Mobile recording studio was saved from closure in 2024
Hull’s Beats Bus – a Big Issue ‘Changemaker’ (Image: Big Issue)
The work of Hull’s iconic Beats Bus has been recognised in a list of 100 “Changemakers” making a positive impact on society, published by the Big Issue today (Monday, February 16). The grassroots group uses hip-hop to fight poverty and protect young people from county lines gangs but was left “heartbroken” in 2024 after losing its bus.
Thanks to crowdfunding and support from partners including the Big Issue’s social investment arm, Big Issue Invest, a new Beats Bus was soon in service, enabling its impactful work to continue. Steve Arnott, Beats Bus founder, spoke to the Big Issue back in 2024 in the aftermath of losing the bus.
He said: “We were truly devastated. A lot of work, money and memories are with the vehicle but it is getting old like me.
“Being pro-active, we see this as a chance to re-define and re-imagine a new vehicle. We have lots of campaigning planned this summer and we are determined to fulfil that pledge to keep lots of young people safe and change lives.”
Beats Bus’s nominator for Big Issue’s 2026 list of Changemakers called Arnott’s positivity “infectious” and said he had helped dozens of young people in Hull choose “safer paths”. For the first time ever, a select group of 2026’s Changemakers will get the opportunity to benefit from advice and guidance from business leaders at Wates, Big Issue’s official Changemakers partner.
Wates will provide access to practical support, constructive challenge and connections that can help scale Changemakers’ operations and increase their social and environmental impact. They will also support Big Issue in putting on an in-person Changemakers celebration, bringing together the 100 inspiring individuals on the list for the first time later this year.
Russell Blackman, managing director of the Big Issue, said: “The Big Issue launched 35 years ago this year with a memorable slogan: Rising Up from the Streets. Our annual Changemakers list is a celebration of the people doing just that – whether it be rising up to make marginalised voices heard, or to bring change to their communities and society.
“I’m thrilled that for the first time we can offer our Changemakers support to scale their work thanks to our new official partner, Wates. Their experience, expertise and networks will open up exciting new pathways to help some hugely impressive people and organisations make even more impact.”
Eoghan O’Lionaird, chief executive of Wates Group, said: “This partnership feels so natural for us. Both Wates and Big Issue are driven by a commitment to tackling inequality, creating opportunity and building communities where people can thrive.
“We believe everyone deserves a route into meaningful work, including those who are furthest from opportunity. As a purpose‑led organisation, Wates has a strong track record of partnering with social enterprises across our operations, while generating social value through every project we deliver.
“Partnering with Big Issue strengthens that commitment and reinforces our determination to drive positive change where it’s needed most.” Big Issue’s Changemakers 2026 Special is on sale from today (Monday, February 16) – buy from your local vendor or subscribe at bigissue.com.
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