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Entrepreneur Watch

Biotech’s bright hopes
The health of the biotech sector appears to be improving and a number of Australian firms are enjoying important wins.

Wednesday, 01 February 2012

News

Listed tech company Digislide Holdings in administration after class action threat
Patrick Stafford An Adelaide-based technology company that made a name for itself building small, portable projectors has been placed in administration, just weeks after a major investor encouraged shareholders to join in on a class action.

Pets Paradise franchise in Federal Court stoush with disgruntled franchisees
Madeleine Heffernan Negotiations will continue between Pets Paradise and two former Queensland franchisees, after the decades-old pet care chain was found to have breached the Trade Practices Act by making misleading and deceptive claims when the franchisees signed up.

Property prices down slightly in December, Melbourne and Perth hardest hit
Larry Schlesinger Capital city dwelling prices fell 0.2% in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, with Melbourne dwelling values down 0.5% and Perth values down 1.6%.

Woolworths to sell struggling Dick Smith chain, close 100 stores: Midday Roundup
Patrick Stafford Woolworths has signalled that it will sell off the troubled Dick Smith chain following a structural review of the business, also announcing that it will close up to 100 stores over the next two years.

Business confidence lifts in December, but employment weaker: NAB report
Madeleine Heffernan The latest monthly business survey showing confidence strengthened in December but remained below the series long-run average is a creditable result given the European debt crisis, although not a turnaround, a bank economist says.

Online sales tipped to exceed existing US levels, but bricks and mortar best placed: Expert
Madeleine Heffernan The percentage of online sales across the globe is tipped to rise even further, with an analysis of major American retailers showing that an average 8% of sales are made online, well above the Australian average.

Telstra warns on NBN pricing
Patrick Stafford The telecommunications industry has reacted against the NBN's special access undertaking, with Telstra questioning the company's wholesale access price – just as the network begins to ramp up its construction efforts.

Australian businesses open to trading in yuan
Patrick Stafford Retailers may be able to get a better deal by trading with Chinese suppliers in yuan instead of US dollars, but experts have warned that it won't work for all businesses.

Building, household sectors to pick up later this year but hiring intentions low, new surveys reveal
Patrick Stafford Industries connected to the household and building sectors may see a reprieve by the end of the year, although businesses will need to start developing new ways to source staff as baby boomers retire, BIS Shrapnel says in its new forecast.

Strong fundamentals mean there is no Australian housing price bubble: ANZ
Larry Schlesinger ANZ forecasts house prices will remain on hold or fall slightly in 2012, but will not crash.

Why retail rents simply have to come down: Gottliebsen
Robert Gottliebsen The shopping centre landscape will change dramatically by the end of the year as three forces combine to push down rents – including a hefty hit from American online retailing.

Trends & Ideas

Mark Arbib: The first interview

Mark Arbib says once he gets a grip on the Small Business portfolio he’ll knock down doors to get things done. BY MADELEINE HEFFERNAN

feature-boring-presentation-400

Fives sales disasters you need to avoid

Delivering an engaging and dynamic sales pitch is paramount in this downbeat economic climate. BY OLIVER MILMAN AND MICHELLE HAMMOND

The properties taking the longest to sell

As home values have fallen across most parts of Australia over the past 12 months, the time it takes to sell a property has also increased. BY CAMERON KUSHER

Finding the truth about your brand

The brand message received by your customer may not be the one you intended. Here's how to find out what they really think of you. BY TOM MCKASKILL

How I intend to make online sales 15% of my business

Speciality Fashion Group, the company behind Katies and La Senza, announced its target of 15% online sales. BY PATRICK STAFFORD

The Business Bitch

Aunty B

A large corporation wants the entire minority stake in our business.
Aunty B A large company with a minority stake can be great, but it can also be a millstone around your neck.

Ask the Experts

Franchise tips and trends

Investing in small versus big franchise brands
Jason Gehrke While franchising is often seen as a safer investment option than independent small business, there is no such thing as a safe bet in business.

People problems

The New Year – off to a flying start
Eve Ash Everybody stumbles at different points – the difference between those who succeed and those who ultimately fail is that some people accept the drawbacks as part of the journey.

Smart Blogs

Brand

Apple launches damage control
Michel Hogan Apple is up to its armpits in controversy over working conditions at its factories in China. But there is a larger question at play here – would you pay more so those workers could work in better conditions?

Behavioural Economics

Taking the shot: How to overcome our innate fear of losing
Bri Williams Our tendency to avoid loss rather than seek gain is one of the strongest, most primal responses that influences the actions we take.

Entrepreneur Zone

Stan Gordon

The founder of Franchised Food Company says a downturn would be good for both recruitment and sales, and explains why foreigners get it so w...

Rob Davidson

Davidson Recruitment co-founder, Rob Davidson explains the recent spate of collapses in the sector.

Guy Russo

You think times are tough? Kmart's managing director Guy Russo has seen tougher, particularly when the GST was introduced.

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