Latest news with #TimJackson
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'Learning sign language is life-changing,' says Wightwick man
A 72-year-old student has won an award for learning British Sign Language (BSL) after experiencing episodes of sudden hearing Jackson was named winner of the Skills for Life Achievement Award at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Adult Learning Awards Jackson, from Wightwick, in Wolverhampton, said he wanted to learn BSL so that he could adapt more easily should his hearing decline further and added it had been "truly life-changing".His teacher and nominator, Ruth Langard, called him inspirational for proving that it was never too late to embrace learning. The Adult Education Wolverhampton student began to learn BSL after two episodes of sudden sensory neural hearing loss, which left him profoundly hard of hearing."It's not just about communication; it's about confidence, community and navigating my new reality with resilience and optimism," he told him a third episode of hearing loss would be unlikely, but Mr Jackson said he preferred to be proactive rather than had enabled him to engage more fully with the deaf community and ensured he would "always have a way to connect with others, no matter what happens". Mr Jackson never let younger students, who tended to pick up sign language more quickly, discourage him, said Ms Langard, describing him as steadfast, committed and eager to WMCA Adult Learning Awards celebrate individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond in adult learning, skills and were a total of nine winners in 2025. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sunset of EV tax credit isn't deterring dealerships
With close to 140,000 electric vehicles on dealership lots across the country, it's arguably poor timing for the new federal budget eliminating tax credits to help sell those vehicles. And yet, dealers are not panicking. Many are disappointed that the $7,500 new-EV tax credit and the $4,000 used-EV tax credit will end after Sept. 30. Sales declines likely will follow, they said, at least in the short term. But dealers remain optimistic that long-term demand will still drive EV sales. Here come the EV blowout sales as U.S. tax credit expires, inventories languish 'They're very resilient. They find a way to move product, so they will do that,' Tim Jackson, former CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, which operates in a state with high EV adoption, said of dealers. 'It's just a matter of how many maneuvers they have to go through, or manipulations, to still be fluid.' Nearly 140,000 EVs remained on dealership lots as of June 27, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. Cox Automotive tracked 103,435 new-EV sales and 36,609 used-EV sales in May, roughly on a par with the NADA numbers. Jackson said consumers hoping to use the tax credits while they are still available will likely buy many of them. 'There's going to be a big run on those EVs on the lots now,' Jackson said. 'My message to dealers that I've talked to in the last week or so is find a way to fill your lots with EVs … but [sales are] going to slow way down' at the end of September. That predicted slowdown could have started a lot sooner. Anticipating Congress and Republican President Donald Trump were likely to eliminate the tax credits, NADA focused on trying to ensure the industry had lead time before the incentives stopped. Sign up to get the Automotive News Service & Parts weekly newsletter covering the world of dealership parts, service and collision departments. That way, dealers could adjust their business ahead of the expiration date and customers weren't confused by the credit change. 'NADA certainly was trying to make sure that there was a reasonable phase-out period,' Paul Metrey, NADA executive vice president for public policy, said July 7. For example, some lawmakers proposed ending at least one EV tax credit 30 days after the bill became law. The final version of the legislation leaves the tax credits for new, used and commercial EVs in place through Sept. 30. 'I think we made a good case,' Ivette Rivera, NADA senior vice president for legislative affairs, said July 7. Liza Borches, president and CEO of Carter Myers Automotive in Charlottesville, Va., said the federal EV tax credit was not intended to be permanent. 'It's worth noting that this incentive was never meant to last forever,' she told Automotive News by email. 'The idea was to help the industry get to a scale where production costs could come down and compete with gas-powered vehicles.' 'Still,' she said, 'having more time and predictability before it expired would have given automakers a better chance to adjust their production plans and pricing.' Companies including online used-vehicle retailer CarMax are encouraging customers to take advantage of the tax credits before they expire. After that, CarMax expects shoppers will still want EVs but some will focus more on pricing than they did with the incentives. 'Used-EV tax credits have been an important incentive for those most focused on affordability,' CarMax said. 'Without the tax incentive, some consumers may opt to delay purchasing an EV. For others, the absence of tax credits may lead them to remain in the market but be more inclined to explore EVs at a higher price point than those vehicles that qualified for the tax credit.' CarMax said consumers will consider the 'lower maintenance costs, environmental benefits and technological advancements' of EVs as well as access to charging stations. A Carvana spokesperson said the company has experienced growing interest from consumers who want EVs or plug-in hybrids. The end of tax credits could shift Carvana's vehicle selection as customers search for their best and most affordable options, the spokesperson said. Expectations are that EVs will remain part of the mix. 'We continue to see strong interest in this category among our customers,' the spokesperson said. For now, dealers don't envision any doomsday scenarios. 'You've got this army of folks out there that absolutely love their EVs and they're vocal about it, and so [that's a] real positive for everyone involved,' said Alex Lawrence, owner of used-vehicle dealership EV Auto in Bountiful, Utah, and supporter of a more gradual wind-down of the credits. 'I think you're still going to see … adoption increase, but it's going to be a lumpy line.' Jeremy Beaver, CEO of Del Grande Dealer Group in San Jose, Calif., said he is optimistic about the long-term demand for EVs in Northern California. He said drivers there continue to show strong interest in EVs, but the lack of tax credits will hurt. 'Incentives like these play a critical role in making EVs more accessible to consumers,' he said via email. 'We are concerned that without this federal support, demand may soften — particularly among price-sensitive buyers.' Beaver said his dealership group will continue monitoring how its manufacturing partners (Subaru, Kia, Ford, Hyundai and Honda among them) and California officials respond. 'We're committed to working quickly to identify solutions that keep EVs attractive and attainable for our guests,' he said. 'Our team is preparing for a dynamic period ahead and will continue to prioritize education, affordability and transparency as this transition unfolds.' Joe Jackson, general sales manager at Bowman Chevrolet in Clarkston, Mich., said it is 'a little disappointing' the EV tax credits are being eliminated. They have helped grow adoption and develop a loyal and enthusiastic client base among his customers and employees, he said. Bowman's percentage of sales involving EVs grew to 20 percent over the last year, with many transactions including leases. He expects interest in the vehicles will continue, and leasing will be a dominant element. 'We are a lease-heavy market, and EVs are a lease-heavy vehicle; I expect the leasing to weather this a little bit better than the purchases,' Jackson said. EV sales may dip but won't crash, and manufactures won't abandon or drastically curtail their EV production, he said. 'They're committed to these vehicles and they're still going to have to move them,' he said. 'You'll continue to have to have these vehicles move at the rates the market will bear, and we'll see what that means.' Borches said the tax credits' end will have a 'real impact' at Carter Myers. 'In the short term, we'll likely see a rush of customers trying to buy before the deadline, and we're planning marketing campaigns to help them take advantage while they still can,' she said. 'After that, demand will probably soften for at least six months as the market recalibrates and we'll adjust our inventory accordingly.' Carter Myers will be working closely with manufacturers to push for additional incentives, lease programs or other support to help keep EVs affordable. Customer outreach also will continue. 'Even without the federal credit, we're committed to educating customers about all the other benefits, including lower fuel and maintenance costs and the positive impact on the environment,' Borches said. Over time, EV momentum will continue with the advance of better technology and a stronger charging network, she said. Dealerships can nurture customer interest during the transition. 'As dealers,' Borches said, 'our job is to be proactive, transparent and ready to help customers navigate this shift.' Automotive News reporters Mary Corey and John Huetter contributed to this story. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shad Canada Marks 45 Years of Impact With New Report: A Blueprint for Canada's Innovation Economy
WATERLOO, Ontario, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of Innovation Week, Shad Canada is proud to release its 45 Years of Impact report, a milestone reflection on the national program's legacy of empowering the next generation of Canadian innovators. Since 1980, Shad has transformed the lives of over 24,000 high school students through immersive, hands-on STEAM and entrepreneurship programs delivered across 30 post-secondary campuses and online. The report launch comes at a pivotal time. This week's OECD Economic Survey issued a stark warning: Canada's productivity is faltering, with GDP growth projected to slow to just 1% in 2025, and long-standing issues like weak investment, internal trade barriers, and labour market frictions must be addressed urgently. As the OECD notes, future prosperity hinges on policies that boost innovation and workforce readiness—exactly the kind of skills Shad is cultivating in the next generation. In a moment of economic uncertainty, investing in youth talent isn't just the right thing to do—it's essential to Canada's long-term competitiveness. 'For 45 years, Shad has proven that early investment in young people yields long-term impact,' says Tim Jackson, President and CEO of Shad Canada. 'The students who walk through our doors become the engineers, researchers, founders, and changemakers who strengthen Canada's economy and solve real-world problems. As the demands of the workforce continue to shift, Shad is not just keeping pace—we're preparing youth to lead.' With 93% of participants recommending the program, and 91% saying it improved their critical thinking, Shad is building a generation that's equipped with the soft and technical skills employers value most. From AI and cybersecurity to clean tech and sustainable agriculture, Shad alumni are emerging as leaders in high-impact fields. Crucially, Shad is committed to building inclusive learning environments where students from all backgrounds—especially those underrepresented in STEM—can succeed. Through partnerships with organizations such as Pathways to Education and dedicated Black and Indigenous student outreach strategies, Shad ensures that excellence is accessible to all. 'If Canada wants to compete globally, we need to invest in the kind of leadership that doesn't just fill jobs but drives innovation,' adds Jackson. 'Shad is not just preparing students for post-secondary—it's preparing them to lead our communities, our companies, and our country into the future.' Alongside this Impact Report Shad will launch a national awareness campaign spotlighting alumni stories, partnerships, and community impact, underscoring how bold investments in youth today are shaping Canada's economy tomorrow. For 45 years, Shad Canada has equipped thousands of high school students—many from underrepresented and rural communities—with the skills, confidence, and networks to lead in STEAM, entrepreneurship, and innovation. With over 24,000 alumni, the program continues to deliver what Canada needs most: adaptable, collaborative, creative problem-solvers ready to shape the future. For more information contact Jennifer RossVice President, Marketing, Communications and RecruitmentShad CanadaJennifer@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Thanks Trump': Aussie beef exports explode amid trade war
Australian beef has been replacing US products on the shelves in Chinese supermarkets as the two economic superpowers continue their trade war. Beijing and Washington in recent days accused each other of violating a truce in the tit-for-tat tariff regime sparked by Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' announcement in April. Now a video posted to X has shown how trade tensions have changed things on the ground in China, where American beef stocks have virtually disappeared. In the video, a local speaking in English shows a shelf stocked full of Australian beef where US products used to be found. 'I guess I'm having Australian beef for dinner tonight,' she said. 'Instead of American beef. 'And honestly because of the food quality, I probably trust Australian beef better. 'And this box of beef right here is 50 RMB which is about $7 USD (AU$10.82). 'So to answer the question, China ain't hurting. And if anything I think we're probably doing even better because now that we have better beef that tastes better and at a better price. 'So thank you Trump for that.' Data from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has tracked a significant increase in grain-fed beef exports into China so far this year. There were 21,885 tonnes shipped in February and March — up nearly 40 per cent on the same period last year – and in April China bought a third of the record 37,000 tonnes exported in a single month. MLA's global supply analyst Tim Jackson has said Australia's export volumes were high because of record supply levels. He was more hesitant, however, to attribute the huge intake from China to the ongoing trade war. 'It's difficult to say at the moment, these are fairly early figures and we'd need to wait for more information to come out and get a better understanding of that trade dynamic,' he told the ABC. But there have been reports that the US$1.6 billion trade (AU$2.5 billion) of American beef to China has been effectively halted by the reciprocal tariffs, which until last month sat at 145 per cent and 125 per cent respectively. The US Meat Federation said in April that 'the majority of US beef production is now ineligible for China' due to trade restrictions. 'This impasse definitely hit our March beef shipments harder and the severe impact will continue until China lives up to its commitments under the Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement.' At the time, global meat analyst Brett Stuart told the ABC that Australia was 'now the lone supplier of high-quality white fat marbled beef into China'. '(US beef) sales to China have fallen to zero … and not only is the market now closed based on the March 16 production date, but the combined retaliation tariffs by China now take the tariff on US beef to 116 per cent, a level that will quickly halt trade.' The US remains a huge market for Australian beef and imported more of the product (37,213 tonnes) than China (21,572 tonnes) in the month of April. A 90-day trade war truce was struck between the US and China on May 12, with tariffs reduced to 30 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. However, both nations have recently accused the other of undermining the agreement. US President Mr Trump on Friday claimed Beijing had 'totally violated its agreement with us', before China hit back this week, saying Washington had 'seriously undermined' the deal. Trump, Xi will 'likely' talk this week Mr Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely hold a long-awaited call later this week, the White House said on Monday, as trade tensions between the world's two largest economies escalate. Trump reignited strains with China last week when he accused the world's second-largest economy of violating a deal that had led both countries to reduce massive tit-for-tat tariffs temporarily. 'The two leaders will likely talk this week,' Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters outside the West Wing when asked whether Mr Trump and Mr Xi would speak. Mr Trump and Xi have yet to have any confirmed contact more than five months since the Republican returned to power, despite frequent claims by the US president that a call is imminent. Trump even said in a Time Magazine interview in April that Xi had called him - but Beijing insisted that there had been no call recently. Stock markets around the world mostly declined on Monday as tensions between the US and China resurfaced.
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Global Demand for Australian Beef Surges During US-China Tariff War
Australian beef exports hit a new record in April amid the ongoing tariff war between the United States and China. According to This was an increase of 21 percent compared to the same period last year and the highest volume for April on record. North America continued to be Australia's largest market for beef products, with the United States importing 37,213 tonnes (up 37 percent) and Canada 3,322 tonnes (up 40 percent). In addition, grain-fed beef exports reached 37,037 tonnes, up 27 percent compared to April 2024 and the highest monthly volume ever recorded. The MLA said Australian producers had been steadily developing their grain-fed beef supply for decades, and this increase in supply streamed into overall exports, lifting the whole sector. Related Stories 4/7/2025 4/8/2025 China became the largest export market for Australian grain-fed beef, buying 62 percent more, or 12,151 tonnes, in April. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea also continued to show strong demand for Australian grain-fed beef as they imported 9,918 tonnes (down 8 percent) and 6,882 tonnes (up 46 percent), respectively, during the month. Tim Jackson, a global supply analyst at MLA, previously said Australia continued to enjoy a strong reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality red meat. 'The global supply landscape was favourable for Australia, with beef exports from the United States easing as the American cattle herd reached a 72-year low following years of drought,' he said. 'Global economic pressures continue to affect consumer confidence. However, high levels of trust and an industry-wide dedication to quality has driven demand for Australian red meat internationally.' US Beef Exports to China Halt According to This was because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not renew export registrations for several American beef facilities whose registrations expired in March. U.S. Meat Export Federation, a peak industry body, also stated that U.S. beef exports to China had stopped due to Beijing's prohibitive duties of 147 percent. Following the Trump administration's decision to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent on April 10, the CCP retaliated by increasing tariffs on U.S. imports to 'Shipments already in the pipeline can still clear without the extra 125 percent tariff, provided they shipped before April 10 and arrive in China by May 13,' USMEF President and CEO 'But new business has been effectively halted until there is a de-escalation of the U.S.-China trade impasse.' In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at reducing the tariff on Chinese goods from 145 percent to
