Can you tell us what Rope Access is?

Rope Access is a means of accessing areas and places using trained operatives who utilise industrial climbing techniques and methods. It’s very different from the recreational climbing that people know, in that it is far more robust and safe.

Originally it was used within the Oil and Gas industry where they had difficulty accessing certain areas of a rig and needed the skills of climbers to get there and carry out the jobs required.

Are there many people or industries using Rope Access contractors?

I’ve seen it grow considerably in my time on the ropes however there is still an antiquated use of traditional methods like mobile platforms and scaffolding which really isn’t applicable to modern structures and size of buildings.

As buildings get more and more intricate and complicated Rope Access really starts to shine. It’s crazy it’s taken so long to be noticed as the fastest, safest, and cheapest form of access.
Is it safe?

Absolutely, it is by far the safest form of high-level work and that is finally being realised. There used to be fear surrounding it as people were uneasy with technicians being so exposed, but you can research for yourself that it is proven to be the safest means of work like this. As an IRATA Level 3 myself, I can say for sure that no operative on the ropes puts their own life at risk for the task at hand. We all take great care in what we’re doing because we’re the ones that would pay the price if we didn’t.

What does IRATA Level 3 mean?

IRATA stands for Industrial Rope Access Trade Association. It is the main governing body in the UK, but they also operate internationally. It is pretty much seen as the industry standard for any Rope Access division. As I mentioned before, it came from the oil and gas industry in and around the 80’s. They needed to start to set some rules and guidelines for operations that were going on to ensure the safety of the people working on the ropes. There are 3 levels to the IRATA training system. You must have worked for a minimum of 1 year or 1000 hours at each level to progress. Level 3 means that you have been trained to the highest standard and are a supervising technician. It also shows that you have been trained to rescue in most scenarios.

Have you had to rescue people?

Thankfully I haven’t had to rescue anyone, although I have performed a few staged rescues. I used to be part of the rescue team for the Emirates cable car in London and I’m also a trainee USAR technician for an International Urban Search and Rescue charity team called S.A.R.A.I.D.

So what is your role at Stadium Support Services?

I head up the Rope Access Division at SSS. We have a great vision and passion for what Rope Access can do and think the combination of our industry experience and reputation enables us to deliver something great. We’ve carried out some high-profile projects such as works at Twickenham Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Sixways Stadium, the Kia Oval and the HS2 project

Do you operate in Stadia only?

No, not at all. We carry out all kinds of Rope Access works like Working at Height Consultation, Construction Works, Rescue Teams, Maintenance, Event Rigging, Commercial buildings, Pest Control, Condition Surveys, Cleaning and many more.

What is your own working background?

I have predominantly a construction-based background, I started building agricultural buildings when I was 16, timber frame structures mostly. Pretty much always been working at heights in one way or another. After that first job, I went to events and rigged grandstand seating like large-scale scaffolding. I did this in the summers whilst living out in the Alps where I started working with the cable car maintenance teams. During this time, I decided to train for my IRATA. Then I moved back to the UK to work in London in Rope Access and spent a few years in London on buildings like the Shard, 20 Fenchurch Street, and the Tower in Vauxhall.

It was a great time for Rope Access in the city. Following my 7 years as a subcontractor for the last 8 years I’ve been managing Rope Access teams all over the country in many different sectors. So, are you now completely office based? Not entirely no, I try to be on the ropes at least every week and more if I can. I must ensure things are being done correctly on site and that can only be achieved by getting on the ropes myself. I think it’s important to stay involved, so then you know what you’re expecting of your team.

Have you got any big projects on the horizon?

Ah ha, well that would be telling! Put it this way, we’re working with some big clients the likes of the RFU, The FA at Wembley, CBRE and of course the Kia Oval so I would say to watch this space as well as some interesting partnerships with overseas companies looking to make an impact here in the UK.

I’m really excited about the projects we have in the pipeline for 2023 and look forward to not only showcasing Rope Access but also highlighting Stadium Support Services as the go-to company for all Stadium and building maintenance.

Since 1911, International Women’s Day has been a global marker, that draws focus to the goal of a gender-equal world free of discrimination, bias, and stereotypes.

Women are shaping the future of FM as an industry and are key to identifying the needs of women as end-users. We sat down with Mags Knowles, Site Supervisor stationed at Farnborough International, to get to know her better and explore her career journey within Stadium Support Services.

How long have you worked in Facilities Management?
Stadium Support Services has been my first role in Facilities Management. I started out with some apprehension, not fully knowing what to expect but my experience has been fantastic. I always say if you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life, and this is certainly true throughout my experience in this business. I have been here for three years and am proud to have worked my way up to Site Supervisor in this time.

How did you start out in your career?
I began working for Stadium Support Services just as Covid-19 hit the UK. I had been in touch with a friend who was running events within Farnborough International. My background is administrative, and I spent many years working in Frimley Hospital. I was put forward for an interview and offered a temporary position within the events management team. 

I’ve always had a good work ethic and always go into everything I do with 150% effort. On my first day, we were covering an event for the electric car brand, Polestar. I was quickly noticed by the client as a high performer and was personally requested back for multiple events. We were going through safety measures for covid and so important that the rigid cleaning processes were thoroughly executed, it was critical that touchpoints were sanitised regularly (doorplates, handles, doors etc)  to keep the spread of the virus to a minimum, and I always ensured that the team was hyper-vigilant.

Operations Director, Scott Hudson knew I was looking for full-time work, and with the feedback received he offered me the full-time contract knowing that I was reliable and hardworking. I was thrilled to be able to grow and progress within this new role, I’m so lucky to work with such a fantastic and supportive team.

Who has been you your greatest inspiration throughout your career?
My mum. She has an incredible work ethic, she is a hard worker, and has always championed the merits of giving 150% to everything you do. It has been drummed into me which I have now subsequently drummed into my own children.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

The best advice I was ever given is, to leave your private life at the door on your way to work. Pick it up on your way out and deal with it then. I always really try to focus on the job at hand when at work and deal with personal issues outside of this time.

I would also always say never to assume anything – I did it once and I learned my lesson. Get all of the facts before making an informed decision.

What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
You need to be serious about what you want to do. Don’t go into anything half-heartedly. Always be reliable, responsible for your actions, and accountable.

Your personal life needs to be separated from your work life. Always be yourself, be honest, and be hardworking. Hard work always pays off. 

How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business?
I encourage and support my colleagues to build confidence and install positivity. I always ask for their opinion on how they think they would tackle or run a project first – I like to involve people and ask their opinion. Collaboration is always key.

It’s so important to influence team members to coax them out of their comfort zone and empower them to think independently. Leading a team is a joint effort, and how you talk to people is so vital. It’s critical to always remain calm and never talk down to anyone. A little respect goes a long way, otherwise, you will never get the best from your teams.

How would you encourge more women to work towards roles in FM?
I could talk about how much I love my job all day and would hand on heart encourage anyone, women, and men to get involved in FM. It has been perceived as a male-heavy industry, but I’m seeing this start to shift, with gender inclusion becoming more and more commonplace. I count myself extremely fortunate to have found something I love to do, and I enjoy managing every single event. Every day is so different, and you get to meet so many different people from so many different businesses and brands. I get so much job satisfaction when I see the processes that we have created, come together to form seamless project execution. I know that the plans we form will always lead to a fantastic outcome and the team are experts at what they do, they can activate with their eyes closed. It’s also wonderful when you receive fantastic feedback from the client praising the team on a job well done. The job also keeps you super fit, which is another bonus.

Why do you think diversity and equality in the workplace is so important?
Gender equality in the workplace is so important. It means that all employees are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their gender. This promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and supported. Gender equality promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which can lead to greater creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. When employees come from different backgrounds and perspectives, they bring different ideas and experiences to the table. Companies have a social responsibility to ensure that all employees are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender or any other characteristic.

If you could meet with an inspirational woman, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to talk to Princess Diana when she was alive. She was dedicated to humanitarian causes and her charitable work and advocacy were inspiring, she helped to change attitudes and policies across the world. She was known for her kindness and empathy towards others, particularly those who were marginalised or vulnerable. Her compassion and willingness to connect with people from all walks of life made her relatable and loved by many. She was passionate about showing her boys the real world outside of the royal family and ensured that they understood this.

What are you most proud of in your career?
I am so proud to have started a new career and worked to progress so quickly within the business. It is a testament to the fact that I am confident and capable. I have come a long way and it just goes to show that regardless of where you are in life, with hard work and determination you can always excel in something new.

Congratulations on what has obviously been a great year for SSS. What do you see as your biggest achievement for 2022?

Thanks! We couldn’t have asked for a better 12 months, especially during the pandemic recovery. For me, the real highlights have been watching the team grow and develop throughout 2022, which has directly impacted our top and bottom line. As we close out our end of the year, we have succeeded in more than doubling our turnover from 2021, which is just astounding and I’m so proud of the progress that’s been made.

That’s fantastic, what do you think has been the main contributor to this success?
Of course, it’s been a tough couple of years, but it’s often at these challenging times that the talent you have recruited and nurtured, really leans in to make a difference. As a leadership team, we have really focused on identifying and attracting the right skills and specialisms to support new divisions and facilitate our growing contracts. Our people are quite simply the most important part of our business and are integral to our success.

Which areas of the business are seeing the most growth? Is this in line with your expectations of the market?
The growth has come through a variety of routes, but our desire to drive the business geographically has been very successful. In particular, our Midlands division, led by Dave Whiting, has seen accelerated growth. This has kickstarted expansion in the North of England too, supported by one of our newest hires – Steven Mehta.

Ensuring we are supporting clients in achieving sustainability ambitions is a huge focus for us too, which of course is top of many decision-makers priority lists across multiple industries. In 2022 we expanded our service offerings to drive energy and cost-saving benefits for our customers, through smart systems such as LED fit-outs and water-saving devices such as taps and toilets. These products can have a huge impact on water and energy consumption within building infrastructures. They can significantly improve water efficiency and decrease water bills in general, while helping with the environmental issues that go hand in hand with overconsumption.

Finally, we pride ourselves in the way that our teams nurture our client relationships. We are proud to have the opportunity to work alongside clients again and again, which naturally creates a strong foundation for the business to grow. Fundamentally, our teams are responsible for the continued strength of our customer partnerships, and we look forward to this approach producing further growth and expansion in the future.

Typically, labour turnover is high within Facilities Management, often meaning it can be difficult to ensure client service consistency, is this true of Stadium Support Services?
I’m very happy to say that this is not the case for our team. A fundamental part of my job is to nurture our people as well as the business. We focus on talent retention and work closely with all employees to ensure they have a clear path of progression, tailored for them and always have a high level of job satisfaction. As I’ve mentioned, this is also so important for our customers to have continuity with team members that they know and trust to deliver excellent service.

Even though our company footprint and scale are large, we are a family-led business at heart. We promote the importance of work/life balance and ultimately trust our teams to work in ways that allow them to bring their best to work every day.

Creating an environment that encourages people to grow and feel confident, is an incredibly fulfilling part of my job. It is incredibly important that each team member understands how important their role is to the continued success of the business.

So what is next for Stadium Support Services?
2022 was a pivotal year for the business that saw great achievements, outstanding successes and company growth. While I am so proud of what has been achieved over the last year, we are laser-focused on continuing to build on that success. Growth, challenges, highs, and lows will all be welcomed, as we continue to learn and adapt as a team. Delivering for our customers continues to be of the utmost priority, whilst we also work to unlock opportunities for diversification and new revenue streams. We are looking forward to supporting our customers with their innovative venue initiatives and projects in 2023.

1. New home team dressing room unveiled at QPR Stadium

Room for change at QPR, following appointment of Michael Beale as the club’s new head coach.

Commissioned to deliver a complete refurbishment and a fresh new look for the home team dressing room at Loftus Road Stadium, Stadium Support Services rose to the challenge. Briefed on the importance of completing the works ahead of the first home fixture, time was of the essence with only two weeks until kick-off.

Stripping back and opening out the rooms for better use of space was the primary goal. The semi-enclosed cubicle seating was removed, instantly transforming the space into an open and inclusive environment. Each wall was meticulously renovated, and the entire space was redecorated. Additional wider bench seating and bespoke cushions were also installed for player comfort. Blue AstroTurf was fitted on the floor, bringing a contemporary feel as well as a nod to the team colour within its walls. The result? A fresh, bright, open-plan changing room with modern touches throughout.

Delighted with the results, the customer, QPR, further engaged Stadium Support Services to continue the refurbishment through the player tunnel and into the dugout. Following the hugely successful installation, Stadium Support Service was commissioned to return during the world cup international break to install a bespoke QPR crest within the Astroturf.

2. 100+ water-saving units installed at the second tallest student accommodation building in the world.

Successful installation of Dual Flush Water saving devices installed by Stadium Support Services results in impressive 70% saving of water consumption.

Stadium Support Services commissioned to install 105 toilets at flagship student accommodation site, reducing water consumption and environmental impact on national water supplies.

Additional pipework upgrades were implemented to support the new water-saving dual flush systems.  Individual isolators were installed, updating the water supply system within the building with cost and time-saving benefits. Providing better control of water flow to fittings, the new isolators allowed any further maintenance to be carried out quickly and easily.

Gaining access to the student rooms without disruption, formed a crucial and complex objective. Each unit was installed quickly and efficiently, ensuring each student bathroom was completed and in full working order on the same day. With a challenging target date of three weeks for end-to-end installation, the project was completed successfully, and ahead of time. An impressive two-week turnaround allowed the students to quickly adapt to their new, more sustainable living quarters.

105 rooms upgraded

14 Tonnes CO2e Saved

3. Stadium Support Services resume FIA2022 contract, following four-year Covid hiatus.

Stadium Support Services appointed to lead cleaning operations for FIA2022, within the 770-acre site, following 2018 contract success.

Resuming the cleaning contract for the highly anticipated Farnborough Airshow 2022, Stadium Support Services once again deployed multiple expert teams to provide critical cleaning services throughout the event (18-22^nd July).

Working alongside newly appointed waste contractor R. Collards, Stadium Support Services, advised and shared site knowledge from previous shows, resulting in the provision of outstanding service on behalf of the client, Farnborough International Limited (FIL).

Flexible teams of highly skilled cleaners worked around the clock during the build, live, and breakdown phases of the show. Minimising disruption to guests and reducing the risk of trip hazards, Stadium Support Services championed Cordless Technology, to facilitate successful operations throughout the day. With approx 70,000m2 of exhibition space to deep clean every night, larger industrial cordless machines were brought in for the out-of-hours crew.

Litter-picking teams played a vital role in delivering a clean site throughout the five days of the airshow. The proximity to Farnborough airport meant FOD (Foreign Object Debris) was a primary concern for its runways. Safety standards were continuously monitored by Stadium Support Services ensuring all runways were kept clear.

Investors in people, Stadium Support Services are committed to empowering staff with extensive training and development of teams.  A critical element within fast-paced and large-scale events, staff support, and motivation play a key role in providing customer service that exceeds expectations.

Stadium Support Services received exemplary feedback from suppliers, fellow contractors, site management, and importantly, the customer. Congratulations to all teams that contributed to the hugely successful execution of services for FIA2022.

Stadium Support Services have multi-disciplined specialist cleaning teams ready to deploy at scale for exhibitions, stadiums, and many more.

4. Scaling new heights at The Science Museum

Stadium Support Services contracted to install new ventilation system for launch of Technicians Exhibition.

One of the most popular and busy museums in the capital, The Science Museum opens its doors in November to a new interactive experience within the David Sainsbury gallery. Created in partnership with Marvel Studios, the NHS, National Grid, and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Technicians Exhibition provides an immersive experience that enables visitors to mimic the tasks technicians perform daily.

As part of their commitment to the protection of exhibits and enriching customer experience, CBRE (on behalf of The Science Museum) commissioned Stadium Support Services to undertake the enabling works for the installation of a brand new, ventilation system. With enhanced airflow and additional temperature control capabilities, the new system upgrade ensures the continued preservation of over 30,000 artifacts, spread over seven floors.

A complex process, the installation meant that an existing 6m high, 4^th-floor window, must be replaced with a louver vent system via an external access. The location rendered scaffolding prohibitive and would not meet the required timescales. A glass roof directly below the primary installation area, ruled out mechanical access, leaving the only viable entry possible via Rope Access.

A temporary access system was rigged up by our specialist IRATA technicians, allowing them to abseil over the roof of the museum. This gave immediate and safe entry to the windows that were being removed.  Internally, a platform was built to remove the glazing and frame from within the building, while the external team ensured nothing fell outwards.  Once removed, the internal team passed the new louvers through the newly created void space, allowing the abseil team to secure from the outside. The tall window was safely removed, and the louvers were installed in just two days. 

These are just a few examples of how Stadium Support Services are supporting customers, with many more exciting projects scheduled as we approach the final quarter in 2022. Get in touch if we can help you with a project at your venue via info@StadiumSupportServices.co.uk