SA young entrepreneur of the year named
The South Australian Business Chamber last week named Lachlan Sweet Design founder Lachlan Sweet as its South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2025.
The creative entrepreneur, who has been working in the design industry for six years, was awarded the title because he “produced an exceptional business plan, showcasing not only a deep understanding of [his] business goals but also a commitment to strategic growth”, according to judges.
The award is presented to a graduate of the Chamber’s SAYES entrepreneurship program who has shown exceptional commitment to the program, embraced the mentoring arrangement, and developed a high-quality business plan.
Sweet said the SAYES program had “been a major turning point for my career”.
“Over the last nine months, my business thinking was continually challenged throughout the workshops and monthly mentorship. This strategic process has shifted my mindset to have a stronger understanding of the value my business provides as well as an alignment of my vision and goals,” he said.
“Now the program has come to an end, I’m excited to officially launch my brand studio, Make Believe, in the coming months and deepen my relationship with the Business Chamber.”
Best cash performance in four years for Australian Vintage
Listed wine business Australian Vintage said its first-half results show its best normalised cash outflow result in four years.
CEO Craig Garvin said the results “reflect early progress in restoring shareholder value”.
“These results highlight that Australian Vintage is an agile industry leader with innovation as a core capability,” he said.
“As the industry continues to consolidate globally, we remain proactive in evaluating opportunities that drive long-term value.”
Kelsian sells three West Australian bus depots
South Australian listed transport company Kelsian has sold three bus depots in Western Australia, realising $20.3 million in total proceeds as a result.
Kelsian, formerly Sealink and one of South Australia’s Top 100 Companies, said the decision to sell the bus depots reflected a commitment to improve returns and optimise its portfolio.
The company also released its half year results this week, showing revenue rose 9.1 per cent and profit fell by 7.9 per cent to $39.7 million.
AML3D revenue triples in first half
Metal 3D printing firm AML3D has seen its revenue more than triple in the first half of the financial year, rising 206 per cent to $4.6 million.
It follows the successful penetration of the US market by AML3D in 1H25, which included the opening of its US technology centre, a strongly-supported institutional placement that raised $30 million, partnerships with new clients including US defence contracts, and more.
“The strength of AML3D’s balance sheet means the company is entering a new growth phase from a robust financial position,” AML3D non-executive chairman Noel Cornish said.
“AML3D is well positioned to expand in multiple high growth markets, which gives the board confidence the company will deliver significant shareholder value over time.”
A render of ARC Bowden. Image: Supplied
Construction starts on Bowden development
Construction of a new 145 apartment development by Hindmarsh has started in Bowden, with ‘ARC Bowden’ joining significant projects already underway in the community northwest of Adelaide.
In total, there’s $300 million worth of developments undergoing construction now in the suburb and two more residential allotments currently in the market for developer partners.
“We are now working to deliver on the final phase of this significant precinct to help put more South Australians into homes,” Renewal SA executive director of property and major projects Shane Wingard said.
“These developments have required extensive planning, and we are now reaching significant construction milestones towards completion.”
_SOUTHSTART, the South Australian festival of start-ups, innovation and future thinking, held across multiple venues, will feature speakers such as Phil Morle, partner at Main Sequence Ventures, and Allys Todd, co-Founder and CEO at ValAi from 4-6 March.
International Women’s Day 2025 Luncheon: The South Australian Business Chamber and the Australia Day Council of South Australia are joining forces on 7 March to bring you an International Women’s Day luncheon with this year’s theme, “March Forward”.
2025 AEDA Business Summit, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas will attend the summit and will be joined by a stellar lineup of business leaders and industry experts on 20 May at the Adelaide Oval.
Render: Ekistics
Pirie Street apartment and hotel tower gets approval
The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has approved a 29-storey hotel and accommodation tower proposed for Pirie Street.
Called Acadia, the tower at 299-311 Pirie Street will rise on a vacant lot near Hutt Street and adjacent to an existing 16-storey apartment building.
Acadia will sit on what was a Red Cross blood donor centre and office building, which was constructed in the 1950s.
Maggie Beer loss improves in first half
Listed food and hampers business Maggie Beer Holdings has seen its losses improve in the first half of the financial year, from a $5.7 million loss on year prior to $4.4 million at 31 December 2025.
Excluding its discontinued Paris Creek Farms operations – which the company still holds for sale – the company would have recorded a $237,000 profit in the half.
Revenue also improved by 5.8 per cent to $54.5 million, while gross margins were flat with the prior corresponding period.
The company has $53.3 million in assets and cash of $10.3 million as of 31 December, with no debt.
The company said it was “focused on accelerating strategic initiatives and delivering operational efficiencies to create further value” in 2H25.
Adelaide Direct Stationers (ADS) and RAA forge partnership
ADS will supply office and washroom essentials to RAA sites across SA for the next three years from 1 March.
ADS is a family-owned and operated supplier that delivers school and office supplies, technology, furniture, washroom essentials, PPE, first aid, and kitchen appliances to workplaces across Australia.
“We have always aspired to work with RAA and are honoured to be selected as RAA’s supplier in these sectors,” ADS CEO Tom Whittaker said.
“We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership”.
Balco Australia opens Adelaide headquarters
The exporter opened its new head office at a refurbished heritage site in North Adelaide.
The move from its former office in Balaklava follows the announcement of a new hay processing site to be built at Monarto on a 157-hectare greenfield site.
“Having a permanent head office building in Adelaide marks another step in our journey, but we still have very strong ties to our regional areas and to Balaklava where we were founded,” said CEO Rob Lawson.
The office in Balaklava will remain open with a smaller number of employees, as Lawson emphasised Balco’s commitment to investing in the local community.
