Parramatta. King's fees up by 5.5 per cent

Fee rises average out at about 6 per cent among the nation's top private schools, much greater than the inflation rate of 1.26 per cent. The Kings School increased fees by 5.5 per cent to $24,730. Geelong Grammar, the most expensive school in the nation, posted a 5.5 per cent rise, taking its fees to $27,700. On the whole, the rises are lower than last year's average of about 8 per cent, and many schools have instituted flexible payment plans, The Australian reported.

Arndell Park. Nestle reduces costs

Streamlining the flow of goods through its Arndell Park distribution centre – which like most new supply chain centres, is located close to major new freeways, in this case the Westlink M7 – has enabled Nestle, Australia’s largest food manufacturer to reduce costs across the business by about 10 per cent, over the past 10 years, said, Peter Kelly, director of corporate and external relations, in The Australian Financial Review. This is the result of Nestle rolling out more than 100 Toyaota-style “mini business units” which are empowered to make changes to their workplace or propose investment.