Middle East turmoil spooks market | Labour shortage easing: Whitehaven | Qantas chair lands early

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Local stocks and the Aussie dollar fell sharply as reports of Israel's strike on Iran rattled global markets. The ASX 200 recovered half of its initial losses by the close of trade on Friday, ending down 1 per cent at 7567.3 points. The broader All Ordinaries also finished 1 per cent weaker at 7817.4 points.

After struggling to fill roles at its Maules Creek mine in recent years and having taken control of BHP’s Daunia and Blackwater coking coal mines, Whitehaven boss Paul Flynn says the tight labour market is easing, but his company faces pressures from rising wages.

Meanwhile, it was once the poster child for Australian technological know-how but receivers have been appointed to Nasdaq-listed EV fast-charger manufacturer Tritium DCFC.

And if you want to know who should represent you in matters legal, global ratings service Best Lawyers has published its annual list of Australia's top talent.

The Big Read

Bickford’s is an iconic Australian drinks brand. Its brown lime and bitter-lemon cordials have been produced from its South Australian home since 1874.

But in late 1992, the firm had been out of Bickford family control for more than a decade and was owned by Adelaide entrepreneur Guy Lloyd, who pioneered the helicopter industry in South Australia. It was also bleeding cash.

“An old boss of mine rang me and said, ‘Look, I’ve got a guy who bought a business called Bickford’s and he’s having a bit of a problem with it. Do you mind looking at it,” recalls the brand’s now-owner, Adelaide businessman Angelo Kotses.

Damon Kitney

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