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hotels, hospitality & sports facilities
building resilience into the
In the world of sport, physical activity and leisure, the experience of users is underpinned by the often-invisible operations behind the scenes. From community sports halls and local authority leisure centres to university facilities and multi-sport hubs, the reliability of electrical infrastructure is fundamental to safe, efficient and uninterrupted operation. Failures in emergency lighting, power distribution, AV systems or digital networks can have serious consequences – from safety risks and operational disruption to financial losses and reputational damage. For operators and public sector stakeholders alike, prioritising
intelligent electrical design is essential. Yet across much of the UK’s sports infrastructure, projects still take a ‘product-first’ approach, specifying individual components rather than considering how systems work together as a whole. The key question therefore is – how can venue owners and operators be confident that their electrical systems are not only fit for purpose today, but resilient and future-ready?
UK’s sports infrastructure: why electrical systems must move beyond product-first thinking
Paul McIlvaney, Marketing & Technical Manager at Gewiss, explains why moving beyond short-term, component-led thinking is critical to building resilient sports and leisure facilities that can adapt to changing demands, funding pressures and sustainability targets...
It’s not just about installing compliant electrical products –
it’s about creating an integrated solution that supports the way a venue operates now, as well as how it may evolve in the future. By working collaboratively with experienced electrical partners, local authorities, contractors, and operators can gain a much broader understanding of how emerging technologies can enhance safety, efficiency and long-term value. For example, from a smart lighting perspective, systems that
respond to occupancy and usage patterns can significantly reduce energy consumption, extend equipment lifespan, and maintain optimal visibility for users, spectators, and staff. These benefits are particularly valuable in multi-use sports facilities, where spaces are often required to perform different functions throughout the day. At first glance, making procurement and design decisions based on individual products – such as distribution boards, switches or control systems – may appear practical or cost-effective. However, focusing too narrowly on price, availability, or historical
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