western Australia business development manager Jeremy Beard said. projects can mean the difference between profit and loss. This is exacerbated by the growing number of older Partners need time to focus on the front end of the business, commercial buildings and office properties on the market, being active in the market, developing contacts, networking particularly in West Perth and the city. As newer properties and building their business reputation and their project like Raine Square come on the market in the CBD, existing pipeline. There is little use in fighting a rear guard action with companies have the choice to aggressively try to renegotiate your accountants and administration team about growing lease renewals or consider the appeal of new building costs and financing as your business grows. relocation packages. “Versatility and cost benefits are key to a successful office solution,” Beard said. MAKING THE RIGHT BUSINESS “Start-up businesses can have a prestigious address with OFFICE DECISIONS access to all the services they need at a fraction of the cost of he right business accommodation and service model a traditional lease. Established business can utilise serviced can be the difference between spanning the emerging offices for project work and contracts.” growth phase and succumbing to increasing cost Tpressures. EXPLODING NEW VIRTUAL “A successful office solution should simplify your day-today life,” Integrity Business Centre business development OFFICE CONCEPTS manager Ali Hegan said. “Comfortable space, ideal location, n line with technology uplift trends to serviced, virtual correct level of service and convenient parking all have a offices, co-working and networking spaces in the Terrace bearing on how productive you can be everyday.” and inner city are exploding with new virtual office Key decisions that need to be considered in this new Iconcepts. Spacecubed, FLUX, Hive and Servcorp are taking TODAY’S JUGGLING ACT: services and/or virtual office market include: strong demand for these types of concepts from new business 1. The right image start-ups, project management and subcontracted services Managing and balancing fixed Does your business need an image that matches the managers. and flexible costs. expectations of your key customers? Some businesses have key customers that are based nationally or internationally and These types of concepts are very much reflective of n the past, many new businesses were caught with businesses today; strong on technology, together with organic expensive long-term office leases soaking up longer-term like a business to match the image and expertise of their own capability to grow or reduce the size of the business footprint capital when markets were contracting. They also required business. depending on contracts won or lost. Ia lot of overheads and risks being taken by the business “Keep in mind what sort of image your company wants to “Virtual offices allow your business to have an online partners when the new business could least afford it. project and how important collaboration across companies is address and presence, while allowing you to work remotely. Today there is much more focus on balancing fixed and to your business,” Beard said. Many of our members are based in the regions and outer flexible costs in line with the business plan, project pipeline 2. The right technology support suburbs and our virtual office packages mean when they are and capabilities. People are the most expensive and valuable In this technology-driven business environment it is in the city they have space to work, meet and collaborate,” part of a growing business. important your chosen office service model offers a wide Spacecubed founder and managing director Brodie Engaging the right talent at the right time and on the right range of technology like remote access to office services and McCulloch said. the ability to lodge work on the move or in a home working Today business is very much about project pipelines, environment. Clients expect to have 24-hour access to service winning business and having access to the top people to work Virtual offices, co-working providers these days, so phone answering, call diversion, on contracts. Business is very much a balancing act between texting of messages, virtual meetings and state-of-the-art project pipelines, people and the business’s ability to run ‘lean and networking spaces are and mean’. adopting new concepts. CONTINUES PAGE 20

EDITOR Louise Allan WRITER Chris Thurmott SUBEDITOR Andy Snelling DESIGN Cale Arnold ADVERTISING Ron McFarlane 9482 3588

MARCH 2017 19 NEW OFF CE OPTIONS ADVERTISING FEATURE

average of 75 per cent, which shows that the mining state is infrastructure has on business longevity and prosperity,” serious about business. Moufarrige said. Roy Morgan Research and Servcorp Servcorp is a provider of serviced offices, virtual offices and “Servcorp solves this challenge for businesses looking for a survey statistics reveal: co-working solutions and has 28 locations in Australia. smart, scalable and cost-effective solution, which will deliver Make an impression Servcorp provides a smart, affordable and scalable solution a profitable return on investment.” Type of office for businesses of all sizes that want to keep overheads low and Based on the results and statistics from the Roy Morgan • 75 per cent of respondents stated that meeting focus on running the business. survey, Servcorp is an ideal provider of serviced offices, in a professional business environment had a “With 67 per cent of respondents saying that a first virtual offices and co-working solutions. The company positive impact. impression was very important, it is essential that businesses provides affordable solutions for businesses of all sizes that • 47 per cent of respondents stated that meeting in in the of all types and sizes ensure that having a professional want to keep overheads low and focus on running their a cafe had a negative impact. business. business environment is a priority,” Moufarrige said. • 24 per cent of respondents stated that meeting a Servcorp provides businesses with the flexibility needed “A good first impression is a great way to start a client in a home office had a negative impact. conversation. It goes a long way to building trust. If you to elect monthly agreements and leases and an affordable CBD create a bad first impression, you spend a long time trying to pay-as-you-go fee structure for administrative facilities and Impact of a bad first impression staggering 95 per cent of Western Australian residents win back confidence.” support. • 66 per cent of respondents are not willing to give like to meet their prospective new business clients in Respondents also considered the location of an office to be The serviced office provider invested millions in developing a supplier a second chance if a bad first impression a professional office environment in the CBD. very important, with 82 per cent having a strong preference a unique global data platform so that businesses can benefit is made. AIn an exclusive Roy Morgan Research and Servcorp for a CBD address. from its global network. This allows ease of entry and • 75 per cent will let a month go by before “With the worry of finances in mind, businesses will representation in any market around the world. survey conducted in February 2016, 77 per cent of Western contacting a business again if they have a bad first often side with the cheaper office provider to save on rental. Australian - and 76 per cent of Perth - respondents stated impression. that meeting in a professional business environment had a But these businesses don’t realise just how much impact a positive impact. prestigious business address, an exceptional receptionist, a Preference for CBD address “With commercial tenants it is all about trust,” Servcorp professional meeting place and robust IT and communication • 82 per cent of respondents give strong support for chief operating officer Marcus Moufarrige said. suppliers having a CBD address. “It is hard to establish trust over the phone, so when you meet someone in person you want to make a good first When you meet someone in Overall, 81 per cent of metropolitan respondents and impression. That’s what our offices do due to prime locations 84 per cent of non-metropolitan respondents had a City offices reflect a professional business. person you want to make a stronger preference for suppliers with a CBD address. Survey respondents preferred meeting in the CBD. Picture: Servcorp and well-trained staff.” A good receptionist is essential. Picture: Servcorp Picture: Servcorp The Western Australian figure is slightly above the national good first impression.

FROM PAGE 19 Make sure you visit potential new service providers to get a “The ‘Terms and Conditions’ of any agreement should, as sense of their front-line services capability, the level of office always, be taken into consideration when choosing the right board room technologies will separate today’s and yesterday’s modernity and cleanliness and what you can expect in terms office solution,” Hegan said. “How long you are committed providers. of back office servicing and costs. If possible, talk to some of and what flexibility is available to you as you move forward Today’s co-working spaces and office networking hubs have their existing clients about the service deliverables and costs and grow are important questions.” this as a distinct advantage over traditional serviced office before making final decisions. business models. “Our spaces are designed to support a range of working OPTIONS SYNOPSIS options and provide access to high-speed fibre internet. BETTER OFFICE SOLUTION: here is a wide range of business solution options in Spacecubed provides options as ideas grow, while FLUX can Weighing up key decision points the Perth market. It is important to consider all the continue to support companies as they grow. Members have various service models and location requirements, and here are some important key factors for you to Tcompare some or all of the alternatives that may suit your access to both spaces depending on their needs,” McCulloch consider in making the right office decision for the said. business best. next stage of your business planning. These may “When considering your office solution choices, it is most 3. Parking and office accessibility Tinclude: important you get the correct fit for your needs,” Hegan Whether you are working in Subiaco, West Perth, Osborne • The type of clients you have now and what type of clients said. “Making sure the services provided, along with image, Park, O’Connor or Burswood, accessibility and parking is a you are planning to attract in the future. professionalism and location, are all in line with your key differentiator. • The level of services you may require for the business now company’s needs and that this is priced accordingly could Perth and its surrounds is predicted to become one of the and what service levels you may require in the future. have a major impact on how successful your business is.” most traffic congested areas in Australia, with key arterial Plan for an office solution that can grow organically with Remember, all businesses rely on people for business roads continuing to service a growing business population you. development, project delivery and, most of all, dealing with less and less efficiently. • Location of your office solution. Consider if you will have customers and achieving satisfying results. A business office If clients are coming in for meetings, make sure parking staff travelling to the office every day. If you are in a start- solution is an extension of your business to the business access is ready, or you are in a central location well serviced up phase, there is no point spending 40 minutes travelling community and its clients at large. by the public transport system. There are some serviced between home and the office. This time can be better “Community is the key to ensuring you and your ideas get office networks in the suburbs, perfectly placed for servicing spent on the business. the support they need to grow. This means it isn’t just a place regionally co-located industrial clients or major clients • Costs of the services. Service prices will depend on you go to work, but to meet, collaborate, socialise and take requiring regular visits to their head office or manufacturing whether you have a premium office solution requirement your business and ideas to the next level,” McCulloch said. plants. or if you can engage in a suburban/industrial region These office solutions are more efficient, lower cost and 4. The right people location. Be careful to check all the ‘add on’ costs like often more virtual technology-reliant models, but once again, In this industry the choice and type of office solution will secretarial services, board room hire, photocopying and it will boil down to reputation, experience in the industry more often than not rely on the quality of service provided, technology add-ons. Try to pay only for the services you and, more often than not, the person managing the front-line both on a personal and telephone/technology basis. will use. deliverables for you and your company. 20 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 21 NEW OFF CE OPTIONS ADVERTISING FEATURE ONLY THE BEST Our locations are second to none in terms of from QUEST Quest Fremantle. Picture: Quest Fremantle accessibility. ot only are Quest East Perth and Quest Fremantle conference because it has great access to the CBD and selection, iced water and mints. Furthermore, there is the opportunity to receive 10 per cent striking buildings from the outside, they also host airports, perfect for guests near and far to get to,” Quest East “At Quest, we get to know our customers and what they off the next booking made at either property after the initial amazing conference spaces that are ideally suited Perth owner and franchisee Byron McDonald said. need, which is why we go above and beyond to provide this booking. Nto all requirements. The offering at Quest Fremantle is equally as inviting for and more,” McDonald said. “Our locations are second to none in terms of The extremely spacious room at Quest East Perth those looking to book a function or event in a spectacular As if all of that wasn’t enough, for any conference booking accessibility and we will always go out of our way to provide can hold up to 126 people with ease within its 135sqm location. The 57sqm room includes space for up to 46 made for more than 20 guests before March 31 2017, the the ideal environment for all of our customers,” McDonald space, and is nestled between Elizabeth Quay and the people and boasts stunning views of the surrounds from the conference organiser will receive a complimentary overnight said. Perth Stadium, making its conference space all the more accompanying balcony space that borders the room. stay in a one-bedroom apartment. There are also great To book your conference room needs call 9433 9400 for Quest East Perth. Picture: Quest East Perth desirable. Included within the $69-per-person price tag is the hire accommodation discounts for conference guests should they Quest Fremantle and 6210 6000 for Quest East Perth or head Quest East Perth. Pictures: Quest East Perth “Quest East Perth is the ideal location for your of the room, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, espresso, tea be looking to stay. to www.questapartments.com.au.

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VIRTUAL OFFICES MARKETING Mail &phone Social media &mailouts Calendar management Webupdates/blogs Business address Online exposure&promotion SERVICED OFFICES MEETING ROOMS Flexible contracts/terms Flexible meeting spaces All outgoingsincluded Full catering services available FREE parking ADMIN SERVICES EVENTS COASTCOASTTOTOTHETHECITYCITY Document creation Planning &management COASTCOASTTOTOTHETHECITYCITY Printing &dataentry Networking LOLOOKOKATATTHETHESESETWTWOSOSENSENSATATIONALIONALOPENINGOPENINGOFFEROFFERS! S! Full reception services Seminars&workshops YOYOURURIDEALIDEALCOCONFNFERERENENCECEDEDESTSTINAINATIONSTIONS...... TwosTwuperbosuperbnewcneonfwceronfencerevencenueevenuesforsfyooruryoneurxtnemeetingxt meetingor coornfcoerencnfere.encOne.eiOnnteihentheheartheofarthisoftohisrictoFrricemantleFremantle LOLOOKOKATATTHETHESESETWTWOSOSENSENSATATIONALIONALOPENINGOPENINGOFFEROFFERS! S! YOwithYOwithallURitsoallURldIDEALitsowoldIDEALrldwocharm,rldCOcharm,vibrCONFantvibrNFERdiningantERdiningENandENCEandcoffeCEcofDEesfetripDEesSTextripperiencSTINAexperiencINATIONSes. TheTIONSes. Theotherother...in Ea...instEaPestrthPeisrthonistheonpulsthe epulse * Twof theosTwofuperbCittheosyauperbCitndneyawcEandnestonfwcEaPeerstonfrth’encPeersvrth’evencitenuealsvevneitenuealwmsfneoragnetism.wmsfyooruragnetism.yoneurxtneBothmeetingxt Bothmeetingtheseorthevecoseornuenfvecoerspencnuenferroe.spencviOnderoe.vieistOndentateoeisthentatftheeoheartftheartheofartfahisartcilitieoftofahisriccilitiesatoFrricndemantlesaFrthendemantlethe MakMakeaCeaConfonferencerenceBeBookingooking $6$69.009.00incluincluding:ding: TICKSALL THE BOXES! 1Month Rent FREE withwithall itsoall lditsowoldrldwocharm,rld charm,vibrantvibrdiningant diningand andcoffecofesfetripesextripperiencexperiences. Thees. Theotherotherin EainstEaPestrthPeisrthonistheonpulsthe epulse bestbeinstcoinnfcoerencnfereaencmenitieeamenities. s. st st ✓ Ro✓omRoomhirehire of theofCittheyaCitndyaEandstEaPestrth’Pesvrth’italsvneitalwmneagnetism.wmagnetism.BothBoththesethevesenuevespnuerospviderovistdeateostatfteoheftarthefaartcilitiefacilitiesandsathend the MakBefoMakBerefoeaCthereeaCthe31 31onfMaronfMarcher20chencer1720encat17eBeitherateBeitherookingQuookingestQuestEastEast $6$69.009.00incluincluding:ding: ✓ ✓ (08) 9202 6800 •67HoweStreet,Osborne Park,WA6017 10best%o10beinstco%oinnfffcoerwhenencnfffereawhenencmenitieeayomenitieubyos. ubooks. ookyouryoneurxtneevxtenteventat theat thealternativalternativepepropertyroperty. . BePerthfoBePereorrthfothereQuorthe31estQust 31MarestFrstemantleMarFrchemantle20ch1720andat17andeithertheat eitherthecoQunfcoerestQunfencerestEaencestEaest ✓ RoMorning✓omRoMorningomhirTeehiraTee a integritybusinesscentre.com.au 10Te rms%o10Te&crms%oonditionsff&conditionswhenffapplywhenapply&ryoestub&ryorictestedubookrictbyedsizookbyeoyosizfeureoyovent.feneurvent.xtneevxtenteventat theat thealternativalternativepepropertyroperty. . PeorgarthPeornisgaorrthernisQuorwillerestQuwillreestFrceemantlereivFrceeacemantleiveacomplimentarandomplimentarandthe theconfycoerovenfencyerovernightence rnighte ✓ MorningLunch✓ MorningLunchTeaTea staystinayaOin aOne BenedrBeoomdroomApartmentApartmentwhenwhen ✓ ✓ [email protected] Te rmsTe&crmsonditionsQUE&conditionsSTQUEEAapplySTSTEAapplyPER&rSTestTHPER&rrictestTHedrictbyedsizbyeosizfeeovent.fevent. QUESTQUEFREMANTLEST FREMANTLE orgaornisgaerniswiller willrecereivceeaciveacomplimentaromplimentary ovey overnightrnight ✓ LunchAf✓teLunchAfrnoonternoonTeaTea 176A17delaide6AdelaideTe rracTeeErracaseEtPerthastPerth 8Pak8PenhamakenhamStreetStrFreetemFrantemleantle bookingbookingaconfaceronfencerenceforef20orgue20 guestsostrmsoorrme.ore. ✓ Es✓prEsessproaessndoaTendasTeelectionaselection VRM02282017 To respondtothisoffer call and quote INTEGINSIDE03 QUEVisit STqueQUEVisitEAstSTqueeaSTEAststPERperth.eaSTstTHPERperth.coTHm.aucom.au ViQUEsit STqueQUEVisitFREMANTLEstSTquefremantleFREMANTLEstfremantle.com.au.com.au staystinayaOin aOne BenedrBeoomdroomApartmentApartmentwhenwhen ✓ Af✓teAfrnoonternoonTeaTea VNRM03012017 VNRM03012017 17or6Aca17orlldelaide086Acall621delaide08Te06621rrac000Te06eErracas000eEtPerthastPerth 8Por caak8Porllenham08caakll9433enham08Str9433eet9400StrFreet9400emFrantemleantle bookingDiscobookingDisuntcoaceduntonfacedcoeronfacencmmodationcoerencmmodationeforef20orguero20omsguestrosoomswillstrmsowillbeorrme.beore. ✓ EsIc✓edprEsIcessWaedprteoaessWarandteoandraTendmintndasTemintelectionass elections *Terms &Conditions Newtenantsonly.Valid on 12 month contract Visit queVisitstqueeaststperth.eastperth.com.aucom.au Visit queVisitstquefremantlestfremantle.com.au.com.au VNRM03012017 VNRM03012017

Quest Fremantle. Picture: Quest Fremantle WESINSIDE0WESINSIDE0317 317 3460091L 3460091L

3460054JL availableavailableforcfoonfrceronfencerencegueegstues.sts. (rat(resatbaessebadosenamdonamin. 20in. gue20 guests)sts) or caorll 08call621080662100006000 or caorll 08call943308 943394009400 DiscoDisuntcoeduntacedcoacmmodationcommodationroomsroomswill willbe be ✓ Ic✓edIcWaedteWaratendramintnd mints s

WESINSIDE0WESINSIDE0317 317 availableavailableforcfoonfrceronfencerencegueegstues.sts. (rat(resatbaessebadosenamdonamin. 20in. gue20 guests)st3460091L s) 3460091L NEW OFF CE OPTIONS ADVERTISING FEATURE ONLY THE BEST Our locations are second to none in terms of from QUEST Quest Fremantle. Picture: Quest Fremantle accessibility. ot only are Quest East Perth and Quest Fremantle conference because it has great access to the CBD and selection, iced water and mints. Furthermore, there is the opportunity to receive 10 per cent striking buildings from the outside, they also host airports, perfect for guests near and far to get to,” Quest East “At Quest, we get to know our customers and what they off the next booking made at either property after the initial amazing conference spaces that are ideally suited Perth owner and franchisee Byron McDonald said. need, which is why we go above and beyond to provide this booking. Nto all requirements. The offering at Quest Fremantle is equally as inviting for and more,” McDonald said. “Our locations are second to none in terms of The extremely spacious room at Quest East Perth those looking to book a function or event in a spectacular As if all of that wasn’t enough, for any conference booking accessibility and we will always go out of our way to provide can hold up to 126 people with ease within its 135sqm location. The 57sqm room includes space for up to 46 made for more than 20 guests before March 31 2017, the the ideal environment for all of our customers,” McDonald space, and is nestled between Elizabeth Quay and the people and boasts stunning views of the surrounds from the conference organiser will receive a complimentary overnight said. Perth Stadium, making its conference space all the more accompanying balcony space that borders the room. stay in a one-bedroom apartment. There are also great To book your conference room needs call 9433 9400 for Quest East Perth. Picture: Quest East Perth desirable. Included within the $69-per-person price tag is the hire accommodation discounts for conference guests should they Quest Fremantle and 6210 6000 for Quest East Perth or head Quest East Perth. Pictures: Quest East Perth “Quest East Perth is the ideal location for your of the room, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, espresso, tea be looking to stay. to www.questapartments.com.au.

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VIRTUAL OFFICES MARKETING Mail &phone Social media &mailouts Calendar management Webupdates/blogs Business address Online exposure&promotion SERVICED OFFICES MEETING ROOMS Flexible contracts/terms Flexible meeting spaces All outgoingsincluded Full catering services available FREE parking ADMIN SERVICES EVENTS COASTCOASTTOTOTHETHECITYCITY Document creation Planning &management COASTCOASTTOTOTHETHECITYCITY Printing &dataentry Networking LOLOOKOKATATTHETHESESETWTWOSOSENSENSATATIONALIONALOPENINGOPENINGOFFEROFFERS! S! Full reception services Seminars&workshops YOYOURURIDEALIDEALCOCONFNFERERENENCECEDEDESTSTINAINATIONSTIONS...... TwosTwuperbosuperbnewcneonfwceronfencerevencenueevenuesforsfyooruryoneurxtnemeetingxt meetingor coornfcoerencnfere.encOne.eiOnnteihentheheartheofarthisoftohisrictoFrricemantleFremantle LOLOOKOKATATTHETHESESETWTWOSOSENSENSATATIONALIONALOPENINGOPENINGOFFEROFFERS! S! YOwithYOwithallURitsoallURldIDEALitsowoldIDEALrldwocharm,rldCOcharm,vibrCONFantvibrNFERdiningantERdiningENandENCEandcoffeCEcofDEesfetripDEesSTextripperiencSTINAexperiencINATIONSes. TheTIONSes. Theotherother...in Ea...instEaPestrthPeisrthonistheonpulsthe epulse * Twof theosTwofuperbCittheosyauperbCitndneyawcEandnestonfwcEaPeerstonfrth’encPeersvrth’evencitenuealsvevneitenuealwmsfneoragnetism.wmsfyooruragnetism.yoneurxtneBothmeetingxt Bothmeetingtheseorthevecoseornuenfvecoerspencnuenferroe.spencviOnderoe.vieistOndentateoeisthentatftheeoheartftheartheofartfahisartcilitieoftofahisriccilitiesatoFrricndemantlesaFrthendemantlethe MakMakeaCeaConfonferencerenceBeBookingooking $6$69.009.00incluincluding:ding: TICKSALL THE BOXES! 1Month Rent FREE withwithall itsoall lditsowoldrldwocharm,rld charm,vibrantvibrdiningant diningand andcoffecofesfetripesextripperiencexperiences. Thees. Theotherotherin EainstEaPestrthPeisrthonistheonpulsthe epulse bestbeinstcoinnfcoerencnfereaencmenitieeamenities. s. st st ✓ Ro✓omRoomhirehire of theofCittheyaCitndyaEandstEaPestrth’Pesvrth’italsvneitalwmneagnetism.wmagnetism.BothBoththesethevesenuevespnuerospviderovistdeateostatfteoheftarthefaartcilitiefacilitiesandsathend the MakBefoMakBerefoeaCthereeaCthe31 31onfMaronfMarcher20chencer1720encat17eBeitherateBeitherookingQuookingestQuestEastEast $6$69.009.00incluincluding:ding: ✓ ✓ (08) 9202 6800 •67HoweStreet,Osborne Park,WA6017 10best%o10beinstco%oinnfffcoerwhenencnfffereawhenencmenitieeayomenitieubyos. ubooks. ookyouryoneurxtneevxtenteventat theat thealternativalternativepepropertyroperty. . BePerthfoBePereorrthfothereQuorthe31estQust 31MarestFrstemantleMarFrchemantle20ch1720andat17andeithertheat eitherthecoQunfcoerestQunfencerestEaencestEaest ✓ MorningRo✓omMorningRoomhirTeehiraTee a integritybusinesscentre.com.au 10Te rms%o10Te&crms%oonditionsff&conditionswhenffapplywhenapply&ryoestub&ryorictestedubookrictbyedsizookbyeoyosizfeureoyovent.feneurvent.xtneevxtenteventat theat thealternativalternativepepropertyroperty. . PeorgarthPeornisgaorrthernisQuorwillerestQuwillreestFrceemantlereivFrceeacemantleiveacomplimentarandomplimentarandthe theconfycoerovenfencyerovernightence rnighte ✓ MorningLunch✓ LunchMorningTeaTea staystinayaOin aOne BenedrBeoomdroomApartmentApartmentwhenwhen ✓ ✓ [email protected] Te rmsTe&crmsonditionsQUE&conditionsSTQUEEAapplySTSTEAapplyPER&rSTestTHPER&rrictestTHedrictbyedsizbyeosizfeeovent.fevent. QUESTQUEFREMANTLEST FREMANTLE orgaornisgaerniswiller willrecereivceeaciveacomplimentaromplimentary ovey overnightrnight ✓ LunchAf✓teLunchAfrnoonternoonTeaTea 176A17delaide6AdelaideTe rracTeeErracaseEtPerthastPerth 8Pak8PenhamakenhamStreetStrFreetemFrantemleantle bookingbookingaconfaceronfencerenceforef20orgue20 guestsostrmsoorrme.ore. ✓ Es✓prEsessproaessndoaTendasTeelectionaselection VRM02282017 To respondtothisoffer call and quote INTEGINSIDE03 QUEVisit STqueQUEVisitEAstSTqueeaSTEAststPERperth.eaSTstTHPERperth.coTHm.aucom.au QUEVisit STqueQUEVisitFREMANTLEstSTquefremantleFREMANTLEstfremantle.com.au.com.au staystinayaOin aOne BenedrBeoomdroomApartmentApartmentwhenwhen ✓ Af✓teAfrnoonternoonTeaTea VNRM03012017 VNRM03012017 17or6Aca17orlldelaide086Acall621delaide08Te06621rrac000Te06eErracas000eEtPerthastPerth 8Por caak8Porllenham08caakll9433enham08Str9433eet9400StrFreet9400emFrantemleantle bookingDiscobookingDisuntcoaceduntonfacedcoeronfacencmmodationcoerencmmodationeforef20orguero20omsguestrosoomswillstrmsowillbeorrme.beore. ✓ EsIc✓edprEsIcessWaedprteoaessWarandteoandraTendmintndasTemintelectionass elections *Terms &Conditions Newtenantsonly.Valid on 12 month contract Visit queVisitstqueeaststperth.eastperth.com.aucom.au Visit queVisitstquefremantlestfremantle.com.au.com.au VNRM03012017 VNRM03012017

Quest Fremantle. Picture: Quest Fremantle WESINSIDE0WESINSIDE0317 317 3460091L 3460091L

WESINSIDE0WESINSIDE0317 317 availableavailableforcfoonfrceronfencerencegueegstues.sts. (rat(resatbaessebadosenamdonamin. 20in. gue20 guests)st3460091L s) 3460091L M OTOR N G A mighty breeze Jack Gregor The prominent industrial relations consultant and patron of the IR Society, discovers a Maserati that can be a gentle breeze or a force of nature.

...... am familiar with the word So, what did I do in the four distribution and the lowest centre mechanical limited-slip ᔡ The Levante is levante but I struggled to hours I drove the Levante and of gravity among its competitors. differential and Maserati’s Q4 drive-away from remember the context. Then I what are my impressions? The Levante rides on a control- all-wheel-drive system, which $155,800. The recalled an Italian friend Driving through the city I arm suspension with the offers torque vectoring. model under re- I view, with addi- offered me the chance to fly his experienced Levante in the gentle company’s trademark Skyhook In normal driving, 100 per cent tional features, Cessna C172 in Tuscany and he breeze mode. dampers and adjustable air of the torque goes to the rear sells for told me to watch out for the The hydraulic steering, big disc springs, the latter allowing the wheels but when slip is detected, $199,855 at Bar- levante. brakes and anti-collision Levante to achieve five different up to 50 per cent can be routed to bagallo, 362 Why? Because it’s a local wind equipment make it docile and ride heights, in addition to a the front axle. So, slippery roads Scarborough ideal for delivering the rug rats to are good fun. Beach Rd, Os- that can change from “a light separate setting for parking. borne Park breeze to an irresistible force of school. And the imposing body There is also an off-road All of this in the absolute nature”. shape will certainly stand out in capability at the touch of a luxury of a beautifully finished Maserati has named its new the SUV line-up at the school. button. and equipped interior. SUV the Levante so I was I then headed into the State Roads though the forest are not My conclusion is Levante is interested to discover why. forest. Out came the hidden your straight, nicely cambered both a calm city car for the week I took delivery of the test character of the Levante, the highway curves but come with and a fun, challenging one for the vehicle at Barbagallo Ferrari and irresistible force of nature. abrupt corners and road surfaces weekend. The name is entirely Maserati. After a quick The marbled gravel roads on which run the wrong way. appropriate. run-through of the controls and the way to Mt Dale are a great test That is when you need the instruments I was turned loose to for the stability of any vehicle. 600Nm power that sits under the do the test. The Levante has two sport bonnet in the smidgen-under- ‘Levante is both a calm city car for There were no grumbles when I settings that change the character three litre turbocharged diesel. the week and a fun, challenging returned the Levante four hours of the ride. Maserati engineers The power plant is mated to a later covered in red dust. designed a 50-50 weight ZF eight-speed automatic with a one for the weekend.’

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Airfares Good taste Ray Jordan never Racing lover Neil Pinner’s beginnings as a wine cheaper collector were very modest, writes Ray Jordan here has been considerable debate recently by consumer groups accusing Tairlines of ripping travellers off with add-on fees. However, what is forgotten is how low airfares are today. In the early 1980s the return business fare from Perth to London was about $1600 or seven weeks salary whereas today the fare is 1 about $9000, which is 5 ⁄2 weeks salary. However, what has changed is the space which has more than doubled from a basic seat (TAA DC-9 first-class seat) to a lie-flat bed or suite. Expressed in a dollar per cubic foot measure over the same period the cost of business class has dropped 63 per cent. Premium economy has emerged as a real value leader. Introduced by British Caledonian, it has gained more momentum in the past decade as airlines realised that seats would be filled not by downgrading business-class passengers but upscaling economy Perth Racing or Perth Racing chairman racing started as a young guy whether they are red or white, but passengers looking for some chairman Neil Neil Pinner thoroughbreds following my father Stewart to the I always seem to find myself separation and extra leg room. Pinner at Ascot are part of his life. races,” he said. coming back to shiraz and Premium economy has also Racecourse. Little wonder then that “Dad was in the livestock chardonnay,” he said. Picture. Iain F declined in price. In 2000 the return tucked, er, locked, away in his industry for many years and a lot “In particular I love the wines premium economy fare to London Gillespie cellar are three thoroughbreds of of his good mates and their from the Barossa Valley, McLaren was $4000 or five weeks average Australian wine — bottles of families had, and still do have, a Vale, Yarra Valley and Denmark earnings and today it is $3600 or Penfolds Grange, signed by three huge interest in breeding and in the Great Southern. just over two weeks salary. of the greats of the turf, trainers racing horses. “And, of course, there is Overall, the reduction in fares Bart Cummings, Lee Freedman “So, it’s been in my blood for as Margaret River. I hadn’t visited over the past 50 years has been and Gai Waterhouse. long as I can remember. that area for many years and last amazing. The weeks of salary “Yes, they are my pride and “As chairman of the Western year took some friends down required to buy a return economy joys,” he said. Australian Turf Club (Perth there. The way the place has fare to London in 1970 — 15.7 weeks Mr Pinner admitted his start Racing), my passion for the changes is quite amazing. pay would buy two first-class tickets into the world of wine was a little thoroughbred industry has not “But if I had to choose one wine today. more modest. waned. We are very lucky at Perth to have with me on a desert island The weeks to earn an economy “It was a bottle of Lindeman’s Racing to have access to many it would have to be ticket at the turn of the century was Ben Ean moselle, that was top-class wines in our dining Billecart-Salmon.” the same cost as paying for premium something of a life changer for areas and our wine partners economy in 2017, while the number me,” he said. “Growing up in Treasury Wine Estates and local of weeks salary for an economy country WA my awareness of distributor Off the Vine have ticket in 1990 is almost the same as wines was very limited. some very special wines to choose WINE CELLAR business class today. “Kalgoorlie Stout, Swan from.” ᔢ Mollydooker Velvet Glove shiraz Draught, Stones Green Ginger Enthused by those early tipples, ᔢ Mollydooker Enchanted Path Geoffrey Thomas Wine were the main go-to drinks Mr Pinner attended his first wine shiraz cabernet in the day and then the wines appreciation course at Claremont ᔢ De Bortoli Estate chardonnay were Mateus Rose, Porphyry Showground in 1985 and from ᔢ Rickety Gate chardonnay Before you fly, visit Pearl and Skip and Go Naked, there his interest in wine started ᔢ Singlefile riesling which come to mind.” to gather momentum with wines ᔢ Shaw & Smith sauvignon blanc While Mr Pinner agrees that his from Rockford and Leeuwin ᔢ Leeuwin Estate Art Series for information, the latest tastes in wine have changed a lot Estate sitting with his Grange. cabernet sauvignon news and reviews from from his Porphyry and Ben Ean As to the styles of wines he ᔢ Highfield Marlborough pinot noir experts and passengers. days, his love of racing remains as prefers now? ᔢ Rockford Basket Press shiraz strong as ever. “My interest in “I really do enjoy most wines, ᔢ Billecart-Salmon champagne THE HOLIDAYPLANET GROUP

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TOUR INCLUSIONS: from • Airfare from Perth to Rome, Italy QUEEN VICTORIA • 2 nights at a 5 star Rome hotel PORTS: Rome, La Spezia, Genoa, Ajaccio, • 7 nights onboard Queen Victoria cruising $10799 Marseille, Barcelona the Western Mediterranean • All meals, daily entertainment & port taxes onboard cruise QUEEN ELIZABETH • 1 night at a 5 star Barcelona hotel • Airfare from Barcelona to Southampton PORTS: Southampton, La Coruna, Seville (Cadiz), • 1 night at a 4 star Southampton hotel Malaga, Gibraltar, Lisbon, Southampton • 10 nights onboard Queen Elizabeth cruising Spain & Portugal • All meals, entertainment and port taxes QUEEN MARY 2 • 3 nights at a 5 star London hotel PORTS: Southampton, New York • 7 nights onboard Queen Mary 2 on a Transatlantic Crossing • All meals, entertainment and port taxes • 2 nights at a 5 star New York hotel • Airfare from New York to Perth • All transfers from airports to hotels to ports

Prices correct as at 2 March. Off er is for new bookings only and not applicable to existing bookings. Prices are per person, based on lead in categories available at time of publication. All advertised fares, savings, off ers, programmes and itineraries are correct at time of printing, are subject to availability and may change at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Payment by credit/ debit card will incur a fee. Conditions apply. AFTA 03350. ATAS A11328. For more information please call one of our consultants. F ASH O N 2017 must-haves Elizabeth Clarke Loafers replace ballet slippers, silk takes over from cotton and a classic 1930s style returns this year Picture: Iain Gillespie very year has its fashion first among “Try a camel loafer with a navy suit or equals. Here are five important mahogany with a grey suit and break up statement pieces to add to your 2017 the colours with monochromatic silk socks Ework-wear repertoire. for impact.” Non-sock wearers should do so with care. The suit “Never go sans socks unless you are For him — The double-breasted suit and dressing down with a chino, and in that the slim-cut single-breasted suit with peak case pinch roll the cuff to show a bit on lapels are this year’s defining silhouettes. ankle,” he says. “Look for deconstructed shoulders and a For her — Loafers replace ballet slippers as tapered waist,” Matt Jensen from M.J. Bale, the flat-shoe go-to. says. Opt for a classic loafer or mule-style With the revival of classic dressing, 1930s version in a pastel hue, punchy primary or styling is a strong influence. print. Suede or polished and metallic “Look for suiting in navy, taupe and grey textured leathers are strong, and velvet is and traditional English suiting patterns flawless for evening. like Prince of Wales and window-pane “Design features such as the classic checks, and style artfully with contrasting horse bit or twist of contrast leather add prints.” wow factor,” Conroy says. For her — “Pant suits are always practical, appropriate and stylish,” Natasha Marshall The shirt Donnelly from Elle, says. For him — Invest in a classic business shirt “The pants suit’s androgynous styling with character. puts women visually on equal footing with “Accentuated collars and cuffs, and the men.” interesting textured fabrics impart Look for versions in tweeds and tartans instant personality this year,” Claudia with accents of velvet or satin that Monk at David Jones., says. seamlessly take you from the boardroom to “Stock up on versions in white and the bar. Channel the 90s with a double- shades of blue and pink and breasted jacket or oversized blazer and accessorise colourfully with full-legged trousers. interesting cufflinks and vibrant silk ties.” The work bag For her — Silk shirts replace cotton For him — “A sleek, high-quality case is this year and feature on-trend animal crucial for polished style as it sets the tone and floral prints, and design details for a solid first impression,” Sophie Hunt such as lady-like neckties and from Hunt Leather, says. contrasting piping. “Look for a version that is functional, Avoid over-laundering, instead discreet and sleek. Navy, black and brown airing between wears, and with contrast edging are strong colour handwashing when required. For choices,” she says. on-point panache, pair with this “Look for sleek lines, polished styling season’s straight pleated skirt or and good functionality like padded high-waisted culottes. compartments, hidden security pockets and top handles.” Gold accessories For her — The updated version of the For him — Gild your corporate classic attache case strikes a balance look with a stylish gold watch, between professional and stylish. plated cufflinks, specs featuring “A status-worthy work bag should gold-tone titanium details and feature a hand strap, separate aviator-style, gold-toned sunglasses. compartments, a long leather strap, and be Incorporate a variety of metallic light and resilient,” Lily Lun from Cult finishes for real impact. Status, says. For her — “Gold statement earrings “Look for one in versatile navy, sand, are timeless,” stylist Marcia Ball, khaki or white.” says. “Style with a black suit or dress for The loafer a modern take on power dressing.” For him — In 2017 the classic loafer will be Look for opulent styles featuring reimagined. Designer Ben Conroy says it enamel accents. “Drop gold-chain will be strong in design and feature subtle earrings are strong. embellishments such as tassels, grommets “Wear with a sophisticated and hardware. chignon for a look that is “Choose colours that work seamlessly contemporary, elegant and with a navy or grey suit,” he says. polished.”

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Reg Howard-Smith, who heads the followed by work in advocacy and Chamber of Minerals and Energy, industrial relations in what is is the man behind one of the now known as the Australian longest and most relentless Services Union. He then moved political campaigns ever lobbed into human resources at George on the State. Weston Foods, before coming full If you hadn’t heard his name circle with a job back in the before the election, you have no resources sector, as head of doubt become used to hearing it human resources at Woodside. several times a day authorising a While his company members TV and radio campaign urging would appear to be blue — Liberal voters to dump the Nationals and supporters who helped bring their proposed mining tax. down the Rudd Government with Both the Liberal and Labour a $22 million campaign in 2010 parties have long said they would opposing the proposed mining tax not adopt the tax should they win — Howard-Smith started life a power, so why then is Left-wing voter and now counts Howard-Smith continuing his $2 himself as as a swinging voter. million industry-wide blitzkreig (“That tends to happen as you get Chamber of Minerals and Energy chief Reg Howard-Smith. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper against the Nationals? older,” he says.) It seems like he wants to kill the Grylls has accused the CME of five-year- old from the Tamil proposal and bury it twice. Or is behaving like a political party region of India after failed IVF. he intent on forcing Nationals during the campaign and claims Venkatesh had arrived in leader Brendon Grylls out of Howard-Smith has made the Australia having never used a office as punishment for raising campaign personal. But he says knife or fork. He had never seen a it? Or perhaps he wants to send a the CME is apolitical and he is not western shower or toilet and signal to future politicians not to interested in personal attacks. could not speak English. Yet incur the wrath of the mining In fact, he is disappointed somehow communication, even sector? Grylls could not take up the without language, was No, Howard-Smith says over invitation from WestBusiness immediately easy. dumplings at Silks restaurant at Insider to join the lunch at Silks. He said the adoption process Lunch Crown, he just wants to remove “In football terms, we are not was long and intrusive, which he any chance of the Nationals using playing the man,” he said. finds a shame given there are so Marinated cucumber the proposal as a bargaining chip It’s debatable whether many children in the world in Chinese aged to win other concessions under Howard-Smith is strictly correct, needing parents. vinegar $15 either a Liberal or Labour given he has previously said His passion for wheels extends Lobster sang government. Grylls can not be trusted to seek to cars and he has lovingly choy bow $27 He claims the policy was only to impose his mining tax on other restored 10 vintage cars which he ever put forward as a power play. commodities. He has also accused keeps in his garage as “pieces of It is a surprising answer in an him of vote chasing and art”. He also has a race car which interview full of surprises. misleading the public. he races at Barbagallo track. Buddha’s delight, And that is not in the least due But enough about politics. But cycling remains his major sautéed assorted to the fact that Howard-Smith Howard-Smith is a thinker, and passion. He wakes at 4am four vegetables with does not fit the stereotypical, Sunday is his thinking day. It is days a week to cycle before work, mushrooms $28 Right-wing Type A personality the day when he cycles for five or as part of his training for the Sweet and sour $28 who usually head up campaigns six hours and ponders the Hawaiian Ride for Youth. On gluten dumplings run by big business advocacy complexities of the world. other days he wakes at 5am. “I groups. You know the type — the “I think about work a lot and I don’t think I’ve slept in in 30 ones who seem like they eat raw think about other things. I’m years,” he says. meat for breakfast. really interested in what’s Lunch is over and he passes on Mango crème, lime streusel, coconut But Howard-Smith, a happening in the world, I think dessert, as he has the wine. and lime sorbet, pescatarian — partly to support about politics and political Unsurprisingly, he is focused on compressed mango $16 his adopted Hindu son — has movement . . . I’m interested in the days ahead. “I’ve got to get on never been at risk of that. On the welfare issues and interested in that bike and pedal tomorrow.” Pineapple jelly, ginger contrary, he is a softly spoken, humanity.” cream, streusel, exotic self-confessed introvert who cut He has seen a lot of the world fruit jelly, lime sorbet $16 his teeth in the trade union from his bike seat. His cycling movement. In his own words, he trips include a journey from ‘I’m spiritual, not religious, Crown Casino Complex, is “spiritual, not religious, Kathmandu to Everest Base camp, reflective, a very introverted Great Eastern Hwy, reflective, a very introverted through Tibet and many rides Burswood WA 6100 person — very introverted.” through India with his son, person — very introverted.’ (08) 9362 7551 His career started in BHP Venkatesh, now aged 23. He and www.crownperth.com.au/ Billiton’s graduate program, wife Sue adopted him as a silks

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