Latest news with #BenHardy
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
When Dad developed a worrying habit at 58, doctors put it down to stress. In fact it was the first sign of an unfathomably cruel disease
George Hardy was known to be an intelligent and articulate man who, as a top pharmaceutical research scientist, had dedicated his life to finding new drugs to beat viruses. So when he began to lose the ability to find the right word for common household objects soon after he took early retirement at the age of 58, his family were rightly concerned. His TV director son Ben, 50, recalls watching George standing in the kitchen holding a knife, unable to remember what it was called.
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Lucky Bristol schools could host a hot air balloon for festival
Have you ever wanted to see how hot air balloons work up close? Well some school children in Bristol could soon be doing just that, whilst learning about science, engineering and Schools Tether Roadshow is inviting local schools in the Bristol area to apply to host a tethered hot air balloon in their means a huge hot air balloon will fly above the school whilst being safely tied to the ground. It is all part of the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta which takes place each year in August. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is Europe's largest hot air balloon year, hundreds of balloons take to the skies above the English city, and half a million people come from far and wide to will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2028. Organisers say this project aims to make ballooning more accessible and inclusive for children across the city, with pupils able to meet pilots and engage with the "iconic" event and learn about the science, engineering and teamwork behind ballooning."We can't wait to inspire the balloonists and engineers of the future," said Ben Hardy, the fiesta's executive Hardy said the roadshow aims to "capture the imagination of children, teachers and parents alike".
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Schools to host balloons during Bristol Balloon Fiesta roadshow
Schools in Bristol are being invited to host a tethered hot air balloon this summer to inspire children with the science, engineering and teamwork behind Schools Tether Roadshow will take place in July, ahead of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate from 8-10 say the community programme aims to make ballooning more accessible and inclusive for children across the city, with pupils able to meet pilots and engage with the "iconic" event."We can't wait to inspire the balloonists and engineers of the future," said Ben Hardy, the fiesta's executive director. Mr Hardy said the roadshow aims to "capture the imagination of children, teachers and parents alike".The 2025 community programme forms part of a five-year plan to support the Fiesta in the lead up to its 50 anniversary in 2028, and to future-proof the Hardy said the fiesta is also "thrilled" to confirm the return of its charity partner, Love Squared. The Bristol-based charity provides special educational needs and mental health support, education and mentoring to children and young people across Bristol and the South Sweet, children's services lead at Love Squared, said it is "very excited" to return for a second year."We are extremely grateful for all the support we received last year, which helped fund vital mental health services for the area's young people [and] welcome everyone to get involved."Applications for the School Tether Roadshow are open now and close on 30 May.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Balloon Fiesta to return after 'challenging' years
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will return this year despite operating at a loss, organisers have said. The iconic event, which sees more than 100 balloons take off from Ashton Court Estate, will take place over three days rather than four as organisers try to make savings amid rising costs. Ben Hardy, executive director, said: "The last few years have been undeniably challenging and bringing the fiesta back in 2024 took real blood, sweat and tears but the incredible support from the public and business community has been truly reassuring." This year's 47th edition of the balloon fiesta will take place from 8 - 10 August. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Rising costs, poor weather and the coronavirus pandemic have blighted the free, not-for-profit festival which was shortened from four days to three last year to reduce its deficit. The three-day model helped cut its losses by £80,000, and organisers hope it will break even this year after teaming up with new sponsor, accountancy firm Albert Goodman. "With their support, we're excited to introduce new programmes, initiatives, and features that will not only enhance the visitor experience but also celebrate Bristol and its deep-rooted connection to the world of hot air ballooning," said Mr Hardy. As well as the mass ascents and nightglows, a new immersive experience called 'In The Clouds' will be introduced this year. It will feature a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight. An extension of the event, Fiesta Week, will not go ahead but will be replaced with a Schools Tether Roadshow, which will bring hot air balloons directly into city communities and schools. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Shortened Balloon Fiesta helps cut £100k deficit Balloon Fiesta to be shortened because of costs Stunning pictures from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Khaleej Times
18-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: More UK, European students choose to study in the city, says academic figure
There is a growing interest among students worldwide even those from the UK and Europe to choose Dubai for their educational and career development, according to an academic figure from one of the world's most prestigious business schools. Specialists noted that although mid-career can be a challenging period, many often view executive MBA programmes as a way to boost their careers. Therefore, many professionals are opting to live and work in Dubai, especially with schools like London Business School offering hybrid learning options here for some of their programmes. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Ben Hardy, academic director, leadership programmes and clinical professor of organisational behaviour at London Business School said: 'We continue to see strong demand for our Executive MBA (EMBA) programme in Dubai, with our most recent September intake growing in numbers compared to previous years and our January intake in line with the prior year. When we talk with candidates, the appeal of studying at London Business School is clear. The School offers a worldclass programme with a reputation for excellence in our teaching. Our campus locations in London and Dubai are ideal locations to live, study and build a global career. Finally, our community of both current students and our alumni are recognised as global, diverse and extremely welcoming and engaging.' Hardy emphasised that over the past 12 months, while 46 per cent of their students were nationals from the Middle East, a total of 75 per cent of all students were based in the region, with the majority residing in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Among those studying in Dubai but living elsewhere, students in the past year have included 'residents of the UK, Turkey, India, and Azerbaijan'. He added, 'Every year we see around 100 students studying the EMBA programme on our Dubai campus. We attract students who are born and living in the Middle East, others from further afield who are based in the region, and also students who commute to Dubai from outside the region to take part in the programme.' Hardy added, 'Overall, we anticipate over 80 students from the Middle East region to be studying our new Smart EMBA, with the majority choosing our September and January programmes based in Dubai. The development of the new January 2026 programme offering a mix of in-person and online learning may also change some of the decisions on where to study compared to previous years. We anticipate this new format might encourage some students, for example, who are based in the UK or Europe to instead choose to study in Dubai. Likewise, we expect interest from more Middle Eastern students to study on our London campus.' Building networks He stressed that students value the opportunity to build networks and learn from each other. 'So, our new degree formats still have at least 40 per cent of the core course face-to-face, where students will be with their colleagues. When they select from over 100 electives on offer, they'll also get the opportunity to get to network and build a community with the wider LBS community.' Hardy also emphasised that mid-career can often feel like the toughest stretch in one's professional journey, balancing the demands of work, family, and the constant push for continuous learning. 'You're being pulled in different directions by work, family and continuous learning. Education is an investment in the future, and in a region like the GCC, with the terrific rate of development that we see, there is a danger of the world evolving past you. Continuous learning is tough, but it is do-able. We know from talking to many alumni that there are phases where it seems all consuming, but you will survive. Keep on top of the work by chipping away at it all the time and you can manage to balance everything,' added Hardy.
