Monday 6 October 2008

Green spells growth in WA market

West Australian
Thursday 18/9/2008 Page: 46

Almost half of WA's fastest-growing companies are in the green sector, cashing in on consumer demand for clean technology in areas such as waste water treatment, wind energy and aquaculture, according to a new report. The Ernst & Young report on the State's 10 fastest-growing small-to-medium industrial companies found that four focused on environmental areas, including green cleaning technologies and alternative waste management.

"People are getting more environmentally friendly," E&Y partner Peter McIver said. "People are concerned about the environment and companies are starting to focus on that as an area of opportunity." He said investors could also be turning to the environmental sector to spread the risk in their portfolio in uncertain times. The E&Y report, published yesterday, identified the 10 fastest moving small-to-medium capitalisation industrials in the WA market. The companies all achieved growth of more than 20 per cent in the June quarter.

Mr McIver said the 10 leaders relied on common growth strategies including retaining key talent, collaborating with blue chips and technology partners, sustaining research and development momentum, as well as building a brand by delivering beyond client expectations. He said the fast movers also operated in a global market and reduced risk through diversifying their products and clients.

All of the 10 chief executives interviewed for the report said the skills shortage was a considerable barrier to growth. "Many were focused on succession planning, with strategies to retain key people and develop their skills," Mr McIver said. Environmental companies said the cost of materials and fuel in WA was an additional obstacle to growth, while mining services suppliers said they were concerned about a lack of social and physical infrastructure in regional towns.

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