Why Sustainability in Sport Matters

Stadium Support Services is launching a suite of sustainability services to help stadiums, and mass spectator venues lead the way in environmental responsibility. We sat down with Dermot Reid, Head of Sustainability, to drill him on some key questions about this new initiative.

Q: Can you tell us about the new sustainability services Stadium Support Services is introducing?

We’re proud to launch a comprehensive suite of sustainability services designed to help stadiums and mass spectator venues achieve their environmental goals. These include energy and water audits, carbon assessments and supply chain analysis—all aimed at reducing carbon footprints, cutting costs and enhancing sustainability reputation. By providing these services free of charge, we’re removing financial barriers and making sustainability accessible for organisations of all sizes.

Q: Why is sustainability in sport such an important focus area?

Sport is a global platform and the environmental challenges we face—from pollution to climate-related disruptions—are becoming increasingly evident. Clubs and venues now have a responsibility to lead by example. Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s an operational and reputational necessity. With growing regulatory pressures and public expectations, we want to empower venues to meet these demands efficiently while setting a benchmark for environmental leadership.

Q: What sets your approach apart from others in the industry?

Our approach is unique because we don’t just offer advice—we partner with organisations throughout their sustainability journey. We align on their goals, conduct in-depth audits, and provide actionable plans. Beyond that, we collaborate with existing service providers like waste management, catering and maintenance teams to ensure a cohesive effort. Transparency is key: our reports are fully accessible, and there’s no obligation to implement our recommendations.

Q: How do these services benefit your partners?

The benefits are both financial and reputational. Our energy and water audits identify areas where efficiency can be improved, leading to cost savings. At the same time, by adopting sustainable practices, venues can enhance their brand image, attract environmentally conscious clients, and meet regulatory requirements. Our services also facilitate better collaboration across supply chains, creating a ripple effect of environmental improvements.

Q: Your services are offered at no cost—how does that work?

We’ve structured this as a partnership model. Instead of charging for our services, we ask for promotional opportunities through media channels and pitch-side branding. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship: venues get expert sustainability support, and we gain visibility and the chance to inspire others. We believe in declaring ambitions and showcasing progress, not waiting until results are achieved—because leadership starts with taking the first step.

Q: How do you help venues engage their supply chains in sustainability efforts?

Collaboration is essential. We work with venues to engage their other service providers, such as waste management and catering, in discussions about sustainability goals. By fostering alignment and accountability across the supply chain, we ensure that everyone involved contributes to reducing emissions and improving environmental impact.

Q: What outcomes do you hope to achieve with this initiative?

Our ultimate goal is to make sustainability a standard practice in the sports and spectator
venue industry. We want to create a network of organisations that are not only meeting environmental benchmarks but also inspiring others to follow suit. By aligning operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, we can help venues lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

Q: What’s your message to organisations considering these services?

If you’re ready to take meaningful steps towards sustainability and the idea of cost saving is one you would like to explore, we’re here to support. This is an opportunity to not only improve your venue’s environmental performance but also to demonstrate commitment to a greener future.

We can help you achieve or improve your EFL Green Clubs accreditation status, partnering with you every step of the way from participant to Gold.

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@StadiumSupportServices.co.uk to explore how we can help your venue take the next step in sustainability.

20 Questions for 20 Years: Interview with Kevin Hudson, Chairman of Stadium Support Services

Celebrating 20 Years of Progress and Partnerships

1. Kevin, congratulations on reaching the 20-year milestone! How would you reflect on the journey so far?
   Thank you! It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years. The journey has been incredible—starting as a small family business and growing into a national provider. What stands out most is the strong relationships we’ve built with our clients. Whether in sports venues or commercial properties, it’s been rewarding knowing they trust us to deliver consistently.
2. With a name like Stadium Support Services, some people might think you only work within stadiums.
   We did focus solely on stadiums for the first 10 years. But over the last decade, we’ve expanded into commercial properties, bringing our expertise in fast mobilisation and first-time fixes to that sector as well.
3. Are there any differences between stadium clients and commercial property clients?Not really. Both need roof maintenance, refurbishments, and repairs. The main difference is that one has a pitch in the middle, and the other has courtyards! No matter the venue, our ethos is the same: solve the issue as quickly as possible so that the show can go on.
4. Stadium Support Services is known for its responsiveness. How do you maintain that, especially on a national scale? Agility is key. With offices in London, Bristol, Birmingham, and Leeds, we can respond quickly to emergencies. Our teams are empowered to make decisions on site, this removes the red tape that can lead to blocks, so our customers know that every project will run seamlessly without delays.

5. Sustainability has become a major focus for your company. Why is that important to you?
   Sustainability is more important than ever. We have a responsibility to operate responsibly for both our clients and the environment. Bringing on a Head of Sustainability has helped us embed these practices. Partnering with organisations like BASIS allows us to make a positive impact, which we’re passionate about.
6. You’re also actively involved in supporting charities like Sport in Mind. What drives that commitment?
   Giving back is a core part of our ethos. Supporting mental health through sport with organisations like Sport in Mind has real meaning. It feels great to be part of something larger than ourselves, especially when it involves promoting well-being through sport.
7. What are your aspirations for Stadium Support Services moving forward? To keep building on our foundation of trust and reliability. We just returned from a team-building trip in Thailand, which was great for strengthening bonds—and enjoying some fishing! Balancing work and team camaraderie reminds us of the importance of teamwork and work-life balance.
8. What does reaching 20 years mean to you personally and for the company?
   We started in my kitchen, and now we have offices nationwide. It’s a proud milestone that shows how far we’ve come.
9. Can you share how Stadium Support Services started? What inspired you to launch the company? I saw a gap in the market for fast solutions with a focus on first-time fixes. Our ethos is that everyone in the business understands the need for speed and efficiency.
10. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days? Cash flow is always a challenge for startups. Those early lessons helped shape how we work with suppliers—we make a point of paying early to build solid partnerships.
11. Looking back, what are you most proud of?
    I’m incredibly proud of the team. Scott, Joe, and Laura have been absolutely instrumental to our success, consistently driving the business forward with their commitment, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Their hard work has been key to where we are today. I’m also really proud of the partnerships we’ve developed with clubs like QPR, MK Dons, and Bradford City AFC, as well as over 20 other teams. A standout moment for me was having a box at the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham – it was a true celebration of the team’s collective efforts and a fantastic way to acknowledge all that we’ve achieved together.
12. How would you describe the culture at Stadium Support Services?
    We’re a family, through and through. Everyone is part of the SSS family, even though we don’t all share the same last name.
13. Which projects have required the biggest staff deployments? Farnborough Airshow without a doubt! We had 150 cleaners on a 700-acre site daily, it was massive. It required months of planning.
14. What’s the most prestigious venue you’ve worked at?
    That’s tough! We’ve worked at places like the American Embassy and Whitehall, but working at Buckingham Palace providing the event infrastructure for the Queen’s summer parties, is definitely a highlight.
15. What’s the fastest turnaround project you’ve done?
    I would say the Birmingham City FC refurbishment.  We completed seven major areas in just three weeks, from quote to completion.
16. How do you maintain strong relationships with clients and partners?
    We’re fortunate that our clients are great individuals. Working in sports allows us to bond over events and we often strengthen relationships while enjoying the games together.
17. How important is your team in the company’s success?
    The team is everything. We operate in a fast-paced industry with plenty of curveballs and we’re lucky to have the best minds and trades, enabling us to be flexible and deliver top-quality work.
18. How does Stadium Support Services give back to the community? We are committed to giving back and making a positive impact in our community. Through our partnership with Sport in Mind, we support mental health by promoting well-being through sports. By sponsoring local sports clubs, grassroots football teams, and our partner clubs, we’re able to provide the resources they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Our goal is to champion both physical and mental well-being through the power of sport.

19. Can you share a surprising fact about the company?
    In the past, we managed events, including ice rinks, music festivals and street parties. About eight years ago, we decided to focus entirely on facilities management and rapid maintenance to support our growth.
20. What are the three key elements that have contributed to the business’s success?
    It’s simple:

     

    1. Don’t over-promise and never let anyone down.
    2. Think outside the box—there’s always a solution.
    3. Treat your staff and suppliers well; they, in turn, look after your clients.