A support stand (10) for supporting a plurality of cable reels (26) includes a base (11) and opposed walls (14 and 15) hinged to the base (11) for movement between erect 'operative' positions and transport positions folded flat with the base (11). The upper edges (21) of the walls (14 and 15) are formed with notches (22, 23 and 24) in which the ends of spindles (25) are releasably fitted, the reels (26) being mounted on the spindles (25). A handle (28) may be provided for rotating a spindle (25) which may carry a pair of discs (42 and 43) movable into gripping engagement with a reel (26). The discs (42 and 43) may carry dome-shaped friction pads (44 and 45) which have a centering action on a reel (26) which they engage.