On 2 August, the leisure industry lost one of its pioneers – a man who contributed to the creation of one of the 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. Thirty eight years later, that company has grown to manage more than 240 leisure facilities in partnership with more than 65 local authority partners and 16,000 colleagues.

Hulme remained managing director until 2006, when he was succeeded by David Bibby and 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 Hulme’s retirement in 2022.

Bibby credits 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.

“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. I’m sure all colleagues who had contact with Steve will agree that he will be sorely missed.”

Hulme always attributed the company’s huge success to its emphasis on high-quality services and investment in colleagues. In an interview with HCM's sister magazine – Sports Management – in 2018, he said: “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. Each has a pivotal role and that’s in the ethos of the company.”

Jacqui Tillman, who is now the CEO of The SLM Community Leisure Charitable Trust, worked with Hulme for more than 30 years: “Stephen was passionate, caring, engaging and never shy to say he didn’t have the answer.

“He always had 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.”

Hulme 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.