Art and soul

There are thousands of artists up and down the country selling their work in markets and local cafes and pubs, but few manage to turn their passion into a business. However, Emma Bateman left a well-paid job in business development to do just that and, a year down the line, her hard work and creativity – both on and off the canvas – is paying off. Emma spent much of her childhood in Greece,...

From landlines to lockdowns

Technology is at the heart of the Red Guitars’ hotly anticipated reunion tour later this spring, Phil Ascough discovers. Without wishing even for a second to doubt the profile and pulling power of the region’s bigger venues, the hot ticket of 2022 has to be at the Adelphi Club in April. Not just because it’s a comeback gig by the Red Guitars, but because it’s one of just seven shows in a...

Luxury living – without the hassle

When MyPad’s Danny Gough met Nikki Blowers of Eazy Rooms, they realised that, together, they could bridge the gap in Hull’s serviced accommodation market – and MyPad Serviced was born. By Sam Hawcroft A decade ago, if someone had told you that there was a market for luxury serviced apartments in Hull city centre with a price tag well north of £3,000 a month, you’d have laughed and wondered...

‘Healthier, happier people’

Sam Hawcroft is inspired by life coach Heidi Dodson’s innovative approach to well-being “I think I need your services…” was my first comment as I began a Zoom chat with Heidi. I would say she’d have her work cut out, given the appalling state of my cluttered office, compared with her minimalist surroundings, which exuded a zen-like calm – but then, as I was about to discover, she’s made of...

Driving the heat pump revolution

Pure Renewables is on a mission to make it easy for gas fitters to enter an exciting new market. Founder Chris Whitelock talks to Sam Hawcroft Former environment secretary David Miliband might not know this, but he’s indirectly responsible for the launch of Hull-based Pure Renewables 15 years ago. Chris Whitelock had just returned from a trip to the US in 2006, and, still feeling a bit...