PIONEER Henry Ford once said, 'the highest use of capital is not to make more money, but to make money do more for the betterment of life'. It's a quote that can also apply to the process of 'bettering' your business.

Cashed-up super funds, riding high on the back of a strong Australian economy, have become one of the primary sources for raising capital via private equity. In our July cover story, we explore the bustling private equity industry. Around half of Australia's top 100 listed companies either have offers from, or are having discussions with, private equity companies.

Local companies are looking for a slice of the pie too. According to the experts, the Gold Coast is ripe for the picking. We track down Mark Richardson, the managing director of Sydney-based firm Wolseley, who is negotiating deals with several local companies. Lawyer Scott Standen also offers some tips on how businesses can best prepare before taking the step and acquiring capital without debt.

Two businessmen who have taken plenty of big steps are Terry Morris and Craig Gore. Both have a penchant for motor racing and property development, but it's their shared taste in wine that has driven their respective brands to new international markets.

Mr Gore's Aussie Wines is now Queensland's largest wine exporter to the US, shipping more than 75,000 cases of its Au wine to the US since September 2006.

Morris's Sirromet exports 11,000 bottles a month to offshore distributors including Japan, Taiwan, the Netherlands and Bahrain. In this edition of

While we're toasting success, it would be difficult to imagine our thriving city without the hordes of international visitors who pass through Gold Coast Airport each day. The airport has cemented its status as a major contributor to the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers' economies and five million passengers are expected to pass through the refurbished facility in 2008.

As tenders go out for the $120 million upgrades to the existing terminal, and with deals on the table to secure an international carrier, Queensland Airports chairman Jim Tolhurst updates the situation in this month's Opinion Column, on page 6.

Also leading the way is VIP Petfoods founder Tony Quinn. Employing more than 140 staff, Mr Quinn understands the importance of manufacturing fresh product - and talent. Despite a national skills shortage, he says the current labour market has contributed to keeping both staff motivation and retention high.

With motivation in mind, our young entrepreneur feature is a true 'rags to riches' story. Fashion designer Emma Milikins is stitching up the competitive world of fashion with her label Love from Lucy, which has featured at fashion shows including Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.

The ambitious 30-year-old has a work ethic that belies her convivial nature. She admits she 'loves being overworked without a spare second in the day' - a mantra many of our readers adhere to.