Events

Confused with how the WA economy is travelling right now? Want to know how the economy is impacting your business? How will automation and technology impact jobs in the future?

Join Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Chief Economist, Rick Newnham, as he unravels the state of the WA economy at our Business Breakfast.  Rick’s easy and relaxed style and in-depth knowledge of the WA economy will explain what economic forces are currently at play and what it means for small business. This is no Economics 101 lecture.  Rick’s analogies and humour will have you more engaged with economics than you’ve ever thought possible and you’ll leave with at least an idea of what might be around the corner on a macro economic level.

Matt Cooper – “I’m looking forward to the next breakfast! Good food, good content and good networking.”

Karen Bradshaw – “A great brekkie event with a very interesting topic and stories. It was good to meet some new guests/members.”

Ockert Du Plooy – “Thanks SBA! Was a great brekkie, discussions & networking! Look forward to the next one.”

Your speaker

Rick Newnham is passionate about making Western Australia a world leading place to live and do business. He joined the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA (CCI) as Chief Economist in January 2017. Prior to joining CCI Rick worked as an Economist for Shell around the world, including postings in Australia (Brisbane and Perth), the UK (Aberdeen) and the Middle East (Dubai).

Rick is recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Global Shaper, he is an Ambassador for Australia Day and a State Advisory Council member and a Trustee of CEDA – The Committee for Economic Development Australia. In 2011, Rick was awarded Young Western Australian of the Year for establishing the Left Right Think-Tank, Australia’s first non-partisan think-tank of young minds.

Rick has a keen interest in innovation and policy that will advance Western Australia’s position in the global economy. Through the economic policy, start-up and trade communities Rick stays connected to the economies of the Middle East and Asia, where his experience and interests most overlap.

Rick completed his undergraduate business studies at The University of Western Australia and post-graduate studies at Oxford University. His thesis at Oxford evaluated the economics of Uber and Airbnb’s government relations strategies worldwide for which he won the Saïd Business School prize.

As an economist who isn’t shy to get his hands dirty, Rick has worked offshore on oil rigs in the UK North Sea, in the field in the Middle East and on drilling sites in regional Australia.