Rachael Hesno
@rachaelhesno.bsky.social
Freelance journalist specialising in tech, music, creative industries // E: hesnoink@gmail.com // Freelance features editor @ Prolific North. Any stories/tips always handled in confidence 📧
How this tech spin-out is transforming the way we see X-rays — and why its CEO chose the North.
Really interesting conversation with the founder of Silveray recently: www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/how-...
Really interesting conversation with the founder of Silveray recently: www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/how-...
How this tech spin-out is transforming the way we see X-rays — and why its CEO chose the North - Prolific North
This University of Surrey spin-out moved to Stockport in 2022 and is developing affordable X-ray detector technology that could bring colour-detail to scans.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 1:04 PM
How this tech spin-out is transforming the way we see X-rays — and why its CEO chose the North.
Really interesting conversation with the founder of Silveray recently: www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/how-...
Really interesting conversation with the founder of Silveray recently: www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/how-...
Hats off to Channel 4. Just finished watching Trump v Truth, a 3 hour compilation fact-checking over 100 things Trump has said. An absolute must watch.
Donald Trump has been slammed by Channel 4 as they have vowed to expose his "untruths".
Channel 4's brutal attack on Donald Trump as they unleash 'untruths'
www.mirror.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Hats off to Channel 4. Just finished watching Trump v Truth, a 3 hour compilation fact-checking over 100 things Trump has said. An absolute must watch.
Northern freelancers working in film/tv - i want to hear from you about workplace culture, job security - and any thoughts on the current state of the industry. Drop me an email via rachael@prolificnorth.co.uk - can remain confidential if preferred. #journorequest #prrequest
July 22, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Northern freelancers working in film/tv - i want to hear from you about workplace culture, job security - and any thoughts on the current state of the industry. Drop me an email via rachael@prolificnorth.co.uk - can remain confidential if preferred. #journorequest #prrequest
Stephen Fry and David Baddiel feature in a new documentary on the life of Theodor Herzl - the ‘man behind Israel’.
I had an exclusive chat with the filmmakers behind the doc...
Read more: loom.ly/gMnNB7M #Israel #Herzl #Documentary
I had an exclusive chat with the filmmakers behind the doc...
Read more: loom.ly/gMnNB7M #Israel #Herzl #Documentary
Stephen Fry and David Baddiel feature in new documentary on life of Theodor Herzl, the 'man behind Israel' - Prolific North
EXCLUSIVE: ‘If there’s any controversy - people have missed the point’ - new film digs into Herzl’s life, legacy and the formation of the state of Israel.
loom.ly
June 5, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Stephen Fry and David Baddiel feature in a new documentary on the life of Theodor Herzl - the ‘man behind Israel’.
I had an exclusive chat with the filmmakers behind the doc...
Read more: loom.ly/gMnNB7M #Israel #Herzl #Documentary
I had an exclusive chat with the filmmakers behind the doc...
Read more: loom.ly/gMnNB7M #Israel #Herzl #Documentary
Irish tech firm Galvia AI has revealed why it selected Manchester for its UK expansion - mainly thanks to two key reasons...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/there-i...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/there-i...
‘There is a thread of ambition’: Why Irish tech firm Galvia AI is betting on Manchester for its UK expansion - Prolific North
The founder of Galvia AI reveals the two key reasons his firm picked Manchester.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
June 4, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Irish tech firm Galvia AI has revealed why it selected Manchester for its UK expansion - mainly thanks to two key reasons...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/there-i...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/there-i...
Reposted by Rachael Hesno
TechCrunch editor at large Mike Butcher has been made redundant along with a number of Europe-based colleagues following the title's takeover by Regent LP from Yahoo www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
18 years with TechCrunch | Mike Butcher ✍️ | 122 comments
An announcement: After 18 years, TechCrunch and I have parted ways.
The backstory: Recently, Regent LP, a US private equity firm, acquired TechCrunch and its staff in the US, from Yahoo. During this...
www.linkedin.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:18 AM
TechCrunch editor at large Mike Butcher has been made redundant along with a number of Europe-based colleagues following the title's takeover by Regent LP from Yahoo www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Meet the AI-powered ‘dating app’ for your hair.
“66 percent of women still struggle to find the right products for their hair,” says Marina Fallahi, founder of Bhive London.
“I wanted to fix that.”
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/swip... #Tech #Haircare #Manchester
“66 percent of women still struggle to find the right products for their hair,” says Marina Fallahi, founder of Bhive London.
“I wanted to fix that.”
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/swip... #Tech #Haircare #Manchester
Swipe right for your dream hair: how dating apps inspired this haircare tech start-up - Prolific North
“I want this to be a haircare destination - it’s much more than products,” says Bhive’s CEO and founder.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
June 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Meet the AI-powered ‘dating app’ for your hair.
“66 percent of women still struggle to find the right products for their hair,” says Marina Fallahi, founder of Bhive London.
“I wanted to fix that.”
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/swip... #Tech #Haircare #Manchester
“66 percent of women still struggle to find the right products for their hair,” says Marina Fallahi, founder of Bhive London.
“I wanted to fix that.”
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/swip... #Tech #Haircare #Manchester
There are a few tech features I did recently that I didn't get time to share.
Here's the story behind Manchester tech firm Partful - and how its founder is assembling the right pieces to scale.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/how-tec... #Tech #Manchester
Here's the story behind Manchester tech firm Partful - and how its founder is assembling the right pieces to scale.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/how-tec... #Tech #Manchester
How tech firm Partful Is assembling the right pieces to scale - and why its founder is taking a different approach to investment - Prolific North
"I don't buy into the ‘we’re poor’ and ‘we’re worse off up in the North’ statements. You have to go after the opportunities."
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
June 2, 2025 at 3:54 PM
There are a few tech features I did recently that I didn't get time to share.
Here's the story behind Manchester tech firm Partful - and how its founder is assembling the right pieces to scale.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/how-tec... #Tech #Manchester
Here's the story behind Manchester tech firm Partful - and how its founder is assembling the right pieces to scale.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/how-tec... #Tech #Manchester
Went along to PN's GRAFT event at UA92 today. There were some really insightful conversations about the opportunities / challenges when it comes to scaling a tech biz in the North. Key takeaway? Founders need to focus on profit & sales first, not personal brands, as that's what validates success.
May 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Went along to PN's GRAFT event at UA92 today. There were some really insightful conversations about the opportunities / challenges when it comes to scaling a tech biz in the North. Key takeaway? Founders need to focus on profit & sales first, not personal brands, as that's what validates success.
Some ✨personal news✨ after 4 years, I have now left Prolific North as deputy editor as I'm diving into the world of freelance!
After a mini break away until next week, I already have some projects lined up & I'll be back in June to focus on features for PN 1 day a week.. 1/2
After a mini break away until next week, I already have some projects lined up & I'll be back in June to focus on features for PN 1 day a week.. 1/2
May 19, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Some ✨personal news✨ after 4 years, I have now left Prolific North as deputy editor as I'm diving into the world of freelance!
After a mini break away until next week, I already have some projects lined up & I'll be back in June to focus on features for PN 1 day a week.. 1/2
After a mini break away until next week, I already have some projects lined up & I'll be back in June to focus on features for PN 1 day a week.. 1/2
I know the world has gone a bit mad... but need to give a shout out to Doves for their new album Constellations For the Lonely. What a powerful masterpiece 🔥
March 1, 2025 at 11:04 AM
I know the world has gone a bit mad... but need to give a shout out to Doves for their new album Constellations For the Lonely. What a powerful masterpiece 🔥
The government has now opened bidding for its AI growth zones - I'm looking for comments on what it could mean for the North? Email in bio! #journorequest #prrequest
February 10, 2025 at 9:52 AM
The government has now opened bidding for its AI growth zones - I'm looking for comments on what it could mean for the North? Email in bio! #journorequest #prrequest
Reposted by Rachael Hesno
UK confirms plans to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfake content
UK confirms plans to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfake content
The U.K. is forging ahead with plans to make the act of creating sexually explicit “deepfake” images a specific criminal offence. A deepfake refers to manipulated media, often video or audio, created using AI to make someone appear to say or do something…
tcrn.ch
January 7, 2025 at 3:05 PM
UK confirms plans to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfake content
Absolutely love this. Such a good read!
There are about 30 of us (including people from Australia and Germany) and we've all been stuck since Saturday evening. I'm here with the renowned Guardian and Observer photographer Gary Calton (@garycalton.bsky.social), whose pics are in this article www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘It makes you feel like a kid again’: snowed in at Britain’s highest pub
Drinks flow and friends are made as people hunker down overnight at the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Absolutely love this. Such a good read!
Now i've dusted the cobwebs off of my laptop after a long break, I'm back to it at PN and looking to feature more Northern people across digital/tech/marketing through our weekly features. Email is in my bio 📧
Please get in touch if you have any stories or tips too!
#journorequest #prrequest
Please get in touch if you have any stories or tips too!
#journorequest #prrequest
January 6, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Now i've dusted the cobwebs off of my laptop after a long break, I'm back to it at PN and looking to feature more Northern people across digital/tech/marketing through our weekly features. Email is in my bio 📧
Please get in touch if you have any stories or tips too!
#journorequest #prrequest
Please get in touch if you have any stories or tips too!
#journorequest #prrequest
2024 was one of the worst years of my life after losing my dad at the end of October. The last few months have been a blur. I'm hopeful for 2025, though. Onwards and upwards!
December 31, 2024 at 10:59 PM
2024 was one of the worst years of my life after losing my dad at the end of October. The last few months have been a blur. I'm hopeful for 2025, though. Onwards and upwards!
Fascinating afternoon of sessions at @beyondconference.org, especially hearing about Kenya's 'Silicon Savannah' and how a 'phygital revolution' is emerging and transforming Nairobi from Brian Afande, CEO at BlackRhino VR.
November 26, 2024 at 7:23 PM
Fascinating afternoon of sessions at @beyondconference.org, especially hearing about Kenya's 'Silicon Savannah' and how a 'phygital revolution' is emerging and transforming Nairobi from Brian Afande, CEO at BlackRhino VR.
As Salford Lads and Girls Club is at risk of imminent closure, the North West’s media community has come together to help save it.
The GoFundMe campaign is currently at 92% of its goal of £250,000 today.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/north-w...
The GoFundMe campaign is currently at 92% of its goal of £250,000 today.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/north-w...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
November 22, 2024 at 11:09 AM
As Salford Lads and Girls Club is at risk of imminent closure, the North West’s media community has come together to help save it.
The GoFundMe campaign is currently at 92% of its goal of £250,000 today.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/north-w...
The GoFundMe campaign is currently at 92% of its goal of £250,000 today.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/north-w...
“Liverpool is well set to become a leader in responsible AI,” according to the CEO of IBM UK and Ireland.
Dr Nicola Hodson was the keynote speaker at Liverpool’s first AI Summit yesterday.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/meta-li...
Dr Nicola Hodson was the keynote speaker at Liverpool’s first AI Summit yesterday.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/meta-li...
“Meta Liverpool” as city prepares to harness AI for growth - Prolific North
“Liverpool is well set to become a leader in responsible AI” according to the CEO of IBM UK and Ireland.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
November 22, 2024 at 10:43 AM
“Liverpool is well set to become a leader in responsible AI,” according to the CEO of IBM UK and Ireland.
Dr Nicola Hodson was the keynote speaker at Liverpool’s first AI Summit yesterday.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/meta-li...
Dr Nicola Hodson was the keynote speaker at Liverpool’s first AI Summit yesterday.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/meta-li...
Liverpool ecommerce specialist acquires Scottish PPC and social agency
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Liverpool ecommerce specialist acquires Scottish PPC and social agency - Prolific North
North West ecommerce specialist, Velstar, has acquired Scottish PPC and paid social agency, Yatter.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
November 20, 2024 at 11:52 AM
Liverpool ecommerce specialist acquires Scottish PPC and social agency
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Reposted by Rachael Hesno
Venture funding in Europe in 2024 fell to $45 billion, says Atomico
Venture funding in Europe in 2024 fell to $45 billion, says Atomico
Funding for European tech appears to have stabilised in 2024 after dropping precipitously in 2023, but the signs continue to point to more tough times ahead, according to the latest State of European Tech report. The annual survey — produced by European…
tcrn.ch
November 19, 2024 at 12:12 AM
Venture funding in Europe in 2024 fell to $45 billion, says Atomico
Another one bites the dust? Not us – I chatted to In The Style’s marketing director this summer, who opened up about mental health struggles and the brand’s future.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/anot...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/anot...
Another one bites the dust? Not us - In The Style’s marketing director opens up about mental health struggles and the brand’s future - Prolific North
Prolific North visited In The Style's HQ in Manchester to chat with the brand's marketing director, Phoebe Russell.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk
November 19, 2024 at 1:14 PM
Another one bites the dust? Not us – I chatted to In The Style’s marketing director this summer, who opened up about mental health struggles and the brand’s future.
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/anot...
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/feature/anot...
Looking for tech leaders in the North to contribute to an end of year piece on the next big thing in tech for 2025 #journorequest #prrequest
November 19, 2024 at 11:19 AM
Looking for tech leaders in the North to contribute to an end of year piece on the next big thing in tech for 2025 #journorequest #prrequest
I'm a bit late to the party but I'm finally signed up and loving the Bluesky features so far!
Expect lots of Northern tech, digital and creative sector news from me on here 👋
Expect lots of Northern tech, digital and creative sector news from me on here 👋
November 18, 2024 at 7:29 PM
I'm a bit late to the party but I'm finally signed up and loving the Bluesky features so far!
Expect lots of Northern tech, digital and creative sector news from me on here 👋
Expect lots of Northern tech, digital and creative sector news from me on here 👋