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Franchising an economy
Industry pours mega bucks into Australia's GDP
MORE than 600,000 Australians are employed by a booming franchise sector, driving a myriad of budding Gold Coast entrepreneurs to duplicate the trend.
Iconic brands Baskin Robbins, Donut King, Brumby's Bakeries, Cookie Man, Hydro Dog and Zarraffas Coffee were hatched as single entities on the Gold Coast before they were 'echoed' to the world...
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Editors Message
WELCOME to a chilly edition of GCBN. Forget global warming, it's global cooling that has been sweeping the city with an icy brush as we begin a fresh financial year.
In this edition, we explore the all-encompassing franchise sector.
There are now more than 600,000 Australians employed by the franchise industry and the Gold Coast contributes significantly, with an increasing number of...
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Rapid transit not only option
Southport Chamber of Commerce president Luke Preston questions whether the proposed Rapid Transit System is the best solution for the city
THE commitment by the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council of around $650 million towards a Rapid Transit System (RTS) for the Gold Coast should be welcome news.
Infrastructure investment, particularly in areas of transport and public...
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Millionaires on the march
Australia joins the ranks of world's richest
THE number of Australian millionaires is growing at a faster pace than the rest of the world, helped by a buoyant share market.
An annual wealth report by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini says the number of Australians with financial assets of more than $1 million grew by 10.3 per cent in 2006 to 160,600 people on the back of a robust share market....
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Wages shortfall identified
Study detects peanut pay packets
THE shortfall of wages for typical workers on Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) is much larger than previously realised, according to new research.
The study, by Griffith University Professor David Peetz and Curtin University Professor Alison Preston, examined previously unpublished earnings data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The study...
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Air Asia and Tiger descend
Airline to touch down in peak season
THE AirAsia X airline service to the Gold Coast from Malaysia will inject around $50 million into the local economy.
Based on a proposed three flights per week from Kuala Lumpur, the airline will have a significant impact on the region's business, conference and accommodation sectors.
State Tourism Minister Margaret Keech recently visited the...
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Help is on its way
Top surgeon aligns with health brands
A LEADING plastic surgeon whose expertise is sought by major hospitals and physicians for birth defects, trauma and reconstructive surgery has successfully partnered with international pharmaceutical companies to help burns victims in Third World countries.
Dr Dilip Gahankari, Tyco Health, Astra-Zeneca, Johnson and Johnson and a team of medical...
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Dirty deeds
Company not blown away by mining boom
A BURLEIGH-based soil technology company that focuses on dust suppression and soil stabilisation has set its sights on the South American and Chinese markets.
Reynolds Soil technologies (RST) has successfully tapped into Australia's natural resources boom and also provides solutions to the civil engineering and agricultural industries. The company...
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Diversity showcased by July winners
Emerging business - Orion Solar Solutions
FORMED in 2004, Worongary-based Orion Solar supplies solar-powered solutions to the aviation, marine, mining and transportation industries and local government.
Family business - Fraser-Scott Group of Companies
The Fraser-Scott Group of Companies was founded to identify, negotiate and manage development opportunities in hospitality,...
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Business diversity unearthed
OTHER winners to join Reynolds Soil Technologies in the last round of the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards include Health Protect International for emerging business (see our Young Entrepreneur story on Page 22). Health Protect International operates a network of more than 75 licensees who provide mattress sanitisation for hygiene and allergy relief.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery...
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Minister to educate European palm oil importers
from several European countries has dropped following an anti-palm oil campaign by environmental groups.
But Malaysian Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) Minister Datuk Peter Chin says it is not a widespread problem in Europe, despite France reducing exports from 10,557 to 5073 tonnes. Portugal also recorded a 50 per cent drop.
Chin says overall exports to the European Union...
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Maximising potential
Stratacore launches program to assist small business
A COMPANY set up to maximise business growth in the city is expected to increase employment opportunities by preventing businesses from collapsing.
Stratacore International is the brainchild of former accountant and CEO Debbie Crowther, who has obtained a $325,400 grant under the Federal Government's Building Entrepreneurship in Small...
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Ruling favours developers
Legal expert positive over Federal Court decision
DEVELOPERS and businesses are set to benefit from a Federal Court ruling that has found goods and services tax doesn't need to be paid on a forfeited property deposit.
Gold Coast legal expert Joe Welch, a partner at Hickey Lawyers who practices extensively in commercial law, says the decision is 'at odds' with Australian Taxation Office...
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New link in e-health chain
E health innovators sign with hospital ahead of share offer
BUNDALL e-health company, GPLink, has signed an agreement with the Centre for Health Innovation (CHI) at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital as it seeks to raise $2.5 million.
The agreement with CHI will allow for the joint development of GPLink's software solution, SIENA, and is aimed to take advantage of the $5 billion radiology and...
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Strong business conditions to continue
AFTER a strong June quarter, business conditions on the Gold Coast are expected to improve over the two months to September, according to the latest Commerce Queensland-St George Pulse survey.
The General Business Conditions Index for the region sits on 58.33 for the June quarter and is expected to increase by a further 1.39 basis points to reach 59.72 points. Total sales and revenue...
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Running a corporate sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary CEO Michelle Monsour shares a work ethic and philosophy that inspires others to reach their potential. She speaks to GCBN about the challenges that come with corporate responsibility in a not-for-profit organisation.
EMPLOYING more than 160 staff and 100 volunteers, the tourism and conservation icon turned over $12 million in the 2006-07 financial year. In one...
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Women demand a fair go
MORE than 240 women have attended 12 workshops across the State aimed at teaching workplace negotiation skills.
Minister for Women Margaret Keech says the women who attended the free sessions are now more confident when asking for better working conditions and a step closer to 'receiving a fair-go' at work.
"Women have the right to fair pay, working conditions and work-life balance. These...
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Communications overhaul to improve operations
SMALL businesses looking to overhaul old technology and streamline their operations are vying for a free makeover to improve business systems.
As part of the makeover, telco giant Telstra will conduct an assessment of a small number of businesses and offer some of the latest Telstra network services for free in the next 12 months. Businesses will also share their technology changes with...
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Going for gold
Exporters set to win in China
A QUEENSLAND trade office will be set up during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to create export opportunities and open up trade negotiations.
Premier and Minister for Trade Peter Beattie says Queensland exporters will be winners at the 2008 games in China.
"I am delighted to announce we will be opening a Queensland Trade Office in Beijing to stimulate...
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Bean me up
Coast coffee franchises popular
SPECIALTY coffee retailer, wholesaler, roaster and franchisor Zarraffa's Coffee has sold its Surfers Paradise store to local residents Judy, Graeme and Brendon Lord.
Located on the Gold Coast Highway, the store was opened by Zarraffa's Coffee in 2003. Zarraffa CEO Kenton Campbell says the company had been waiting for the 'right' personalities to take over...
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Franchising vs licensing
· Franchise agreements are subject to the strict requirements of the Franchising Code of Conduct. Licences are not subject toany code.
· Under franchising agreements a franchisee's business operations are essentially controlled by the franchisor, whereas a licence does not provide for the licensor to exercise a right of control as to how the licensee operates its business.
· A...
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Research vital to success
THE benefits of franchising are well documented, but those considering taking the step should do so following extensive research into the industry.
While franchising is not a guarantee for success, it is an opportunity to establish a rewarding business with the support of a network that is focused on success. Franchise lawyer Ivan Poole, from McLaughlins Solicitors, has advised franchisors...
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Tasting natural success
The Queensland Fruit Processors team reveal the secrets to creating a healthy business
How did your business evolve?
Queensland Fruit Processors was founded in 2003 by Doug Bario and Michael Paull, two seasoned veterans of the food industry with more than 30 years' experience between them in fruit processing, fruit and vegetable distribution and food safety quality assurance systems. In...
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TV wars
A looming Federal Election is driving demand for prime advertising space
A CAMPAIGN hustle between government spin doctors and major media groups to secure prime advertising space has started with a federal election tipped for November.
Phantom bookings are being placed now to secure airtime across the country from the end of September through to the middle of November. Traditionally,...
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Marketing via Web 2.0
James Greig, president of Website Standards Association, offers advice on using Web 2.0 to market your business
Here are some simple ways to revolutionise your business marketing with Web 2.0. All of these techniques could generate numerous business alliances and sales leads for your company, and best of all, they take very little time to set up and are completely free.
Create a...
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McTaggart on the money
Economist predicts solid growth
THE strong Australian dollar could squeeze out exports because it is way over valued, but the economy will remain strong, according to economist Dr Doug McTaggart.
Speaking at the annual economic outlook breakfast at Conrad Jupiters, McTaggart said the economy was in great shape and inflation appeared to be under control, with interest rates benefiting from...
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New look resort in a world of its own
SEA World Resort has commenced a $2.5 million refurbishment of its existing lobby and accommodation rooms.
The resort's 405-room makeover will include new colour schemes, soft furnishings, decor and modern slim line LCD television screens. The newly renovated lobby has been designed to showcase the property's view over the Southport Broadwater.
General manager Ernst Pfister says the...
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Stock market update
With the profit season approaching, Ord Minnett branch manager Murray Britton takes a look at some of the key elements driving stock market growth
THE Australian stock market, as measured by the S&P/ASX200 index, finished the financial year at 6275 points - an increase of more than 23 per cent on the previous years figure of 5074 (before counting dividends).
This rate of growth did...
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SPM agree to review
Management body under the microscope
A STRATEGIC review of the board of Surfers Paradise Management (SPM) will be undertaken by KPMG to enhance the organisation's services to the Surfers Paradise area.
The board supported the move as 'critical and sound corporate governance practice', considering the exponential growth of the precinct and the expanding body of work being undertaken by...
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Year of the idea
Australians urged to think outside the box
2007 is the official 'year of the idea', but how many innovators have truly cottoned on to the fact?
The Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC) is inviting Australians to think about ideas as the first step towards innovation. Turn over a new leaf and mark the start of the new financial year by thinking about whether your new ideas...
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Start up incentive
THE State Government has pledged $850,000 to help a new round of entrepreneurs bring their high-tech ideas closer to commercial success.
Minister for State Development John Mickel is encouraging inventors to apply for the latest round of the Queensland Government's Innovation Start-Up Scheme (ISUS). ISUS round nine will assist up to 10 recipients, with individual companies eligible for...
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Corporation law changes
Recent changes to the Corporations Act 2001 have ensued following laws passed in by the Federal Government. Hynes Lawyers partner, Scott Standen, takes a close look at some of the changes and the potential benefits to companies.
ONE of the changes to the Act allows for unlisted companies to more easily and efficiently implement an employee share scheme. An unlisted company that wishes to...
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Bundled profit
Cromwell sells landmark for $106 million
PUBLICLY Listed property and funds manager Cromwell Group has pocketed a $30 million profit for the sale of Bundall Corporate Centre and its associated development site to Trident Corporation for $106 million.
The property comprises the iconic 17-level Bundall Corporate Centre and around 20,000 sq m of adjacent land on which Cromwell had lodged an...
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Rocket launched
New commercial project planned for Robina
ROBINA Land Corporation (RLC) is set to take Robina to new heights with an $80 million, 16 storey, commercial office building on a prime site in the heart of CBD-Robina.
Robina Projects Australia (RPA) which is developing the building in association with RLC, has lodged a development application with the Gold Coast City Council for the tower which...
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Wildlife hospital green lit
CURRUMBIN Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking a joint venture partner to help it build a new $1.5 million animal hospital following a green light for the project from Gold Coast City Council.
With early support from the Gold Coast Airport and Bendigo Bank, the not-for-profit organisation is looking to build the wildlife hospital and conservation research centre on existing land under its 'live...
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Banking on a superb location
THE Bank of Queensland Broadbeach has relocated to Victoria Square in Broadbeach following the purchase of the franchise to Brigid Nolan and David Lynch. The 150 square metre premises were previously occupied by TAB. The new owners have signed a five-year lease with a five-year option. The move follows a five-year lease at the Oasis Shopping Centre. Co-owner Lynch says the move had made a...
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Wave of buyers secured
Enquiry strong in Gaven Central Business Park
MORE than $33 million in sales have been committed in the Gaven Central Business Park with just four lots remaining in the super industrial precinct.
Demand for land within the $65 million project has been solid since its launch to the market 12 months ago. The four remaining lots range in size from 1.2 hectares to 4.7 hectares and include a...
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Tweed project hits mark
Masada Investment's Wharf Central will comprise 40 strata titled commercial spaces
CONSTRUCTION has started on Masada Investments' $18.5 million Wharf Central commercial building in the Tweed Heads CBD.
Wharf Central is being built on a landmark site adjacent to the Wharf and Francis Streets round-a-bouts, opposite Tweed Centro Shopping Centre. It will comprise 40 strata-titled commercial...
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Wave makes a splash in Broadbeach
THE first office suite in the iconic $150 million The Wave development at Broadbeach has been leased with the ground floor retail precinct now fully tenanted and open for business.
Architecture and urban design firm, Burns Architecture, will take up a 500 square metre second floor office in the tower and strong enquiries have been received from a range of professionals, including banks,...
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Getting down to business
Robina's latest commercial hub launched
STAGE one of Robina Land Corporation's 4.2 hectare M1 Business Park has been launched in the heart of Robina's bustling commercial precinct.
The initial release lots range from 2500 sqm to 7000 sqm and will be sold only to owner-occupiers. Robina Land Corp will roll the project out over two years. The developer is aiming to build on the success of...
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Yatala comes to life
Industrial land snapped up by investors
YATALA is emerging as one of the hottest industrial property markets in the country, according to a leading Gold Coast valuer.
Developers are snapping up industrial land in the Gold Coast's northern corridor due to higher returns than traditional key areas, such as Sydney. Colliers International consultancy and valuation associate director, James...
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European investors swoop
A $24 million waterfront development site on the Gold Coast has been hit by a consortium of European investors.
The 5.4-hectare Bermuda Point waterfront development site is earmarked for a landmark mixed use development between Bermuda Street and Lake Orr in Varsity Lakes. The exclusive site commanded a premium price for a location within the award winning Varsity Lakes, developed by Delfin...
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O'Brien to splash out at Holiday Inn
FRANCHISE king John O'Brien (see cover story on page 26) will share his knowledge of the industry as guest speaker at the Institute of Business Leaders luncheon at the Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise on August 22.
The CEO of Poolwerx and chairman of the Franchise Council of Australia will speak on the topic, 'how to creature a culture of sustaining rapid growth in business'. O'Brien is an...
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Trade show to showcase Coast's best
THE Gold Coast & Hinterland Trade Show is back, offering an opportunity to showcase products and services, while networking with the broader business community.
The informal trade show-networking function is now in its eighth year and is the longest running small business show in the city. It is a cost-effective way of introducing yourself and your products,
in a relaxed environment...
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Bradbury skates into forum
AUSTRALIA'S first Winter Olympic Gold Medalist will be the guest speaker for the Varsity Central Business Forum at the lake cafe bar in Varsity Lakes on August 15.
Steven Bradbury, gold medalist speed skater at The Salt Lake City Olympic Games in 2002, will address up to 80 members of the Varsity Lakes business community. Bradbury, Order of Australia Medal Winner in 2007, said the main...
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Comedy at the Arts Centre
THE Gold Coast Arts Centre is offering a unique package guaranteed to put a smile on the dial of corporate clientele.
A long-time haunt of those in need of a culture fix, the Arts Centre is putting the fun back into function with its corporate comedy packages. Entertaining in August is Aussie bloke Chris Franklin (August 17), famous for his hit single 'bloke', a hilarious send up of...
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Dining out on award win
IT'S official.
MOO Moo the Wine Bar & Grill is the Coast's best restaurant, following its Restaurant of the Year award, while the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre was awarded Caterer of the Year.
The awards were presented at the 2007 Restaurant & Catering Queensland HOSTPLUS Gold Coast Awards for Excellence. More than 450 entrants, family and their friends came...
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Boxing chefs fight for culinary title
WHAT'S in the box?
That's the question on every gastronome's lips as The Gold Box Restaurant Challenge 2007 gets the kitchen firing this winter.
To be held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on August 20, and marking its debut as part of the ever-popular, Tastes of Gold Coast festival, 'the challenge' will be the first Australian chefs' competition of its size to take place in south east...
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Surfers drop in for Camp Quality
SOME of Australia's top surfers and sporting doyens will team up for the SAND (Surfers Against Natures Destruction) fundraiser to raise funds for Camp Quality.
Water Masters III has been set for Saturday August 18 on the Gold Coast and Tweed. It will feature a celebrity event featuring swimmer Susie O'Neill, ironwoman Hayley Bateup and surfers Mark Occhilupo, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson...
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Get a start
THE Gold Coast Region Area Consultative Committee (GCRACC) will host a small business forum at Bond University on August 14-15.
The event will be an information presentation for those budding entrepreneurs that have 'a good thing happening in the garage' and want to start up their own business. 'So You Want To Start Your Own Business?' is a series of shortcut presentations highlighting some...
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Economic update
CHIEF economist for BT Financial Group, Chris Carton, will be the guest speaker at an economic update to be hosted by Bond University.
Carton previously worked in the Treasury, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and for an economic consulting firm in the US.
He was chief economist at Bankers Trust from 1991 until July 1999.
From 1994 to 1997, he was also chairman of the...
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NSX for the Gold Coast
SME Exchange to boost business
BUSINESS Growth GC has scored a major win for the Gold Coast in becoming the first region in Queensland to roll out a local stock exchange.
The independent, non-profit organisation was established in 2006 from Federal Government and Gold Coast City Council funding and has worked hard to attract investors - and now the NSX - to the cit.
The NSX has grown...
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Picture perfect
Communicating with comic strips
PIKIPIMP, pikistrips and pikifx may sound like IT gobdledegook to most of us, but in the US the Web2.0 technology is taking the way we communicate to a whole new dimension.
Designed by award-winning Golden Orb Technologies (GOT) at Varsity Lakes, the applications each received 40,000 hits per day within three days of their launch on the web. The...
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Head hunt
TA board appoints former Voyager boss
THE Gold Coast Hinterland could soon be home to a five-star eco tourism resort and international, nature-based facilities.
Newly appointed Tourism Australia board member Grant Hunt's primary focus as he steps into the role at the national peak body will be to build a $300 million nature-based tourism fund. The former CEO of Voyages Hotels and Resorts...
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Sleeping on it
White cleans up the accommodation sector
AT just 22, Nicson White is cleaning up with his international sanitisation business Health Protect International (HPI).
White started the business in 2005 with his mother, Janice, after recognising a significant opportunity in Australia and New Zealand with mattress sanitisation in hotels. The company now operates a network of more than 80...
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Juggling act
Flexible hours allow accountants better balance
A PROGRESSIVE accountancy firm is thinking outside the square and offering employees greater working flexibility to attract key staff.
At a time when demand for skilled accountants is skyrocketing, WMS Corporate Finance has initiated a work from home program, allowing its staff the flexibility required to look after children or to continue...
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Training ground
IT company expands its operations
A COMPUTER training company will roll out extra services across Australia after securing a contract worth $484,000.
Competing with some of the biggest players in the IT training industry, Computer Training Options (CTO) won a contract that will see the company expand its computer training services at sites across Australia in the next three months. The...
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Roche sells factory
A PRIME industrial factory has sold for $10.7 million in one of the largest sale and lease back deals negotiated on the Gold Coast.
An undisclosed private Queensland investor snapped up the property, at 11 Elysium Road in Carrara, after a formal tender campaign, which attracted more than 45 enquiries. The vendor, ASX 100 publicly listed company Downer EDI Limited, manages its Roche Mineral...
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