Latest news with #NeilWilson
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
VRC commits to grassroots push to engage members and racing fans
Victoria Racing Club has committed to a new grassroots push to engage members and racegoers in a bid to improve the Flemington experience. The world's biggest racing club, with more than 34,000 members, is set to launch its Melbourne Cup Carnival Tour this week. It comes as VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers and chairman Neil Wilson faced members and patrons alike at iconic South Melbourne racing pub The Emerald Hotel last Friday night. Publican Andrew Lewis organised 'at the bar with the VRC' to promote constructive discussion on racing issues. 'I don't want people nitpicking and coming back after the races and after a few beers saying this and that,' Lewis said. 'It's the biggest racing club in Australia, we've got the biggest race in Australia, not The Everest, the Melbourne Cup is the biggest race, let's embrace what we've got there and work with each other.' The VRC has faced scrutiny the past 12 months primarily around its financial position. The club, poised to return to profit this year, lost more than $70m post Covid shutdowns. The VRC last year reported a $24m loss including $14m in depreciation and amortisation on assets. A rich Melbourne Cup Carnival broadcast deal signed last year, which Rogers inherited, is largely behind the financial rebound. However, bumper spring and autumn carnivals, which exceeded forecasts, boosted the balance sheet along with a reduction in costs. 'The club remains on track to deliver a positive revenue result,' Rogers said. 'Consistent with what was outlined in our AGM presentation. 'We also have several new partnership and racing announcements to make and look forward to sharing more details soon.' Rogers and Wilson, along with VRC directors Glenn Carmody, Allison Purdey and Sophie O'Kane, engaged with members and racing enthusiasts in the public bar last Friday. 'Events like last Friday night clearly demonstrate how important our club is to our members, and we don't take that for granted,' Rogers said. 'We'll continue to engage in events just like this, where we listen and learn, and importantly build real relationships with our members who are our most important stakeholder.' Questions, suggestions and requests included a call for more cash bar options at Flemington, more choice in food and beverage, racing program innovation and ideas around growing attendance. Passionate racegoers and owners James and Sam Russell, 40-year VRC members, appreciated the opportunity to speak directly to Rogers and Wilson. The Russells spoke to the importance of initiatives to get more people to Flemington, outside of the major race days, and a specific safety concern. 'We were in an environment today where I felt we were listened to, we were heard,' Sam Russell said. 'Our voice was actually finally heard and much more personalised than writing an email.' James Russell added: 'It's taking the VRC out of their castle and putting them in among the people.' Sal and Susannah Ciardulli, also 40-year members, echoed the sentiment. 'You don't get that at an AGM … saying I'm concerned about this and to have them listen to you, I felt like they listened to me,' Susannah Ciardulli said. Rob Smedley, a 23-year member, asked the VRC brass about the club's financial state. 'It was reassuring … good to chat to them about a few other things as well,' Smedley said. 'The proof is in the pudding I guess, talk is cheap. We'll wait and see.' Prominent owner Nick Williams, at The Emerald socially on Friday night and not for the VRC meet and greet, welcomed the initiative. 'That's what racing is about,' the multiple Melbourne Cup-winning owner said. 'You got to engage with your membership base and they're obviously doing that. It's a great idea, it really is, do it in a casual environment, have a drink with people rather than be formal. 'A lot of people don't like asking questions in forums, every Tom, Dick and Harry got their chance to ask what they wanted and they were moving around the room, I think it's a bloody good idea.'
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sterling rises against weaker dollar as UK-EU agree trade reset
The pound rose against a weaker dollar and fell against the euro on Monday after Britain agreed a major trade and defence reset with the European Union, though FX market attention stayed on U.S. developments. Britain agreed the most significant reset of ties with the European Union since Brexit on Monday, removing some trade barriers and collaborating on defence but also touching on sensitive issues including fishing rights. The pound was last up 0.91% versus the dollar at $1.34015, having briefly touched its highest level since April 30. Meanwhile it fell 0.31% against the euro to 0.8421. Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo Markets, said the market seems to like the deal overall, but focus remains on the U.S. dollar. "I feel like this is a little ripple to the main tidal wave of U.S. debt selloff and dollar-led moves - gilts are getting hammered and no amount of fish is going to fix that," he said. The dollar fell against a range of currencies including the euro and the yen on Monday after a surprise downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating while trade tensions also continue to weigh on the greenback. Rising U.S. 10-year treasury yields - last up 10.5 bps to 4.54% on Monday - could have a potential knock-on effect for sterling via the gilt market, said Saxo's Wilson. After upbeat GDP data last week boosted the pound, traders are now looking ahead to UK CPI due on Wednesday for a steer on the potential trajectory of the Bank of England (BoE). Traders are currently betting on a 25bps cut at the BoE's next meeting in June. (Reporting by Lucy Raitano; Editing by David Evans)
Reuters
19-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Sterling rises against weaker dollar as UK-EU agree trade reset
(Reuters) May 19 - The pound rose against a weaker dollar and fell against the euro on Monday after Britain agreed a major trade and defence reset with the European Union, though FX market attention stayed on U.S. developments. Britain agreed the most significant reset of ties with the European Union since Brexit on Monday, removing some trade barriers and collaborating on defence but also touching on sensitive issues including fishing rights. The pound was last up 0.91% versus the dollar at $1.34015, having briefly touched its highest level since April 30. Meanwhile it fell 0.31% against the euro to 0.8421. Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo Markets, said the market seems to like the deal overall, but focus remains on the U.S. dollar. "I feel like this is a little ripple to the main tidal wave of U.S. debt selloff and dollar-led moves - gilts are getting hammered and no amount of fish is going to fix that," he said. The dollar fell against a range of currencies including the euro and the yen on Monday after a surprise downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating while trade tensions also continue to weigh on the greenback. Rising U.S. 10-year treasury yields - last up 10.5 bps to 4.54% on Monday - could have a potential knock-on effect for sterling via the gilt market, said Saxo's Wilson. After upbeat GDP data last week boosted the pound, traders are now looking ahead to UK CPI due on Wednesday for a steer on the potential trajectory of the Bank of England (BoE). Traders are currently betting on a 25bps cut at the BoE's next meeting in June.
RTHK
14-05-2025
- Business
- RTHK
HK stocks end the day on strong note amid tech hopes
HK stocks end the day on strong note amid tech hopes The Hang Seng Index ended the day 532.38 points higher at 23,640.65. File photo: RTHK Stocks fluctuated on Wednesday, with investors struggling to track a strong day on Wall Street as euphoria over the China-US trade detente petered out. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index ended the day up 532.38 points, or 2.3 percent, higher at 23,640.65, thanks to healthy buying of Chinese tech firms ahead of earnings releases from market heavyweights Alibaba and Tencent. Investors are hoping the reports will provide an idea about how the sector's two biggest firms are coping with the trade upheaval and uncertainty in the world's number two economy. Tencent jumped 3 percent, while Alibaba and rival ecommerce giant put on even more. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index rose 2.47 percent to end at 8,593.07, and the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 2.13 percent to end at 5,381.78. Across the border, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index closed up 0.86 percent at 3,403.95. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.64 percent higher at 10,354.22. The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, gained 1.01 percent to close at 2,083.14. But while the days of breathtaking volatility seen through April appear to be over for now, analysts warned that more work was needed for Washington to reach tariff deals with countries and instill a sense of stability. Data showing US inflation unexpectedly slowed last month provided some cheer, though observers pointed out that the real impact of Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tolls will not likely be felt until May's readings. There were also gains in Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Mumbai and Jakarta but Singapore, Wellington, Manila and Bangkok fell. Tokyo ended down. London, Paris and Frankfurt fell in morning trade. Analysts said that while the China deal was welcome, investors were now bracing for the next developments in the US president's trade standoff with the world as countries look to strike deals with the White House to avert stiff tariffs. "Remember it's an armistice not a peace treaty – and the tariffs are still at these levels worse than we had before," Neil Wilson at Saxo Markets said. "Let's be honest, the market knows this script by heart: Trump escalates. Markets tumble. Back-channels open. China blinks. A deal gets made. Risk rallies," added Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management. "The fog has lifted – for now. Whether this cycle brings more sustainable upside or just sets up the next tantrum remains to be seen," he said. (AFP/Xinhua)
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'What a fantastic event': Residents treated to VE Day 80th anniversary party
Students helped to arrange a memorable VE Day event at a church. Tottington High School pupils worked with Tottington Civic Pride to put on a "celebration extravaganza" at St John's Church to mark the 80th anniversary of the Second World War event. More than 100 residents attended and were treated to afternoon tea, which was served by the Laurel Street school students. They were entertained by a musician who performed a range of songs from the 1940s era synonymous with the wartime era and took part in a WW2 based quiz. One resident said: 'What a fantastic event this has been, to see people from all age groups coming together to commemorate the 80th VE Day anniversary is incredible. "The students are a huge credit to the school, and we are so grateful for them for facilitating such a lovely event.' READ NEXT > 'I felt a whirlwind of emotions': Bury man's memories 80 years on from historic event READ NEXT > Man creates VE Day display at veteran father's house - including miltary bikes Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts Personal development teacher Neil Wilson said: 'I am immensely proud of the students for their fantastic effort with helping to arrange the 80th VE Day anniversary celebration. "As educators it is important that we provide a range of opportunities for young people to make positive contributions to their local community. ' The school embraced VE Day with bunting and banners adorning its entrance and canteen. Traditional scones with cream and jam were served at lunchtime and a range of VE Day related tutor-time activities took place. Key Stage Three students participated in the national VE-Mail scheme. The VE-Mail initiative provided an opportunity for students to receive a bespoke letter from former American VE Day veteran, Colonel Joseph Peterburs, 100, who was stationed at Kings Cliffe Airfield near Peterborough in 1944. Col Peterburs wrote a heartfelt account of his time during the war and shared his memories of VE Day. Students have been "enthralled" with the opportunity to learn about Col Peterburs' accounts and have written replies to him to thank him for his letter and also to ask more questions about VE Day and the war.
