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MELBOURNE: A Victorian-based defence apparel specialist has beaten 16 domestic and international companies to score an $80 million contract to supply body armour to Australian troops. Australian Defence Apparel, a service provider for military and civilian authorities, supplies a number of local and global clients including the British police, Thai military and Indian firefighters. It is believed a total of 80 new jobs would be created at the Australian Defence Apparel plant as a result of the new tender.  The parliamentary secretary for defence procurement, Greg Combet, said Australian Defence Apparel scored the contract because it had the best products at a competitive price and was able to deliver the body armour on time. Combet said he was confident the first deliveries would start to take place in May.

Austin closes ranks
@Fbc:NATIONAL:Embattled wholesaler Austin Group has closed ranks. The listed company announced it had commenced implementing the recommendations of business performance consultancy 333. The four-week review included an examination of the company's brand assets and operations. It follows news a major shareholder in Austin Group, Hawkswood Investments, had been placed into administration last week. Austin Group managing director Brendan Santamaria refuted claims the receivership would impact the normal operations of the company. Austin Group brands include Rochford, Purr, Playboy, Crusty Demons, Contempo and Roar.

Jeff Moss returns
Moss, who has over 20 years' experience in the commercial property and fashion retail sector, has been awarded the license to set up a unique motor sport-driven European fashion warehouse centre. The concept, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, includes a fashion warehouse, international hotel, and car and motorbike showroom that enables consumers to test drive cars and bikes on a F1 standard F1 motor racing circuit.Moss is believed to have sunk more than $150 million into the project, dubbed Grandprizone, and has licensed the concept in Australia, New Zealand, China, Canada and Romania.

Nicoll snare
NATIONAL: British-born Australian-raised designer Richard Nicoll has continued to bolster his international profile with his spring 2008 collection being picked up by US boutique chain Elizabeth Charles. The designer, who graduated from prestigious London fashion college Central Saint Martins in 2002, will join fellow antipodiums Karen Walker, Lee Mathews, Jayson Brunsdon and Akira Isogawa in being stocked in Charles' New York and San Fransisco stores. The news comes just days after Nicoll declined an invitation to appear at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

Incu expansion
SYDNEY: Upmarket streetwear retailer Incu is set to dramatically expand its menswear offering. The Sydney-based company will launch a third boutique opposite its existing flagship site at The Galeries Victoria this month. The new retail space will specialise in men's apparel, accessories and footwear while the original store will focus on the womenswear category. Launched by Brian and Vincent Wu in 2001, the retailer stocks a range of established and emerging designer labels including New Zealand's Mala Brajkovic, cult denim brand Acne and international headliner Marc by Marc Jacobs. While the retailer is toying with inter-state expansion plans, no further sites have been confirmed.