Latest news with #Bannister
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
UK citizens face fingerprint checks each time they visit EU
British citizens who travel frequently to the EU face having their fingerprints individually checked each time they cross the border into the Schengen area because of delays in developing an app to verify biometrics digitally, it has emerged. It will be 'business as usual' this summer but 'a big change' in travel will be phased in from November, Doug Bannister, the chief executive of the Port of Dover has said. 'Significant infrastructure' including reclaiming 13 hectares of land in the Port of Dover to handle passengers getting out of cars and buses has been put in place to try to minimise disruption, Bannister said. Under the system being built, all car passengers will have to get out of their vehicle to be individually fingerprinted and photographed. On every subsequent journey, a fingerprint or a facial image will be verified along with passport number, in a major shift designed to get rid of 'wet stamping' and allow the number of days British visitors stay in the EU in any given year to be automatically recorded. It is envisaged that an app that can be installed on a border force tablet can be passed into the car for verification of each individual's biometrics. Frontex, the European border agency, has developed the app, but confirmed it was up to each member state to implement its use. 'We have been told that any app won't be ready any time before November, but hopefully it could come swiftly after that,' said Bannister. '[It means] second, third, fourth time travellers still need to have a biometric captured at the border,' he said, meaning passengers will still have to get out of their vehicle for border checks until the app is ready. The port prides itself on the speed with which it operates. Bannister says it can load and off-load a ferry 'with 120 trucks, 1,000 passengers and a couple of hundred cars in 45 minutes, faster than an A320 at Gatwick'. He is confident the biometric check regime being built will add just six minutes to a car journey. The new regime has presented particular challenges in Dover because the port is hemmed by the cliffs and there is no safe space for car passengers to be checked amid the flow of 10,000 trucks a day crossing the channel. 'In an airport you have a nice, air-conditioned, well-lit hall, and an orderly queue of foot passengers going through. But we needed to cater for a carload of four people on a large, stormy night. So we couldn't have people exit their vehicles [in the ferry queues]. That would be dangerous.' In an extraordinary solution supported by the UK and French governments, Dover will create a virtual frontier system, 1.4 miles across town for border checks on 12 hectares of reclaimed land. Peering down from the western cliffs, the first building to cater for coaches is already in place on a vast swathe of built-up ground currently topped with golden sand. A second bus and a separate car building will be installed in the coming months. To ensure the integrity of the border, buses will have their doors physically sealed with tape while they rejoin regular traffic across Dover town and continue a 1.4-mile journey from the western ferry to board the ferry at the eastern docks. Irregular movements between the biometric border and the ferry board will be monitored by a combination of AI and automatic number plate recognition. It isn't the only change Bannister is expecting in the coming months. He is also hopeful that the reset in the relationship between the UK and the EU will end the environmentally and economically damaging issue of trucks returning to the continent empty. Another byproduct of Brexit, it is estimated that on some days 30% to 40% of trucks have no cargo on them when they return to the continent because of strict checks on fresh food and farm products. These are expected to be scrapped as part of Keir Starmer's reset. With £144bn worth of goods traded over the channel every year, the Port of Dover is of critical economic interest to France and the UK, representing half of the total of UK goods exported to Europe, Bannister said. The EU and the UK have pledged to negotiate a new deal eliminating the checks on food, which will allow small food and farm producers to export to Europe once again. Read More Trump gives Elon Musk an Oval Office send-off
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SC legislators get extra $1B to spend as budget negotiations begin
The Board of Economic Advisors announced $1 billion more in state revenue than expected as legislators began negotiating their budget plans Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (File/Getty Images) COLUMBIA — An extra $1 billion fell into legislators' laps as they started budget negotiations Tuesday, making a budget process with few sticking points potentially even smoother. Following a stronger-than-anticipated tax season for the state, along with continued increases in corporate income tax and sales tax collections, legislators will have an additional $669 million for one-time expenses and $377 million in recurring revenue, the state Board of Economic Advisors announced Tuesday. Normally, such mid-year hikes occur before the chambers approve their budget plans. But the state's revenue forecasters declined to recognize any surplus at its meeting last month. However, with just six weeks left in the fiscal year, the board decided to officially increase its revenue estimates: The $669 million is most, but not all, of what's flowed into state coffers above expectations through April and $377 million is the boost in projections for the fiscal year starting July 1. Those 'surprisingly good numbers' will make 'a lot of what we'd be fighting over a lot easier,' said House Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville. A six-member committee — three each from the House and Senate — is tasked with hashing out the differences in their chambers' $14.4 billion budget plans. The panel met publicly for about an hour Tuesday before staff mentioned the $1 billion adjustment, and the meeting adjourned. Talks resume Wednesday. Some major parts of the budget package were already locked in before negotiations began. That includes $1,500 raises in the state's minimum pay for teachers and an accelerated income tax cut (which completes a 2022 law that phased in rate reductions). Other items are still up for debate. For instance, the Senate put an additional $100 million into updating aging bridges across the state, while the House provided $200 million as the second installment of a five-year, $1 billion commitment sought by the state Department of Transportation. The Senate sent the DOT $25 million to cover clean-up costs of Hurricane Helene not paid by the federal government, while the House provided $35 million. There are a number of projects at the state's universities that one chamber funded while the other didn't. Other differences are in how the money's spent. Both chambers, for example, put an additional $112 million into 'state aid to classrooms,' which is meant for teachers' raises. So, that amount is set. However, an adjustment in the way the House proposes to fund virtual charter schools could shift more of that total to traditional K-12 schools. How the compromise committee might spend the additional $1 billion is not yet clear. Bannister didn't give any specifics. And the Greenville Republican declined to name any particular possible sticking points. Legislators already expected smoother sailing during this year's budget process than in recent years, when disagreements over how much to spend on Clemson's new veterinary school either stalled the process or derailed it for weeks. The committee expects to reach a compromise by the end of the week, sending the spending plan back to both chambers for final approval by next Wednesday, said Bannister, chief budget writer for the House. That leaves more time than usual before the fiscal year begins July 1. Budget negotiations normally carry into June, sometimes with only days to spare. Much of the newly recognized money could be put into savings. 'There's enough money to cover everything, and then we will have money left over that we will not allocate in this budget cycle,' Bannister said. Despite more revenue than expected coming in this year, the state's economic forecasters warned the growth might not last. Although the state's population and income are expected to continue growing, proposed tariffs could cause some businesses 'to take a more measured approach to activity,' potentially taking a hit to state revenue, according to a news release. Putting aside part of this year's extra revenue for next year's budget process could help offset some of those impacts, should they come, Bannister said. 'Certainly, it's nice to have growing revenues and one-time money that's not going to be spent this year to have a cushion in case something does come up in the next 12 to 24 months,' Bannister said.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
South Carolina House working on revised tax bill after backlash
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – The South Carolina House is revising a bill that would raise income taxes for nearly 60% of earners, and lawmakers are going back to the drawing board. State leaders introduced a new bill in March that would set a flat tax rate of 3.99% for all earners, and there was backlash. Representatives are now coming up with a new plan. 'I've heard loud and clear from members of the of the house, members of this committee, that there are some things in the bill they would like to adjust, or they don't like, or they would like to hear other options, ' said Representative Bruce Bannister, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (R – Greenville). Bannister held a meeting with experts who presented three new plans, all of which still raise taxes for at least 25% of taxpayers. Plan number one would have the same 3.99% flat tax rate. 58.7% of South Carolinians, who file their taxes, would have an increase in how much they need to pay in 2026. Plan number two has a 4.74% flat tax and only 38.6% of people would see the increase in 2026. Plan number three would have a top rate of 5.49% and a bottom rate 1.99%. 28% of South Carolina earners would see the increase. Frank Rainwater is the Executive Director of South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, and he was an expert chosen to explain the alternatives. He said the original bill, which was the flat rate of 3.99%, would have a $216 million revenue loss. 'Basically, you got the same challenge here. I don't think you can lower the rate enough under a flat tax,' Rainwater said. 'Not for someone to have an increased liability or you're going to have significant impact on the budget.' Bannister said a final solution is still unclear, but expert input is helping. He asked for opinions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. 'Not where we hurt one group to favor another, but where it's good for everybody, and we're going to keep working on that. So, with that, we're not, we're not done by any means. We've got a lot more work to do,' Bannister said. Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D – Orangeburg) said she supports tax relief, but the plans must benefit most South Carolinians. 'Myself included, would benefit from this, but for me, it's not about whether I'm going to benefit or not,' Cobb-Hunter said. 'It's about the majority of the wage earners, taxpayers, not just in my district but in the state.' According to Rainwater, currently at least 44% of South Carolinians don't pay income must act fast if they want to lower South Carolina's tax rate, with just six session days left in the first year of a two-year legislative session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Campaign ME
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
PUMA taps emotional appeal with Harry Potter collaboration
PUMA and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products has brought the magical world of the Harry Potter franchise to life with a limited-edition collection. Inspired by PUMA's sports heritage and driven by consumer-led design, the partnership comprises apparel, footwear, and accessories that are designed around two of Hogwarts' iconic houses, Gryffindor and Slytherin. Featuring richly detailed designs that take cues from the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, the collection features tracksuits, jerseys, hoodies, t-shirts and two reimagined PUMA Palermo drops that include tasteful accents such as the Golden Snitch and Hogwarts house-inspired crests. 'With Harry Potter, we're not just selling products — we're connecting with a story people love,' said Jonathan Bannister, Head of Marketing GCC at PUMA Middle East. He explained that brand collaborations such as this aim to resonate with consumers in a way that increases brand value and brand perception. 'When you blend that magic with PUMA's sport heritage, it creates something that feels personal. That emotional pull builds stronger brand love and gives our audience something truly unique,' he said. The global recognition of the Harry Potter franchise inspired the collection. Bannister said, 'Harry Potter is huge globally, and we saw strong fan energy in the Middle East.' He also explained that PUMA took on the collaboration to allow consumers to express their identity through their style. 'The Hogwarts houses gave us a perfect way to tie identity into fashion, and that idea of self-expression really clicked with what our consumers are looking for,' he explained. In terms of the feedback to the collection from consumers in the region, Bannister said PUMA stores in the Middle East 'benefited greatly by the unisex capsule release which was reflected in the overall sales performance of the product range.' According to him, the success of the collaboration boils down to integral detailing that brought to life the 'Hogwarts persona'. For witches, wizards, and Muggles alike, the PUMA x Harry Potter is available on the PUMA website, flagship stores and selected PUMA retailers.
Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Class Valuation expands sales leadership with industry veterans Jim Bannister and Scott Shaw
TROY, Mich., April 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today the expansion of its national sales team with the appointments of Jim Bannister and Scott Shaw as senior sales executives. Together, they bring over 45 years of combined experience in mortgage lending, financial services and technology to the company's expanding leadership. Bannister is a seasoned mortgage lending sales executive with over 20 years of experience helping lenders and servicers achieve their strategic goals. Renowned for his consultative sales approach and extensive product expertise, Bannister has received industry recognition for providing customized mortgage solutions and consistently surpassing sales targets at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic Inc.), First American Financial Corp. (NYSE: FAF), Black Knight Financial Services and Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE). His client-first mentality and strong industry relationships will foster ongoing growth and service excellence at Class Valuation. 'There's a clear shift occurring in the valuation space—and Class is at the forefront,' Bannister said. 'I've witnessed firsthand how lenders react to their innovative technology and exceptional service. This is the type of momentum you want to join when you're committed to delivering real impact.' Shaw joins Class Valuation with more than 25 years of experience in financial technology and mortgage lending. He has held senior sales roles at Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), Cotality, First American Financial Corp., Black Knight Financial Services and ICE, showcasing a proven record of leading high-growth initiatives including doubling revenue at Clear Capital and generating over $12 million in new revenue at ICE. He is widely recognized as a trusted advisor to top industry executives and has established a strong reputation for product knowledge, leadership and team mentorship. 'Class isn't just evolving, it's redefining what modern valuation looks like,' said Shaw. 'This team is thinking bigger, moving faster and tackling problems that others haven't even attempted. It's a unique opportunity to help shape a market alongside people who truly understand where the industry is headed.' 'The addition of Jim and Scott marks an exciting milestone as we continue to invest in top-tier talent that supports our clients' success,' said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. 'Their leadership and deep industry connections will strengthen our ability to deliver unmatched value through innovation, service and strategic partnerships.' Class Valuation's expanding team embodies the company's mission to modernize the appraisal process with innovative data, AI and automation while still delivering the hands-on service that lenders depend on. About Class Valuation Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, streamlined processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information please visit Tags: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending #peoplemovers NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation ### MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: (not for publication online or in print) Elizabeth Schroeder Depth for Class Valuation [email protected] 209-774-6555 ### Keywords: Mortgage, Class Valuation, real estate appraisal management company, mortgage lending sales executive, TROY, Mich. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Class Valuation) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125655 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
