Why Paying the Living Wage Matters to Us at House of Hud

At House of Hud, we believe that the people behind our business are just as important as the events, structures and spaces we create. From our warehouse and installation crews to our office and operations teams, every member of staff plays a part in delivering the standard of service our clients expect.

That is why we are committed to paying our employees the Living Wage. For us, fair pay isn't simply a figure on a payslip; it's about recognising the value of the people who turn up, work hard and represent House of Hud every day.

Investing in the People Behind the Business

The events industry is incredibly people-focused. Behind every beautifully finished marquee or event space are hours of preparation, loading, driving, installation, problem-solving, maintenance and careful attention to detail.

Much of this work happens long before guests arrive and continues after an event has finished. Our teams work across different locations, in changing weather conditions and during some of the busiest periods of the events calendar. We believe that commitment deserves to be properly recognised.

The real Living Wage is independently calculated according to the cost of living, rather than simply being based on the statutory minimum. Research from the Living Wage Foundation also shows that paying the Living Wage can support employee satisfaction, recruitment and retention.

Building a Team That Stays

We're particularly proud that some of our employees have been with us for more than 10 years.

In an industry that can be highly seasonal, having experienced team members who understand our structures, our standards and the way we work is invaluable. Their knowledge has been built through years of installations, events and challenges, and that experience is passed on to newer members of the team.

Long-term employees also provide something that can't easily be replaced: consistency. They know our products inside out, understand what our clients expect and have helped shape House of Hud into the business it is today.

We believe fair pay plays an important part in creating that kind of working environment. In fact, research from the Living Wage Foundation found that 60% of Living Wage employers said paying the real Living Wage had improved employee retention, while 62% reported improvements in recruitment.

Fair Pay Supports Better Work

Paying fairly isn't only about retaining employees. When people feel that their work is valued, it helps create a stronger relationship between the business and its team.

For our clients, that matters too.

An experienced, motivated team contributes directly to the quality of the service we provide. Whether someone is carefully installing an interior lining, preparing furniture in the warehouse, managing logistics behind the scenes or dealing directly with a client on site, we want them to take pride in what they do.

Living Wage Foundation research found that 94% of accredited Living Wage businesses reported experiencing benefits, including improvements in reputation, staff-management relationships, recruitment and retention.

More Than a Marquee Company

Sustainability and responsible business aren't only about the materials we use or reducing our environmental impact. Social responsibility matters too.

For us, that means considering how the decisions we make as a business affect the people who work for us. Paying the Living Wage is one of the practical ways we can demonstrate that commitment.

We're proud of the team behind House of Hud, particularly those who have chosen to build their careers with us over many years. Their experience, knowledge and dedication are a huge part of what allows us to deliver the events we're known for.

Ultimately, our approach is simple: when people invest their time, skills and energy into House of Hud, we believe House of Hud should invest in them too.

Setting the Standard We Want to See in Our Industry

As an established business within the events industry, we also recognise that the choices employers make can contribute to wider standards across the sector.

Events rely on a huge range of people and practical skills, yet much of the work happens behind the scenes. We want those roles to be recognised as an important and professional part of delivering an event.

Choosing to pay the Living Wage is one way we can put that belief into practice. Rather than simply following the minimum requirement, we want to make conscious decisions about the kind of employer we want House of Hud to be.

Recognised by the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign

Our commitment to fair pay has also been recognised beyond our own business. House of Hud is proud to be recognised by the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign, a local initiative that encourages businesses to pay wages that reflect the real cost of living.

Being part of the campaign connects us with a wider community of employers who share the belief that fair pay should be an important part of responsible business. For us, it's a meaningful recognition of a commitment we've made to the people who work with us.

As a Sussex-based business, we're particularly proud to support a campaign that is making a difference within our local community. While our events take us to venues and locations across the country, Sussex is our home, and we want the way we operate as an employer to have a positive impact on the community around us.

Why the Real Living Wage Changes

Unlike a fixed company pay policy, the real Living Wage is reviewed to reflect changes in the cost of living. The calculation considers the everyday costs households face and is designed to provide a benchmark based on what people need to live.

That means the commitment doesn't simply involve reaching a particular figure once. As living costs change, the rate can change with them.

We think that's an important distinction. The value of a wage isn't determined only by the number printed on a payslip; it's also affected by what that money can actually pay for. Using an independently calculated benchmark gives businesses a practical way of responding to those changing costs.

Hear from our team

What do you like most about working for House of Hud

Definitely the variety. No two days are ever the same. We get to work in some amazing locations, be part of incredible events and work alongside a really close team. There's always something different going on.

What is the funniest thing that's happened while working here?

There have been a lot over the years, but one that stands out was working at an event where the crew were offered some of the leftover wedding cake once everything was finished. After a long day, you'd have thought we'd won the lottery! It's the little moments like that which end up becoming some of the funniest memories.

How have you learnt and grown over the last 10 years?

I've learnt so much since I first started, both professionally and personally. I've taken on more responsibility, learnt how to deal with different situations on site and become much more confident in what I do. Looking back at where I started compared with now, I've definitely grown alongside the company.

If you had to describe the House of Hud team in three words, what would they be?

Hard-working, supportive and fun. We work really hard, particularly during the busiest parts of the year, but there’s always a good atmosphere and everyone looks out for each other.