Latest news with #IanHodgson
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Fuel levy hike to hit poor households the most
The General Fuel Tax levy, according to Finance Minister Enoch Gondongwana, is the sole new tax proposal for the 2025/26 fiscal year Image: REUTERS/Ian Hodgson The Automobile Association (AA) has raised concern over Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwana'a announcement of the General Fuel Levy (GFL) increase. Presenting his Budget speech on Wednesday, Gondongwana proposed an increase of 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents per litre for diesel, which will come into effect on June 4. The Minister described this adjustment—the first in three years—as the sole new tax proposal for the 2025/26 fiscal year, citing inflationary pressures as the reason for the hike. Eleanor Mavimbela, the AA Public Affairs spokesperson, while acknowledging the government's fiscal constraints, warned that the increase will have immediate and far-reaching consequences for consumers and the economy. "This levy adjustment comes at a time when South Africans are already contending with high food prices, elevated interest rates, increased electricity tariffs and persistently high unemployment. Fuel is a critical input cost across all sectors of the economy; any increase inevitably drives up transport and operational costs, further intensifying inflation. Lower-income households, which spend a greater share of their income on transport, will be disproportionately affected by this rise," said said. Escalating Tax Burden on Fuel With the new adjustments in June, the combined cost of the GFL and the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy will exceed R6.00 per litre in some areas—accounting for more than 30% of the total pump price before adding the base fuel cost, distribution margins, and retail mark-ups. "While the AA recognises the need to address fiscal pressures, continuously turning to fuel levies to fill budget gaps is unsustainable—especially in the absence of transparency on how these funds are allocated and used," said Mavimbela. Call for Reform and Transparency In light of this development, the AA renewed its call for a comprehensive and transparent review of South Africa's fuel pricing model. This should include: A forensic audit of revenue generated from the GFL and RAF Levy, including its allocation and expenditure Full transparency on the fuel price-setting formula published by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) Engagement with civil society, labour, and the transport sector to identify fair and sustainable revenue models Exploration of alternative funding mechanisms that reduce reliance on fuel-based taxation. A Broader Conversation is Needed Although the latest increase may appear modest in isolation, it forms part of a broader trend where motorists and transport-reliant industries bear the brunt of fiscal policy changes. South Africa must have a broader conversation about funding infrastructure, road safety, and public transport in a way that doesn't unduly burden citizens, she said. The AA stands ready to engage with the government and all stakeholders to develop sustainable, transparent, and equitable solutions that support both economic growth and the citizens who drive it, said Mavimbela. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
Malaysian Reserve
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
More Than 75 Emerging Biotechs Use Veeva Basics Across Clinical, Regulatory, and Quality
Delivers pre-configured, pre-validated software that can scale with the needs of fast-growing companies BARCELONA, Spain, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) today announced that Veeva Basics is being used by more than 75 biotechs to gain efficiency and reduce costs across clinical, regulatory, and quality. With standardized applications, biotechs are going live with industry-leading software in weeks and gaining a system that can scale as they expand their business. The rapid adoption of Veeva Basics signals a shift from disparate entry-level tools toward complete, best-of-breed solutions that can support biotechs today and as they grow. Designed specifically for fast-growing companies, Veeva Basics provides pre-configured and pre-validated solutions. This enables fast deployment and adoption regardless of company size. With clinical, regulatory, and quality solutions available, Veeva is adding two new applications for biotechs: Veeva CTMS Basics for clinical trial management, including milestones, monitoring, enrollment, issue resolution, and site communications. Veeva Submissions Publishing Basics for building, publishing, and transmitting regulatory submissions in a single system. 'More biotechs are adopting Veeva Basics in North America and Europe, driving savings in time, cost, and effort,' said Steve Harper, general manager of Veeva Basics. 'Our approach to deliver pre-configured and pre-validated solutions that can go live quickly is gaining momentum, and we're adding new clinical and regulatory solutions to meet the needs of high-growth companies. With complete cloud applications, biotechs can ensure they are always current and benefit from the latest features.' Veeva CTMS Basics and Submissions Publishing Basics are available today in North America and Europe. Built on the proven Vault Platform, Veeva Basics applications allow customers to scale their technology infrastructure as they grow. For more on Veeva Basics, visit What biotechs are saying about Veeva Basics: 'I believe Veeva Basics is a game changer, giving smaller biotech companies access to the same modern and connected applications that are typically only available to larger organizations,' said Ian Hodgson, Ph.D., chief operating officer at Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 'As our company continues to grow, I am confident that Veeva's platform can scale with us and help ensure we remain up to date as regulatory requirements evolve.' 'As we expand our studies to a larger scale, Veeva eTMF Basics gives us more control of our data and process to ensure inspection readiness,' said Joe Thornton, associate director, clinical operations at Scancell. 'Having an industry-leading solution with pre-configured best practices as our foundation for trials will help drive speed and innovation as we continue to develop novel immunotherapies.' 'The global support and training provided with Veeva Basics helps us gain maximum value from Veeva's industry solution,' said Rebecca Deng, Ph.D., associate director, regulatory affairs and QA systems at Terns Pharmaceuticals. 'With a simple path to go live and validation, Veeva Basics has delivered significant time and resource savings.' About Veeva SystemsVeeva is the global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and customer success, Veeva serves more than 1,000 customers, ranging from the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Veeva is committed to balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the industries it serves. For more information, visit Veeva Forward-looking StatementsThis release contains forward-looking statements regarding Veeva's products and services and the expected results or benefits from use of our products and services, including certain of our new solutions and applications that are still under development or not generally available. These statements are based on our current expectations. Actual results, availability, and any future events relating to these products and services could differ materially from those provided in this release and we have no obligation to update such statements. There are numerous risks that have the potential to negatively impact our results, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filing on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, which you can find here (a summary of risks which may impact our business can be found on pages 9 and 10), and in our subsequent SEC filings, which you can access at Contact: Jeremy WhittakerVeeva Systems+ View original content:
Japan Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
Europa League final: It's all or nothing for Man United and Tottenham
Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson) soccer By JAMES ROBSON It's all or nothing when Manchester United and Tottenham meet in the Europa League final on Wednesday. For the winner of the all-English showdown in Bilbao there is the mother of all get-out-of-jail-free cards with entry to the Champions League. For the loser, the abyss of no European soccer next year, the indignity of so many unwanted records broken, and uncertainty hanging over the futures of those who have presided over such a spectacular fall. That's what's on the line at Estadio de San Mamés when two English soccer giants get one last shot at salvaging the season. Long gone are the days when United dominated the Premier League and challenged the summit of European soccer on a regular basis. But even after 12 years without winning the English title, this season has represented a new low. United is 16th out of 20 in the standings after a club-record 18 defeats in a single campaign since the Premier League began in 1992. It is also certain to register its worst-ever points total in the era, as well as its lowest finish. 'We know this season has been nowhere near good enough for this club and for our standards,' United defender Harry Maguire says. Tottenham is one place below United having lost 21 times in the league — also a club record in the modern era. Spurs — Champions League runner-up in 2019 — are aiming for a first trophy since the 2008 English League Cup. It is rare that such a major final has so much riding on it beyond the trophy itself. Neither team has looked capable of challenging for a top five position in the Premier League, which would secure Champions League qualification. But in a season when both teams occupy the last safe spots before relegation, they have a mind-boggling lifeline to the Champions League via the Europa League. The Champions League offers the prestige of playing beside teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, draws prospective signings, and comes with huge financial rewards. Real Madrid earned almost $154 million from winning the competition for a record-extending 15th time last season. Total prize money has increased from $2 billion last season to $2.7 billion in this expanded season. United, in particular, could do with some of that money at a time of job losses and cuts under new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, while coach Ruben Amorim hopes to rebuild his squad in the offseason. 'We are supposed to be in the Champions League. Europa League here is not enough and you have that feeling here,' Amorim says. 'The best way to help us get in the top in a few years is the Champions League — it's not (winning) the cup (Europa League).' While a return to the Champions League is also enticing for Tottenham, the chance to end its trophy barren run may be even more appealing. Not even top class managers like Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte ended Spurs' wait for major silverware. It could be destiny that Ange Postecoglou is the man to end the drought, having boldly predicted early in the season that he always wins a trophy in his second year. That was true at previous clubs Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F Marinos and Celtic — but it would be remarkable if he continued that run on the back of such a desperate campaign. 'It's not for the want of world-class players. This club has had world-class players,' Postecoglou says. 'It's not for the want of world-class managers. They've had world-class managers. It's something else that's going to change this club.' By contrast, United has continued to win trophies despite its failure to win the Premier League since former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. This could be the third straight year United ends the season with silverware after winning the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 FA Cup. Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as United coach in November but has not been able to turn its form around. He's lost 14 of his 26 league games, including six of the last eight. While there has been no suggestion his job is under immediate threat, he has raised doubts about his position, admitting he is embarrassed by his team's form. Postecoglou is two years into the job at Spurs and became the club's fourth permanent manager in four years when joining from Celtic in 2023. A major trophy would put a different complexion on a season in which Spurs have dramatically fallen since he led them to a fifth-place finish in his first year. He and Amorim have spoken of the similarities about their positions. 'I guess from an emotional standpoint and the noise around the club," Postecoglou says, "we're kind of dealing with similar things of something that is so fantastic in terms of a European run, and also something that's obviously the opposite of that, the other extreme in the league." © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Even Man United players are surprised fans have stuck with them in woeful season
Manchester United's Harry Maguire walks on the pitch in dejection at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson) Manchester United's Harry Maguire walks on the pitch in dejection at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson) Manchester United's Harry Maguire walks on the pitch in dejection at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson) Manchester United's Harry Maguire walks on the pitch in dejection at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson) Manchester United's Harry Maguire walks on the pitch in dejection at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson) MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United's performances have been so bad this season that even the players are surprised the fans have stuck with them. United has fallen to a club-record 18 losses in the Premier League and is certain to end a horrible campaign with its lowest points total and league position in the modern era. Advertisement But Ruben Amorim's team can still salvage the season by winning the Europa League final on Wednesday and securing qualification for the Champions League. The chance to repay supporters is extra motivation for the players. 'They've been absolutely incredible this season. It is surprising us players how much they are backing us," United defender Harry Maguire said. "We've disappointed them far too much. 'I say they're the greatest fans in the world and I think this year they've proved that. It's been remarkable when we get to play in front of them, even though we're not performing." Advertisement United plays Tottenham in the final in Bilbao in a match that has the chance to transform the season for the winning team. United is 16th in the 20-team standings and Spurs is one place below. While both teams have endured historically bad campaigns, for United the slide has been spectacular after dominating English soccer for 20 years under former manager Alex Ferguson. Now it is 12 years since it last won the Premier League title — in Ferguson's final campaign before retiring — and it looks a long way off competing at the top again. But there is hope within the club that the Europa League could spark a revival and in recent months the focus has been on winning European club soccer's second tier trophy. Advertisement 'Two months ago, we should have been in a better position where we are fighting for a Europa League position and the Champions League positions. That is what this club demands,' Maguire said. "When we found ourselves out of the (League Cup) and FA Cup it gave us an opportunity in the Europa League. 'We know this season has been nowhere near good enough for this club and for our standards. Next season, I know we will improve.' ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
More Than 75 Emerging Biotechs Use Veeva Basics Across Clinical, Regulatory, and Quality
Delivers pre-configured, pre-validated software that can scale with the needs of fast-growing companies PLEASANTON, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) today announced that Veeva Basics is being used by more than 75 biotechs to gain efficiency and reduce costs across clinical, regulatory, and quality. With standardized applications, biotechs are going live with industry-leading software in weeks and gaining a system that can scale as they expand their business. The rapid adoption of Veeva Basics signals a shift from disparate entry-level tools toward complete, best-of-breed solutions that can support biotechs today and as they grow. Designed specifically for fast-growing companies, Veeva Basics provides pre-configured and pre-validated solutions. This enables fast deployment and adoption regardless of company size. With clinical, regulatory, and quality solutions available, Veeva is adding two new applications for biotechs: Veeva CTMS Basics for clinical trial management, including milestones, monitoring, enrollment, issue resolution, and site communications. Veeva Submissions Publishing Basics for building, publishing, and transmitting regulatory submissions in a single system. "More biotechs are adopting Veeva Basics in North America and Europe, driving savings in time, cost, and effort," said Steve Harper, general manager of Veeva Basics. "Our approach to deliver pre-configured and pre-validated solutions that can go live quickly is gaining momentum, and we're adding new clinical and regulatory solutions to meet the needs of high-growth companies. With complete cloud applications, biotechs can ensure they are always current and benefit from the latest features." Veeva CTMS Basics and Submissions Publishing Basics are available today in North America and Europe. Built on the proven Vault Platform, Veeva Basics applications allow customers to scale their technology infrastructure as they grow. For more on Veeva Basics, visit What biotechs are saying about Veeva Basics:"I believe Veeva Basics is a game changer, giving smaller biotech companies access to the same modern and connected applications that are typically only available to larger organizations," said Ian Hodgson, Ph.D., chief operating officer at Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "As our company continues to grow, I am confident that Veeva's platform can scale with us and help ensure we remain up to date as regulatory requirements evolve." "As we expand our studies to a larger scale, Veeva eTMF Basics gives us more control of our data and process to ensure inspection readiness," said Joe Thornton, associate director, clinical operations at Scancell. "Having an industry-leading solution with pre-configured best practices as our foundation for trials will help drive speed and innovation as we continue to develop novel immunotherapies." "The global support and training provided with Veeva Basics helps us gain maximum value from Veeva's industry solution," said Rebecca Deng, Ph.D., associate director, regulatory affairs and QA systems at Terns Pharmaceuticals. "With a simple path to go live and validation, Veeva Basics has delivered significant time and resource savings." About Veeva SystemsVeeva is the global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and customer success, Veeva serves more than 1,000 customers, ranging from the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Veeva is committed to balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the industries it serves. For more information, visit Veeva Forward-looking StatementsThis release contains forward-looking statements regarding Veeva's products and services and the expected results or benefits from use of our products and services, including certain of our new solutions and applications that are still under development or not generally available. These statements are based on our current expectations. Actual results, availability, and any future events relating to these products and services could differ materially from those provided in this release and we have no obligation to update such statements. There are numerous risks that have the potential to negatively impact our results, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filing on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025, which you can find here (a summary of risks which may impact our business can be found on pages 9 and 10), and in our subsequent SEC filings, which you can access at Contact: Deivis MercadoVeeva View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Veeva Systems Sign in to access your portfolio
