There’s a lot of work goes on behind the scenes, but we’ve realised that you don’t often see much of our volunteer directors.
They are all fellow business owners who give their time in various ways to helping Otley to be a wonderful place to work, live and visit.
First up is Jennifer Pugh of The Woolpack Music & Art Studios with The Big Hoo-Ha Co:
1. Tell us a bit about your business (past & present)
I have been a self-employed musician since 2009 and have co-managed the Woolpack Studios on Bondgate with Richard Sabey since 2014. There are two sides to the Woolpack Studios business: one is the Big Hoo-Ha CIC, which receives grant funding to facilitate music making in the community, such as our weekly after school music group for 13-18 year olds and under 18s bands nights at Otley Social Club, and the other is hiring out the Woolpack Studios to bands and musicians as rehearsal rooms and recording studios, running music production and instrumental courses, workshops and 1-1 tuition. We also lead four community music groups a week in Otley; everyone is welcome to come and try Otley Ukulele Orchestra, Woolpack Music Social Club, Otley Rock Orchestra and Woolpack Studios Community Choir! We also love to organise live music events both here at Woolpack Studios and at other venues in town.
2. Why did you join the Otley BID board of directors?
I was made an Otley Ambassador in 2017 because of the Otley Ukulele Orchestra and work at Woolpack Studios, and felt that it was an important part of this role to get to know more about the Otley community, especially the town centre businesses. I wanted to contribute some of my time and effort into working together to further Otley’s reputation as a great town to visit and live in.
3. What’s your favourite thing to do in Otley?
I’m a big fan of hiking and running so I really love exploring the Chevin (parkrun is brilliant up there!) and running down by the river at Gallows Hill. I love going to Club Energy gym too then on to relaxing with a coffee and slice of cake… we are spoiled for choice when it comes to wonderful cafes in Otley and l Iike to visit them all!
4. What BID activities are you involved with?
I became a BID director in 2021; since that time I have helped organise the Summer Fun Zone for children and young people with Breeze in the Market Square, Music On The Streets in August and Otley Live Festival. I am also on the volunteer committee for Otley Carnival so it is useful to be able to get advice and feedback from Otley’s businesses regarding these events in town and how we can help businesses gain from them too.
5. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
To not be afraid to say no sometimes: when I first became self-employed I would say yes to everything as I was afraid to turn down work or opportunities in case people would stop asking me to do things, but this had a big impact on my work/life balance as well as my earning potential. I wouldn’t say my work/life balance is perfect now (whose is?!) but it is definitely a lot healthier that it was!
6. Tell us a secret!
I’m afraid I don’t have anything too exciting to tell you… something you may not know or guess about me is that I am a big fan of maps and have a huge collection of OS Maps! I also wanted to be a train driver when I was in primary school and had a train set and everything. It was an Intercity 125, it only went around a loop but I loved it!