About HS Sports

HS Sports’ mission has always been to provide cutting-edge and innovative timing, training & display solutions, tailored to suit the individual needs of each client.

Over the last 30+ years HS Sports have gained a reputation as one of the World’s leading suppliers within the sports industry. Specialising in the supply of services and equipment to collate timing/scoring data, produce results and the dissemination of this to participants and spectators using a variety of mediums including SMS results messages, television graphics, electronic scoreboards, LED video screens, custom event apss, social media and tracking tools.

Established in 1979, HS Sports is one of the most experienced companies within it’s industry in the world.

Our Story

Originally trading as Hird Smith Limited, the company was formed by Brian Hird and Derek Smith with their unsurpassed knowledge of equestrian and motorsport events.

The company expanded steadily, providing timing and display services for top level gymnastics, ice skating and canoeing events as well as a number of television programmes such as BBC Driver of the Year, KickStart, and many commercials. Around this time, the company was working on sports as diverse as horse racing, basketball and the World Rubik’s Cube Championships!

Hird Smith then poignantly won the contract to time the very first London Marathon, and this triggered a demand from major marathons all over Europe quickly pushing the company into new international markets. The next move was an expansion into mainstream athletics where a partnership was formed with SEIKO of Japan to provide the timing and associated services at IAAF events and Commonwealth Games worldwide.

In 1991 the founding directors retired and the company name was changed to HS Sports Limited. With their corporate partners SEIKO, the company provided equipment, expertise and staffing for eight of the major Olympics sports at Barcelona ‘92. 

Since it’s inception, the company has never looked back and today remains on a path of growth in the world of sports timing, providing services and products in the UK, Europe and now throughout the World. HS Sports looks forward to further growth and expansion following a recent move in 2012 to larger premises to bolster this development, which has enabled the company to recruit more specialist staff and grow their technology base to allow continued innovative development, and to maintain their presence at the forefront of the sports timing industry.

Happy Customers

Event Director – Hearing Dogs Sportive

“I found the timing chip system really easy and simple to use. I was able to test it the day before to make sure the set up worked. On the day of the ride it was a very simple case of plugging the mats and timing box in – calling the (very helpful) HS Sports staff member who had been assigned to my event and then that was more or less it! It was very reassuring to have the HS Sports member of staff at the end of the phone to check everything was working correctly. There isn’t a mass of wires and boxes to tackle. I had four cables for the mats, one to plug it in to the network and that was it. Simple. The riders really like having the text message sent to them (as soon as they cross the line!) as this means they have a record of their “official” time. This is the second year I have used the system and I will be looking to book it again for our third sportive next year!”

Race Director – Wolfe of Westerham Sportive

“No wonder British Cycling recommends HS Sport timing chip solution, it’s brilliant!!

We were initially unsure whether to use the self hire or supported solution but after talking through both options with the knowledgeable account manager we opted for the hire solution.HS Sport kept in touch with us on the run up to the event and made sure we had everything in place prior to the big day.Just before the equipment arrived we were sent all the required operating instruction and the technical team gave us a walk through of the operation. I’m not a technical person but on the day the system was very easy to set up and the instructions were clear, concise and easy to follow. The system worked perfectly and the results available within minutes of the event finishing. It was also comforting knowing g the support team where there to advise if we had any questions. One evening I sent an e-mail quite late in the evening and received a response instantaneously!!The SMS solution is a really good feature and a nice touch that goes down really well with the participants.

If you are running an event that requires just start and finish timing then I would highly recommend the non supported solution. It worked perfectly for us and we will definitely be using it again next year.”

Event Organiser – Evesham Cycle Fest

“I’d just like to say a very big thank you for all your support. As a first time event organiser (of a first time event) having to deal with a timing system was a bit scary, but your help has been amazing. Using the unit was so easy, and being in contact with you was very reassuring that everything was working.”

Project Director – Great Manchester Cycle

“The Great Manchester Cycle is a unique event allowing participants the opportunity to cycle on closed roads within one of the UK’s largest cities. The event is a sportive and  not a race, however we wanted to give the participant completely accurate timing of their “ride” time and not their “elapsed” time on the bike during the event. HS Sports were instrumental in developing the timing solution for the cycle event allowing us to offer a market leading results service back to the participants”

Ride Director – The Hell of the Ashdown

“The team were truly superb, they really are a joy to work with and nothing was too much of a problem for them to do. Please pass on our genuine thanks to all of the team for the unfailing help yesterday, we couldn’t run the event without them.”

Ride Director – The Tour of the Cotswolds

“After a great weekend at our event Tour of Cotswolds I just wanted to write a quick note to BC re your preferred supplier of timing systems HS Sports.

From the first contact with Donna, the contract being clearly explained through to the service prior to and on event weekend from my Event Manager the level of service and professionalism has been second to none. As an event organiser you get lots ‘to do’ over the weekend but it was very reassuring to know that HS Sports were covering my event because unless I had a specific question I knew that the timing side of things was in very safe hands. You have chosen well and BC’s good name is in safe hands with HS Sports based on my experience. Thanks for all your support up to and including the event – very successful for all concerned and we have received some cracking feedback from very happy riders.”

Ride Director – Marlow Red Kite Ride

“HS Sports filled a gap when we were let down at short notice by another supplier. Their service was thorough and professional, taking the time to gain a full understanding of our event and what we were expecting from them. They demonstrated great flexibility and the fee we agreed as was very competitive. I have no hesitation in recommending HS Sports to other event organisers seeking chip timing at a competitive price with a professional and friendly service.
We were really happy with the service, and we have to say that it all worked faultlessly. The riders were delighted to receive their times seconds after crossing the finish line of the event! The equipment worked perfectly and your technician gave us great support both before and during the event.”

Project Manager – British Heart Foundation

“Thank you so much for everything you guys did for us, not just over the weekend but in the weeks leading up to the event – you got us out of a couple of tricky situations.  Cannot express how grateful we are that you guys went above and beyond for L2B 2016.”

Event Director – BNY Mellon

“Thank you so much for everything HS Sports did in order to make our Dawn to Dusk charity event such a success. The extra mile you went was hugely appreciated and did not go unnoticed. We very much look forward to working with you again”

Event Organiser – Eden Classic Sportive

“I have used HS Sports for the last two years providing all our necessary timing equipment for the Eden Classic sportive. Everyone I have worked with at HS Sports have been very accommodating and professional. The on the day event managers (not sure what you call them, feel free to amend) have been second to none and I would not hesitate to recommend them to other event directors. We have already booked their services for 2019.”

Race Director – Goring 10k

“After difficulties with chip timing providers in the past we turned to HS Sports two years ago to time our race and we aren’t looking back. They provide a truly professional service. Pre race checking to make sure everything is in place to ensure smooth running on the day and on the race day we can leave them to get on with the job of chip timing, confident that we are in good hands, with results provided quickly and efficiently. It is one less thing for us to have to worry about! Thank you HS Sports for helping to make our race so succesful on the day!”

Race Director – Bolton 10k

“Many thanks to your team for attending today. Your service was spot on as ever. I would just like to thank you again for a grand job”

Race Director – Clough Taylor People’s Run

“HS Sports filled a gap when we were let down at short notice by another supplier. Their service was thorough and professional, taking the time to gain a full understanding of our event and what we were expecting from them. They demonstrated great flexibility and the fee we agreed as was very competitive. I have no hesitation in recommending HS Sports to other event organisers seeking chip timing at a competitive price with a professional and friendly service.”

Volunteer Manager – Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

“We used HS Sports for the first time in 2012 at relatively short notice.  They were incredibly helpful, full of good ideas and showed admirable flexibility when we wished to change things.  Nothing was too much trouble.  On the day of the event they were friendly and efficient and the new chip system we used saved us time and effort over previous years.  We look forward to working with them in future years.”

Chairman – Run to Remember

“We are very happy to recommend HS Sports. Not only do they provide the advertised service, they go above and beyond all expectations in ensuring they play their part in your event being successful. They help find solutions to problems and do everything in a friendly but professional way. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Race Director – Sutton 10k

‘We will definitely use you next year if we organise another race.  Your staff provided an extremely professional and efficient service”

Race Director – Chichester 10k

“Thanks for your excellent support to our event today. Your level of service is a key element of the success of the race and I am extremely grateful for your efforts, support and guidance.

On the day your process just works extremely well and adds significantly to our runners experience of the day”

Contact Us

If you would like to speak with one of the team, why not get in touch using the form below, or by calling us on +44 (0)1260 275708