|
|
Very GC campaign canned
GOLD Coast Tourism’s (GCT) ‘Very GC’ campaign has been canned as the organisation’s CEO admits the branding phrase ‘confused the market’.
GCT chief executive Martin Winter will roll out a new branding strategy for the city in 2011 and promises no gimmicks this time around. The Very GC campaign sponged millions of dollars in funding during a largely...
|
|
|
A time to redefine and re-evaluate
by Jason Oxenbridge
PUBLICLY listed developer Sunland Group has tapped into Queensland’s lucrative affordable housing market as its share prices plummet in the wake of the global downturn.
While the company posted a half-year net profit of $68 million, share value has been slashed from $4.60 at peak to around 40 cents. The half year results represent an increase of 13 per...
|
|
|
Sweet success for RFG
LISTED food brand manager Retail Food Group has banked on budget conscious consumerism to increase its revenue by almost 40 per cent to $69.7 million.
The company’s NPAT exceeded guidance of $9.9 million in January to an interim profit of $10.6 million for the six months ending December 2008.
Dining out on the success of its Donut King, Brumby’s Bakeries, Michel’s...
|
|
|
Growth constrained for years ahead
Australia does not have the same issues as other developed nations as a result of the global financial crisis – Australia is experiencing a credit squeeze not a financial crisis – but the shortage of both debt and equity funding will be disastrous for business investment. BIS Shrapnel’s chief economist Dr Frank Gelber, says we need to look beyond the current situation...
|
|
|
The state of education
You apply for a job. You attend an interview. You anxiously await a call back. Most career professionals will go through this cycle a fair few times. But are the tough economic times calling for more stringent approaches to learning? Cezanne Laidlaw reports.
THE global financial crisis has the ability to send a wave of nerves through those on the job hunt. But more and more people are...
|
|
|
Ed's message
AS billions of dollars in development is put on hold and foreign investment takes a departing first class ticket on Emirates, the city of Dubai is facing economic readjustment on a mammoth scale.
Once revered as a sister city to the Gold Coast with its skyline similitude, towering residential structures and shared key economic drivers of construction and tourism, the desert city is...
|
|
|
Build it - but will they come?
By Jason Oxenbridge in Dubai
There’s a subtle synergy between the Gold Coast and Dubai, with their similar skylines, towering residential structures and the key economic drivers of construction and tourism.
LIKE the Gold Coast, construction has slowed significantly in the desert city. The property scene in Dubai is in correction mode with prices in all sectors falling amid...
|
|
|
Demand soars for Emirates' Brisbane to Dubai direct
DEMAND for flights to the Middle East and a robust promotional drive by Emirates has resulted in Emirates flying direct from Brisbane to Dubai twice daily to its new T3 terminal.
Flight EK435 joins the existing service (EK433 via Singapore) and will depart Brisbane daily at 8.30pm, arriving in Dubai at 5.30am the following day.
Emirates Queensland sales manager Jenny Trebilcock says...
|
|
|
Onwards and upwards
Emirates Airlines continues to tap into new international ports to increase market share during a traditionally low traffic season. The Gulf carrier has been working with Tourism Australia to implement promotional campaigns in the UK, considered an important in-bound market for Australia. Senior vice president of commercial operations East Asia & Australasia Richard Vaughan, talks...
|
|
|
Emirates taste test tantalises
EMIRATES has been awarded the prestigious ‘Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier Middle East 2008’ at the Pax International Magazine Readership Awards.
As one of the world’s leading travel catering industry publications, Pax International Magazine runs a Readership Award Poll which is highly regarded for their recognition of outstanding performance, achievement and...
|
|
|
Marine companies set sail for UAE
SUPERIOR Jetties, Ausrunner Cruisers and The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show will set sail for the Dubai International Boat Show from March 3-7.
This year’s Dubai International Boat Show has 29 Australian companies exhibiting in conjunction with AIMEX (Australian International Marine Exporters Association).
AIMEX approached each of the state governments to see what assistance...
|
|
|
Sorella act doubles as the perfect blend
by Cezanne Laidlaw
IF there is one thing the Strophair sisters can perfect it’s a good cup of coffee. But creating the perfect business brew to accompany a product can be testing in any market.
Baristas Susan and Penny Strophair recognised a gap in the Gold Coast’s coffee industry and are winning over the city’s cafe culture.
Susan, 33 and 30-year-old Penny decided to...
|
|
|
Taking aim at leadership
THE Australian Institute of Management (AIM) recently opened its Gold Coast premises in Robina. With a fresh presence comes new responsibilities and CEO Carolyn Barker says the organisation’s strategy will focus on fundamentals this year. Barker spoke to Gold Coast Business News about leadership, the labour market and leaving an indelible print on the Gold Coast.
What was the...
|
|
|
Quality traineeships
COMMONWEALTH funded traineeships are a great opportunity for employers and employees to beat the meltdown according to Angela McGregor, general manager of Quality Training Solutions. She says it gives existing staff the opportunity to undertake flexible training, on the job, which have been designed to pre existing goals.
“Traineeships at the Certificate IV level are an...
|
|
|
Training program helps club managers to stay ahead
SOUTHERN Cross University’s Graduate College of Management is helping the registered clubs industry in Australia to stay on top in the economic climate through a tailor made corporate training program.
From the beginning of 2009, the four-day corporate governance program has been offered to all members of the Club Managers Association Australia and is accompanied by joint...
|
|
|
Maximising returns through TAFE
GOLD Coast Institute of TAFE has developed a range of training solutions used by industry and employers for more than 30 years.
TAFE’s dedicated staff work with business and their people to identify what areas of potential growth exists. Training solutions are then developed to ensure the organisation has the expertise required to move forward in today’s fast paced...
|
|
|
Bond boasts executive education excellence
BOND University will host a series of seminars set to educate attendees about understanding the risks and rewards of wealth management.
Melinda Muir, director at the Bond University centre of executive education, says executives will benefit greatly from the seminars.
“Executives are increasingly under pressure to ensure that their business is not only able to survive but to...
|
|
|
Griffith joins the ranks of Harvard
THE Griffith Business School has been awarded international accreditation similar to that of Ivy League universities including Harvard and Yale, as well as the London Business School.
Griffith University is the fifth university in Australia to receive accreditation for all its business programs from the leading international business education accreditation body, the Association to...
|
|
|
Mackintosh College advises: tangible training
THE Australia Bureau of Statistics has indicated the unemployment rate continues to move into a zone that prompts many to re-evaluate whether the qualifications, skills, expertise or connections are enough to see them through the predicted doom and gloom.
Shane Mackintosh, CEO of Mackintosh College says: "The most important thing for employees is to look to enhance long-term...
|
|
|
Arabian Nights
“CAN you see the flying camel,” quizzes Yeoman, as he gazes into the still of the Arabian Desert.
Through a plume of smoke, my Syrian guide can see that I’m smiling and he chuckles loudly. The orange embers of the aromatic shisha crackle and come to life under the stars of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as we share the traditional ‘hubbly-bubbly’...
|
|
|
Taxing time for the next State Government
THE next State Government will need to deliver genuine vision and policies focusing on a strong economy if they are to be backed by Queensland business owners on March 21, according to a survey by Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ).
CCIQ president Beatrice Booth says addressing the concerns of business and generating a positive business environment will be crucial if...
|
|
|
Reality check for retailers
RETAIL growth figures from December may have ‘falsified’ consumer confidence as the sector prepares for its toughest assessment yet in the March quarter.
“The March quarter is always the toughest for retailers as credit card bills from Christmas roll in and back-to-school costs rein in consumer discretionary spend, but retailers are hopeful improved growth will...
|
|
|
Challenges ahead for 'heart of the city'
THE president of the merged Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach Chamber of Commerce anticipates ongoing challenges for the local business community at local and state government level, but remains confident its collective voice will be heard.
Laura Younger says the amalgamation of the Gold Coast’s glamorous beachside business precincts of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach...
|
|
|
Close out for Cult Industries
SURF label Cult Industries is the latest to be dumped by the global credit tsunami with founder Doug Spong putting the Gold Coast headquarters up for sale.
The brand is reconsolidating in the wake of dwindling national sales and downsizing its operations to include a handful of smaller national retail outlets.
A joint leasing campaign has been launched by PRDColliers and CBRE after...
|
|
|
Craig gored by receivers
MOTORSPORT investor turned marina developer Craig Gore is in hot water over debts to City Pacific amassing $145 million.
The property tycoon is struggling to save three of his companies after receivers from KordaMentha were called in last month to sort through Atkinson Gore Group, Atkinson Gore Agricultural and AGG Treetops.
The receivership was triggered by what City Pacific...
|
|
|
Connecting the Coast part of grand business vision
A CO-FOUNDER of the listed global environment company Pacific Environment Limited (PEL) has identified the southern Gold Coast as a future eco epicentre following her appointment to the board of Connecting Southern Gold Coast (CSGC).
Kristin Zeise’s experience starting up and managing Pacific Air & Environment, one of PEL’s founding companies, provides the board with...
|
|
|
Upward trend for QAL
QUEENSLAND Airports Limited has recorded 576,000 passenger movements through its airports for January 2009, with the Gold Coast Airport recording a 93 per cent increase in international traffic from the same period last year.
The owner of Gold Coast, Townsville and Mount Isa Airports, recorded a bumper month with the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers tourism regions all...
|
|
|
Creating value in your products
THE most frustrating business to be in must be one that sells the same thing as everybody else.
They end up competing on discounts and promotions and shaving margins just to survive.
Unless they have some unique cheap source of supply or significant economies of scale, they are destined to struggle to survive. Yet, even in most commodity markets, there are lots of things you can do...
|
|
|
Coast venues cash in on BEpoz technology
A REVOLUTIONARY payment system is adding efficiency to working environments in Gold Coast restaurants, hotels, convention venues and clubs.
BEpoz was developed in Australia specifically for Australian hospitality market requirements and is now used by companies including the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, The Gold Coast Arts Centre, Nobbys Surf Club and Shuck in Main...
|
|
|
Aquatic centre cured with CCTV
SAVVY Gold Coast security company C-Cure Systems has landed a State Government tender to install and service a cutting edge digital surveillance system at Brisbane’s Chandler Aquatic Centre.
Managing director Francis Populin says the ‘pick-a-point’ technology will allow the user to garb an image from anywhere in the pool arena from one of the allocated security...
|
|
|
Survival guide launched to offset unemployment hike
JOB security issues amid forecast double unemployment figures by 2010 has prompted one Gold Coast careers advisor to offer ‘survival guide’ tuition to assist employees during a time of economic instability.
CIQ Career Intelligence director Naomi Lawrence, has been contacted by people edgy about future job security.
“Unfortunately many managers are also unsure about...
|
|
|
RTC in fashion with $300 million facelift
CONSTRUCTION is progressing on Robina Town Centre’s landmark multi-staged $300 million redevelopment as the remaining undeveloped prime land parcels surrounding the centre and a bunch of government-tenanted commercial properties are listed for sale.
Robina Land Corporation (RLC) chief executive Richard Wyatt says the sale would conclude the family group’s 30 year...
|
|
|
New theatre to reduce waiting times for patients
THE Gold Coast Hospital’s new $14.5 million day surgery will significantly decrease waiting times according to State Heath Minister Stephen Robertson.
Robertson said the day surgery centre, comprised of three new surgery theatres, is expected to perform up to 6000 elective procedures each year.
In the October to December 2008 quarter, the Gold Coast Health Service District...
|
|
|
Swell retail space for Firewire
SURFBOARD technology company Firewire has downsized its operations and relocated to Currumbin from Burleigh Heads to better showcase and manage its retail presence.
The move comes as the surf hardware specialist signs a deal to supply its composite technology to US surfboard manufacturer Lost. Firewire chairman Nev Hyman says the Lost deal will add around 20 per cent annual growth to...
|
|
|
Pastificio Fellini re-opens at Marina Mirage
PASTIFICIO Fellini has reopened its newly refurbished fresh pasta outlet at Marina Mirage.
The store is owned and managed by award-winning Italian restaurateurs the Percuoco family and partners Raffaele Di Benedetto and Richard Burt, who produce artisan-style pasta in the best Italian traditions.
Pastificio Fellini director Carlo Percuoco says customers now have the unique...
|
|
|
Life-work balance
WITH thousands of businesses expected to collapse this year, and thousands more under pressure, is life-work balance possible for business owners?
Most research on life-work balance focuses on employees—but what about business owners? This question is at the heart of the newnorma.com study of women entrepreneurs and business owners.
The two women behind the project, Valerie...
|
|
|
Events diary March 09
MARCH
WEDNESDAY 4
The Executive Alliance Social Networking Function; 5.30pm-7.30pm: The Hydrate Bar, Royal Pines Resort. More info at: debbie@theexecutivealliance.com.au
THURSDAY 5
South African Executive Briefing; 4:30pm-5:30pm. More info at: http://www.businessleaders.com.au/pages/events-calendar.php
March Leaders Drinks; 5:00pm- 7:30pm. More info at:...
|
|
|
Gold Coast to attract major business activity
THE Gold Coast is intensifying its bidding arsenal to attract major association and corporate event activity.
Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter revealed a reinvigorated Gold Coast Convention Bureau (GCCB) will oversee the new strategic direction.
Winter had a captive audience at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo in Melbourne, as he provided an overview and operational...
|
|
|
WIT presents Sandra Tikal
SANDRA Tikal will be guest speaker at Women in Tourism’s April breakfast. Tikal is the general manager of Palazzo Versace and will share her insights on how the hotel is keeping its edge in today’s challenging world. She will also share her story and how she came to lead the world’s first fully branded hotel. The breakfast will take place at Q1 on April 3. More info...
|
|
|
Lunch with Gordon Ramsay
TICKETS to a series of lunches and dinners to be hosted by Gordon Ramsay at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove are on sale.
Diversified Exhibitions are presenting a rare opportunity for guests to see Gordon in action and taste his signature dishes at three lunches and three dinners being staged at the luxurious five-star Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Ballroom on June 12, 13 and...
|
|
|
Turf club bush fire appeal
THE Gold Coast Turf Club will host The Victorian Bushfire and Northern Queensland Flood Appeal Raceday on March 7.
Every cent of the $7 gate fees along with all net proceeds from the eight $1500 race partnerships (race names and hospitality) will be handed over to the Australian Red Cross.
Gold Coast Turf Club chief executive, John Cameron, expects thousands of dollars to be...
|
|
|
International Women's Day leadership award 2009
HIGH profile Gold Coast women from a range of business and community sectors have been nominated for the annual International Women’s Day Leadership Award.
Founder of the Gold Coast Festival, Josephine Tobias says: “The response is overwhelming with a fantastic number of nominations received for a range of business and community awards,
“This is a very important...
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
