On Saturday 2nd August, the leisure industry sadly lost one of its greats – the man responsible for creating one of the industry’s largest and longest-established leisure operators in the UK, Everyone Active.
Stephen Hulme founded Everyone Active in 1987, when he left his position within Hinckley and Bosworth Council. He was to create one of the country’s first leisure outsourcing organisations and take on the management of Hinckley Leisure Centre. 38 years later and that company has grown to manage over 240 leisure facilities in partnership with over 65 local authority partners.
Stephen remained Managing Director of the company until 2006, continuing to grow it and play a major role in shaping the leisure industry. Stephen was succeeded by David Bibby as the new MD and he took on the role of Chief Executive of Everyone Active’s Charitable Trust. The pair worked closely together, forming a strong friendship and partnership that continued until Stephen retired in 2022.
Upon hearing of Stephen’s passing, David credited his friend for the company’s legacy and culture it embraces today: “Steve believed passionately in the value of the work we do in Everyone Active and was fiercely loyal to all his colleagues. He was a pleasure to work with and I was proud to call him a friend. I’m sure all colleagues who had contact with Steve will agree that he will be sorely missed.”
Stephen always attributed the company’s huge success to its emphasis on high-quality services and investment in colleagues. In an interview with Sports Management in 2018, Stephen described why he thinks Everyone Active has been so successful: “I’d put this success down to the quality and breadth of facilities we offer – many of our centres surpass those offered by the private sector.
“By far our biggest strength is our people at all levels. If you asked me one reason I’ve been successful, it’s because I’ve been lucky to have such excellent colleagues. Many have stayed with us for 10, 15, 20 years. We value them all – whether they’re directors or lifeguards – it doesn’t matter. Everyone has a pivotal role and that’s in the ethos of the company.”
David Bibby also spoke of Stephen’s passion for his workforce: “Steve's focus was always on the people who worked for the company. He wanted Everyone Active to deliver for its colleagues. He wanted them to enjoy their work, be committed to what they are doing and he never lost sight of the fact that we need our people to be successful for the company to be successful.”
Award-winning Everyone Active now has a network of over 16,000 colleagues working across the country. Stephen’s emphasis on its people still runs through the veins of the organisation today, with it proudly putting colleagues at the heart of everything it does.
Jacqui Tillman, who is now the CEO of The SLM Community Leisure Charitable Trust, worked with Stephen for over 30 years. She said of his character: “Stephen was passionate, caring, engaging and never shy to say he didn’t have the answer. ‘I don’t bloody know’ he’d say as he rested his heel on his knee.
“He embodied these attributes in his relationships, always having a story to share and time to listen. The ability to engage at all levels. The culture of EA has been built on Steve’s positive influence. He was a friend and mentor to many.”
Stephen was incredibly proud of his company’s success and remained a close friend to many within the organisation until the very end. He will be sorely missed by them all.
Rest in Peace, Stephen.