Welcome to the very first episode of Event Matters from Kershaw Partners.

In this opening conversation, David Watt, Mike Kershaw and Richard Dean share stories from forty years in the events industry. From Ryder Cup meltdowns to boardroom breakthroughs, they explore what really happens behind the scenes of running and growing event businesses.

It is a mix of hard-won lessons, gentle ribbing and honest reflection on how the industry has evolved from phone boxes and fax machines to post COVID reinvention. They discuss why events matter more than ever, what has changed since the pandemic, and how experience often just means learning things the hard way.

Expect humour, perspective and a few confessions from three people who have seen it all and still love the game. For event founders and business leaders who want clarity, confidence and a few good stories along the way.

Host: David Watt
Guest: Mike Kershaw
Guest: Richard Dean

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt and Mike Kershaw are joined by Chris Lind, Founder and CEO of Shore Events, a 20 person events agency built on clarity, consistency and genuine care for the people who keep it moving.

Chris shares how the company grew from a kitchen table idea into a respected events business, and why putting wellbeing and culture at the centre has helped the team remain steady in an industry known for pressure, long hours and constant change.

Together they explore what it really takes to build an agency with staying power. Chris talks candidly about the lessons he has learned through growth, the challenges of leadership, and the practical choices that have helped Shore Events maintain resilience year after year.

Expect thoughtful insights on:

• How a focus on mental health and honesty creates long term stability
 • What a healthy agency culture looks like behind the scenes
 • The realities of leading a small but growing team through stressful periods
 • Why transparency still wins trust with global clients
 • How to create an environment where people can perform without burning out

Chris’s story shows that sustainable success in events comes from looking after people, setting clear expectations and building a culture that supports resilience at every level.

Host: David Watt, Partners at Kershaw Partners
Host: Mike Kershaw, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Chris Lind, Founder and CEO of Shore Events

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Simran Whitham, founder of FORMAT Group - now one of the world’s largest games industry nightlife festivals and a thriving creative events movement.

Simran shares his remarkable journey from hosting a one-off games event as a 19-year-old student in Manchester to leading award-winning festivals, TEDx conferences, and global brand experiences. At the heart of his story is a deep belief that events are powerful community conduits - spaces where people connect, collaborate, and find belonging.

Expect an inspiring and honest conversation that explores:

• The importance of community in an increasingly disconnected world
• How Manchester’s creative culture shaped Simran’s entrepreneurial spirit
• The lessons learned from chaos, crisis, and last-minute saves
• Building a company culture based on kindness, transparency, and trust
• Using AI and technology to streamline - without losing the human touch
• Why Format isn’t just an events company, but a movement

Simran’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose - proof that greatness really can grow from the smallest beginnings. Listen now to hear how he’s redefining what events can mean for people, communities, and the industry as a whole.

Host: David Watt, Partner - Kershaw Partners
Guest: Simran Whitham, Founder - Format Group 

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Lucy Nicholls, Founder and Creative Director of The PS Event Group - an imagination-led experience company known for blending theatre, psychology and commercial thinking to create live experiences that truly move people.

Lucy began her career on the West End and Broadway before turning her performer's instinct into the foundation of a business that has grown quietly, organically and entirely through reputation for more than 15 years. Today, PS Event Group is one of the industry’s best kept secrets - trusted by venues, agencies and global brands to help them reimagine what an experience can be.

Lucy shares how her theatrical roots shaped her philosophy on events - not as logistics or schedules, but as emotionally engineered journeys. She explains why the ability to read a room, react in real time and design for feeling is what distinguishes an impactful experience from a forgettable one.

The conversation explores how she built a culture based on integrity, emotional intelligence and craft. Lucy speaks candidly about learning to let go, building a senior leadership team to balance her creativity, and why protecting mental health and boundaries is essential for sustainable success in this industry.

Expect thoughtful insights on:

• Why designing events should start with emotion, not format
• The role of “performer’s intelligence” in delivering experiences that genuinely move people
• How to blend creativity, psychology, design and commercial strategy
• What it takes to build a business purely on reputation and trust
• Why wellbeing, boundaries and culture are non-negotiable in the events world
• How consultancy is helping venues and agencies reimagine the art of the possible

Lucy’s story reminds us that events are not just about production, tech or timelines - they are about understanding humans, crafting moments and making people feel something real.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Lucy Nicholls, Founder & Creative Director, PS Event Group

In this festive episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Kershaw Partners, Mike Kershaw and Richard Dean, for a brilliantly honest (and often very funny) look at what’s really going on inside event businesses as we wrap up the year.

Together, they dig into why so many SME leaders feel overwhelmed, underconfident or unsure what’s actually causing the challenges in their business – even when things are going well on the surface. From the endless plate-spinning of agency life to the quiet panic that comes from comparing yourself to everyone else on LinkedIn, the trio explore the very real reasons event business owners struggle to diagnose their own problems.

They also talk about the moment everything changes: when you finally step back, look at the business clearly, and realise the situation isn’t half as dire as it felt. With some perspective, a solid plan and a bit of structured thinking, things suddenly feel far more achievable – and far less chaotic.

And because it's the Christmas edition, you’ll also hear stories from the glory days of the events industry: cloakroom catastrophes, hay bales, questionable safety practices and the kind of tales that prove events people have always thrived on a healthy mix of resilience and ridiculousness. They also reflect on how the Christmas party scene has evolved into something a little smaller, a little safer, and thankfully a lot less flammable.

Expect fun, relatable and practical insights on:

• Why event business owners often can’t see the real issues (even when they’re staring right at them)
• How imposter syndrome creeps in, even when the numbers say you’re doing great
• The magic that happens when ambition turns into an actual plan
• How “franchise thinking” can bring surprising calm to a chaotic industry
• Why hiring well matters – and why hiring in a hurry rarely ends well
• The often-overlooked power of existing clients (and why founders are always the best salespeople)
• What remote working has done to collaboration, culture and spontaneous genius
• And of course… how Christmas parties have changed since the days of 1,000-person bashes and unlimited everything

This episode is warm, funny and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from decades in the events industry. It’s a reminder that while the work may be unpredictable, running a business doesn’t have to feel like a live event on the brink of going rogue.

Hosts:

David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Mike Kershaw, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Richard Dean, Partner at Kershaw Partners

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt and Mike Kershaw are joined by Rita Chandarana, Founder of Eventologists – a creative events company built on grit, passion and a relentless commitment to delivering the beautiful.

Rita shares her remarkable journey from stepping in to rescue her family’s struggling wedding business, to building Eventologists into an agency known for immersive experiences, emotional impact and gold-standard delivery – whether it's 13 tablecloths or a full venue takeover.

Together they explore how the world of events is changing fast, and why businesses that want to thrive must rethink not just how events look, but how they feel. Rita discusses the shift from traditional corporate parties to immersive celebrations, how audiences now expect theatre, meaning and connection, and what it takes to build a team that embodies craft, integrity and adaptability.

Expect honest and practical insights on:

• Why immersive and meaningful experiences are redefining modern events
• Leading with grit, loyalty and integrity in a fast-changing industry
• Building teams with muscle memory, ownership and a no-blame mindset
• Overcoming imposter syndrome – and finding confidence through service
• The role of reputation, consistency and emotional delivery in long-term growth

Rita’s story is one of resilience, adaptability and building a business one beautiful event at a time. Her perspective reminds us that success doesn’t come from perfection, but from purpose, passion and the courage to evolve.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Host: Mike Kershaw, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Rita Chandarana, Founder of Eventologists

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Holly Faulkner, Co-Founder of Purple Patch Group and Presentation Experts – two businesses built on one core belief: great events and presentations don’t just look good, they make people feel confident, clear and ready to shine.

Holly shares how presentations became their secret doorway to long-term event clients – and why making people look good on stage is often the most powerful business strategy of all. She explains how design, storytelling and event delivery all come together to help clients connect with their audience – whether that's a boardroom of 10 or a ballroom of 500.

The discussion explores culture, process and what it takes to build a business for the long term. Holly talks openly about running remote teams, planning for the unexpected and why ‘good enough’ is never good enough when your job is to help people show up at their best.

Expect insights on:

• How presentations became a gateway to deeper event partnerships
• Why delighting the client still beats marketing and cold outreach
• How design and storytelling can help presenters feel more confident
• Why clarity and trust are essential for leading creative and remote teams
• Why process, backup planning and culture drive event performance

Holly’s story reminds us that the best events don’t just run smoothly - they make people feel seen, prepared and proud to be on stage.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Holly Faulkner, Co-Founder, Purple Patch Group & Presentation Experts

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Ben Hardy, Managing Director of Richmond Event Management, to explore what leadership really looks like when you are responsible for delivering complex, high-visibility events at scale.

Ben brings a delivery-led perspective shaped by years of running large public events across the UK, where planning, safety, stakeholders and scrutiny collide. The conversation centres on a simple but often overlooked truth in the events industry: experience does not remove uncertainty, it simply changes how leaders carry it.

Together, they reflect on the quiet pressure that sits behind successful delivery. Ben talks openly about the weight of responsibility, the loneliness that can come with senior roles and the judgement calls leaders are required to make without perfect information. From safety planning and traffic management to managing teams through long delivery cycles, the discussion stays grounded in the realities event leaders recognise every day.

The conversation also explores partnership and sustainability, not as values statements but as operational necessities. Ben shares why strong relationships with clients, suppliers and authorities are essential to delivery, and why looking after people is not a wellbeing initiative but a prerequisite for consistent performance.

Technology features as an enabler rather than a solution. Ben explains how tools can create clarity and free up thinking time, but never replace leadership judgment, experience or human connection.

This episode is a calm, honest reflection on leadership endurance in the events industry. It offers reassurance to experienced leaders who still feel the weight of decision-making, and a reminder that confidence is built over time, not in the absence of uncertainty.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Ben Hardy, Managing Director, Richmond Event Management

In this January edition of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Kershaw Partners, Mike Kershaw and Richard Dean, for an honest but optimistic conversation about what the coming year will bring for the events industry.

2025 marked a challenging year for events, and a noticeable strain has been felt across the sector. Despite this, Kershaw Partners are excited for what's to come. In this discussion they tackle some of the challenges facing events businesses, what 2026 will bring for the industry, and how business owners can best use the quieter months to prepare for busy periods later in the year.

They dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI adoption, reminding business leaders of the need to invest in upskilling their people, even with shiny new technology available. The trio reflects on different use cases for AI and asks the question – what does an increasingly online and AI-powered world mean for the future of events?  

With a new year upon us, this episode offers a practical and insightful look at the current event landscape, and offers actionable ideas for business leaders to make the best of 2026. 

Expect key takeaways about:

• How to use the quieter months of the year to prepare for busy periods
• The pros and cons of AI adoption
• Not neglecting your people when investing in new technology
• How teams and all levels benefit from mentoring and the experience of others
• Why defining a clear business vision is key to success
• The importance of surrounding yourself with good people

In this episode of Events Matters, David Watt speaks with Andrew Charlton, Founder and CEO of Hashtag Events, exploring his unique journey from the legal profession to becoming a prominent figure in the events industry. 

Andrew reflects candidly on the challenges of the 2007 financial crash and reality of losing key clients overnight. Following this experience, and having identified a need for informal but focused networking spaces, he went on to organise the North East's first business expo. 

Andrew emphasises the importance of networking, community building, and leveraging technology in the events space. He talks openly about the growth of his business, the balance between work and personal life, and his vision for the future, including the integration of AI and innovative solutions for small businesses.

Expect insights on:

• How community engagement drives event success
• Why surrounding yourself with better people is essential for growth
• The importance of learning from failures and mistakes
• Why building a strong brand identity is vital for success
• Why continuous innovation is necessary to stay relevant

This is a grounded conversation about the reality of entrepreneurship in the events industry – the highs, lows, and the eureka moments that make it so worthwhile. Andrew's story is full of inspiring takeaways for event founders looking ahead to the future.

 In this episode, Cindy Eisenhuth shares her extraordinary transition from London's high-end restaurant scene to managing some of the world's most prestigious air shows and events. After moving across the world from Australia to the UK, she joined London at the height of a culinary boom. Having opened multiple restaurants, worked under the leadership of Gordon Ramsay, and soaked up every bit of the premium hospitality sector, Cindy went on to establish her own company, CLE, delivering events across the globe. In this episode, she reveals how her meticulous hospitality background has fuelled success in the demanding world of international event management.

Expect insights on:

• The influence of high-end hospitality standards on event delivery
• Building and maintaining long-term client relationships through meticulous planning and trust
• Leadership, team culture, and the importance of attitude in event execution
• Adapting systems and frameworks for global, diverse venues
• Training, onboarding, and fostering passion among young industry professionals
• Lessons learned from working at iconic restaurants with legendary chefs
• The significance of consistent communication and boundary-setting with clients
• The role of storytelling, body language, and guest experience in creating memorable events

This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, quality, and passion from a true industry stalwart. Cindy’s stories are the ultimate examples of excellence and resilience. 

In this engaging conversation, Jason Mulhall, founder of Karnival, shares his unique journey from law to banking and consultancy to the vibrant world of street food and events. He discusses the important role that consultancy skills have played in running a successful business, the logistics of managing street food events, and the significance of food in corporate culture. Jason also reflects on the future growth of Karnival, the challenges and opportunities in the food landscape, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Jason shares his perspective on getting into entrepreneurship young: the value of having fewer responsibilities and the importance of seizing the opportunity to try while you can. In the current landscape, he outlines why even a brief time spent taking risks and exploring entrepreneurship will benefit your future career, wherever you might end up. Expect a true peek behind the curtain at running an events business, topped off with our signature rapid-fire round.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of following a passion, even if it takes you an unconventional route
• Why consultancy skills, such as attention to detail and presentation, are crucial in business
• Having a thorough selection process and onboarding when establishing partnerships is essential for success
• The significant role food plays in enhancing corporate culture and employee satisfaction
• The struggles of rising costs and reduced consumer spending in the food industry
• Why it is so important to take risks in entrepreneurship while you have fewer personal responsibilities

In this episode of Event Matters, Joanna Andrews shares her journey from a successful performing artist to the founder of Charm Productions, an event business that specialises in unique entertainment experiences.

After an injury put an end to her career as a professional dancer, Joanna decided to create the company she needed: an entertainment business providing work to performers between contracts. 

In this discussion, Joanna shares the challenges she faced, the importance of adaptability in both performance and business, and how asking for help allowed her to build a loyal team around her. She emphasises the significance of personal connections and testimonials as a business tool, and shares her thoughts on the role of AI in the creative industry. Joanna's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion in business.

Expect key insights about:

• The importance of adaptability in performance and business.
• Why building a loyal team is crucial for success.
• The importance of business processes and systems, and why a simple solution is enough.
• The power of marketing through personal connections, human stories and testimonials.
• Why AI may be useful as a business assistant, but cannot replace the human touch in creativity.
• The importance of asking for help.

In this episode of the Event Matters podcast, Jason Brown, Founder and CEO of Technical Solutions, shares his unconventional journey into the events industry. He discusses the impact of ADHD on his career, the importance of a client-first business model, and the evolution from a hands-on operator to a CEO. 

Navigating a unique trajectory from the military to freelancing to running a business, Jason has learned first-hand the value of strong communication within a team. He emphasises the significance of workplace culture, mentorship, and the need to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. David and Jason’s conversation also touches on the challenges of generational differences in the workplace, and the strategies that have helped overcome them.

Jason speaks candidly about his battle to achieve work-life balance, and the challenges of being a dad while scaling a business. His supportive team, mentors and openness to adopting new technology has been instrumental in this. As a CEO with both ADHD and dyslexia, Jason shares how AI and project management tools have leveled up organisation, client communications and tender applications, allowing for enhanced accuracy and efficiency across the business.

Key takeaways include:

• How ADHD can be a secret weapon when pursuing passions
• The power of a customer-first approach over a profit-first one
• The mindset shift required to transition from operator to CEO
• Why building a strong team culture is essential for business success
• Tailored communication as a solution to generational differences in the workplace
• The benefits of mentorship and mastermind groups for personal and business growth
• Why we should be inspiring young people to pursue entrepreneurship

Deborah Rey-Burns' unique journey from finance to art to founding Propeller showcases a radical approach to sourcing and shaping speakers who cut through the noise. She’s built an industry niche, representing future-facing thinkers in technology, creativity, and culture, by challenging industry norms and emphasising genuine impact over mere presentation. In this conversation, we learn how Deborah cultivates extraordinary speaker briefs, challenges assumptions about what makes a compelling talk, and leverages unconventional expertise to create sessions that truly land: from a World Champion shooter sleeping in firing ranges to a cyborg artist seeing sound. 

Key Takeaways:

- Diversity as a Strategic Asset in Speaker Selection 

- Systems Thinking as a Differentiator in an Opaque Industry

- The Power of Authentic Storytelling in Event Impact

- De-Risking Through Curated Expertise and Selectivity

- The Hidden Value of Active, Multichannel Relationship Building

- Intentionally Designing Overwhelm to Build Buyer Trust 

- The Future of Event Content Lies in Precision and Tangible Takeaways

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Gavin Farley, Founder and CEO of asembl.group – a fast-growing events ecosystem built on entrepreneurial instinct, resilience and a relentless drive to challenge the traditional agency model.

Gavin shares his journey from promoting nightclub events on the South Coast in the 1990s to building a business that now spans event agencies, venue sourcing, logistics, storage and international expansion. What began with hustle, flyers and a passion for bringing people together has evolved into one of the most ambitious integrated event groups in the UK.

The conversation explores how Gavin’s early experiences in incentive travel shaped his understanding of events, why he always knew he wanted to build something of his own, and how a health scare in his twenties became the catalyst for starting his first business. David and Gavin also discuss the lessons learned through COVID, why the pandemic became a moment of reinvention rather than survival, and how asembl.group was created from a desire to rethink what an event business could become.

Expect insights on:

• Why entrepreneurial instinct and self-belief matter more than having a perfect plan
 • How COVID became the catalyst for reinventing the business model
 • The thinking behind building an event ecosystem instead of a standalone agency
 • Spotting opportunities by solving operational frustrations for clients
 • Why live events remain one of the most powerful forms of human connection
 • Scaling businesses while maintaining founder energy and ambition
 • The realities of risk, resilience and building something from nothing

Gavin’s story is one of ambition, adaptability and constantly looking beyond the traditional boundaries of the events industry. His perspective offers a fascinating look at what modern event businesses could become when growth, innovation and ecosystem thinking all come together.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Gavin Farley, Founder and CEO of asembl.group

Taran O’Doherty’s journey from teenage dreamer to thriving business owner proves success is built on adaptability, grit, and clear values. 

In this candid conversation, Taran shares how he and his partner Ben transformed a small furniture hire startup into a multi-million-pound operation without external funding or experience, relying instead on street smarts, relentless reinvestment, and a refusal to accept “no” as an answer. In this episode, we break down their bold strategies, including opening 7 days a week, negotiating everything from van rentals to contracts, and prioritising relationships over purely transactional dealings. 

Taran shares the importance of intuition, trust, and staying true to core values in a rapidly changing industry, plus how AI’s emerging role can streamline operations and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking for motivation to keep going, this episode is a blueprint for resilient, meaningful success. 

Key Takeaways:

• The power of unstructured intuition over formal experience
• Building a business around relationships, not transactions
• Embracing constant change as a strategic advantage
• Prioritising company culture and core values in scaling
• Operating with lean capital by reinvesting and avoiding external debt
• Long-term thinking as a driver of sustained innovation and differentiation
• The importance of personal well-being and authenticity in leadership

For more information about Club Altura, the new community for event business leaders, click here - https://kershawpartners.co.uk/club-altura/

Lisa James, founder of the Wentworth Collective is known for her 30 years in hospitality, high-end event creation, and her candid insights on leadership, wellbeing, and cultural transformation. In this episode, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from a travel-obsessed airline baby to a leader who champions positivity, strong values, and authentic relationships in the events industry. Discover how her early experiences shaped her approach to leadership, client service, and supporting her team, alongside her honest insights on motherhood, menopause, and mental wellbeing. We discuss:

• How growing up as an airline child influenced Lisa's passion for hospitality and service excellence
• The pivotal shift from doing to leading when stepping into her CEO role
• Building a culture based on values like kindness, loyalty, and excellence
• The importance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability in leadership
• Lisa’s insights on mentoring, giving back, and the power of positive conversations
• Navigating motherhood, menopause, and health challenges in the workplace
• The role of trust, communication, and creating safe environments for teams and clients
• How her experience with travel, languages, and cultural exposure enriches her event creation
• Future ambitions, including consulting, public speaking, and mentoring

 Whether you’re scaling a business or seeking a fresh perspective on how positivity and relationships fuel success, Lisa’s powerful stories and expert advice are your blueprint for making an impact both personally and professionally.