Explore every episode of the podcast Event Matters

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Matt Turner, Founder of Clownfish Events, who started the business at 18, grew it into a multi-million-pound company and, 16 years later, decided to fire himself.

Matt shares how growing up feeling he didn’t fit in led him to build his “own room” through Clownfish, creating a workplace where others could feel accepted and supported. He explains why a strong culture makes commercial sense and how events can help teams reconnect with their company’s purpose.

He also talks openly about the insecurities that business success couldn’t resolve, learning to accept help and recognising when someone else was better placed to lead the company’s next stage of growth.

Expect insights on:

• Building a culture where people belong and can do their best work
• Giving employees the role models and support they need to develop
• How events reconnect colleagues with each other and their company’s purpose
• Why external success doesn’t resolve personal insecurity
• Accepting help through therapy, coaching and mentoring
• Recognising when a growing business needs a different leader
• Finding identity and purpose after stepping away

Matt’s story offers a personal perspective on the relationship between a founder and their business, from the need to prove yourself to becoming comfortable enough to hand over responsibility.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Matt Turner, Founder of Clownfish Events

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt speaks with Simon Woodward, Founder of Polar Bear Live, about finding a niche in event production and building a business through reputation, relationships and a willingness to solve unfamiliar problems.

With more than 30 years in the industry, Simon has developed a specialist role supporting property developers and destinations including Battersea Power Station and Olympia London. He shares how adapting during COVID opened up new opportunities, and why making spaces event ready starts long before the first event.

The conversation also explores Simon’s fascination with emotional intelligence, what he learnt from working with Mike Kershaw and how leaders can create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up.

Expect insights on:

• Finding a niche by understanding your clients’ world and speaking their language
• Designing public spaces for events before costly practical problems arise
• Turning existing skills into new services when your usual work disappears
• Building relationships that lead to recommendations and follow clients as they move
• Balancing a problem-solving instinct with dependable suppliers and stronger processes
• Using AI to save time while keeping a close eye on quality
• Developing emotional intelligence, listening without rushing to judge and making it safe to ask for help

An honest conversation about adapting a business, earning trust and understanding the people you work with.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Simon Woodward, Founder of Polar Bear Live

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Adam Blackwood, Founder of Private Drama Events, who has spent more than 25 years bringing theatrical storytelling to events for leading brands and private clients.

A RADA-trained actor, Adam never planned to build an events business. Performing Shakespeare at corporate dinners led to a partnership with Shakespeare’s Globe and a career creating experiences that make people feel something – and remember it.

From murder mysteries aboard the Belmond British Pullman to opera for Rolex, Adam shares how he finds a story in the client, the venue and the occasion. He also explores the detailed planning, trusted relationships and commercial decisions behind the performance.

Expect insights on:

• Using theatrical storytelling to create memorable events
• Finding creative connections between brands, venues and occasions
• The planning and teamwork behind ambitious live experiences
• Building client trust and delivering when things go wrong
• Using AI while managing expectations and realistic budgets
• Building a creative business that can thrive beyond its founder

Adam offers a vivid look at how imagination, attention to detail and trusted people come together to create experiences guests remember.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Adam Blackwood, Founder of Private Drama Events

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Matt Grey, CEO and Founder of event:decision, to explore what it really means to deliver events responsibly – and why the conversation needs to go much further than carbon and recycling.

After nearly three decades in the events industry, Matt launched event:decision during Covid with a focus on measuring event carbon footprints. Since then, the business has evolved to look at the much bigger picture: environmental impact, social value, governance and the contribution events make to the communities and supply chains around them.

Matt explains why he now prefers to talk about responsibility rather than sustainability, and why agencies shouldn’t wait for clients to ask before taking it seriously. He also challenges an industry built around telling stories to get much better at telling its own – not just through headline economic figures, but through the people, businesses and communities that benefit from events.

Expect insights on:

• Why responsible event delivery goes far beyond carbon and recycling
• The social value events already create and how to measure it
• Why agencies should think about responsibility before their clients ask
• How the events industry can get better at telling the story of its own impact
• Turning surplus event food into something valuable for local communities
• How technology and AI are changing the way event impact is measured
• Why live events remain such a powerful source of human connection in an increasingly digital world

This is a practical and thought-provoking conversation about recognising what events already contribute, finding ways to do it better and giving the industry stronger evidence – and better stories – to show the value it creates.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Matt Grey, Founder and CEO, event:decision

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Lee Clubb-Sansom, CEO of Sarah Haywood Exceptional Celebrations, to explore what it takes to turn a founder-led events company into a business built to last.

Lee’s route into events is far from conventional. Having started his career in luxury retail before moving into the world of floristry with McQueens Flowers, he brought with him experience in people management, operations, finance and high-end service. He explains why those skills have proved so valuable in an events industry where talented people can find themselves running increasingly complex businesses without necessarily having been taught how to do it.

The conversation explores Lee’s move to Sarah Haywood and the work he and Sarah have done to take the company from a business centred around its founder to an employee-owned organisation with a team capable of carrying the brand forward. Lee shares how they built the right team, transferred knowledge, stress-tested the business and gradually reduced its reliance on Sarah without losing the reputation, service or personality she created.

Lee also talks about why emotional intelligence matters so much when delivering highly personal events, what he looks for when recruiting and why some of their strongest hires have come from outside the traditional events world. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on AI, supplier relationships and why the best person for the job isn't always someone who has done exactly the same job before.

Expect insights on:

• What the events industry can learn from luxury retail and other sectors
• Building stronger business skills alongside exceptional event delivery
• Moving from a founder-led company to employee ownership
• Protecting a founder’s legacy while building a brand that can thrive without them at the centre
• Recruiting for attitude, emotional intelligence and transferable skills
• Why service and guest experience sit at the heart of luxury event delivery
• Where AI can improve efficiency – and where Lee believes human judgement still needs to lead
• Creating a culture where employees genuinely take ownership and accountability

Lee’s story is a fascinating example of how an events business can evolve without losing the qualities that made it successful in the first place. It’s a conversation about leadership, people and building something that can continue long beyond its founder.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Lee Clubb-Sansom, CEO, Sarah Haywood Exceptional Celebrations

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Nigel Halliday, Managing Director of Ministry of Colours – a specialist business supplying colour powder for events, schools, charities and communities across the UK.

Nigel’s route into the business was far from planned. After redundancy and a difficult period personally, an unexpected opportunity led him into a business he would eventually reshape around a relatively small part of its original offering: colour powder.

He shares how Ministry of Colours grew from supplying fundraising merchandise to building a focused business around an experience that brings together events, fundraising and fun. As Nigel puts it, they aren’t really selling colour powder – they’re selling the experience that comes with it.

The conversation also explores how Nigel has built a lean business around strong processes, trusted partners and increasing levels of automation. He explains why he believes in giving people responsibility rather than managing every detail, how the team works with the natural seasonality of the business and why technology should take care of repetitive work so people can spend more time on the things that actually move the business forward.

Expect insights on:

• How Nigel rebuilt his career and found an unexpected route into running his own business
• Why Ministry of Colours shifted its focus from general fundraising merchandise to colour events
• How selling an experience rather than simply a product has shaped the business and its marketing
• Why doing fewer things better has been central to the company’s growth
• How empowering people and building good processes can keep a small team effective
• Why partnerships with suppliers, agencies and other specialists are so important for small businesses
• How automation and AI are helping remove repetitive work from customer service and operations
• Why seasonal businesses can benefit from working with their natural peaks rather than fighting them
• The importance of knowing when to outsource and recognising the value of your own time
• Why resilience, asking for help and learning from other people’s mistakes matter when building a business

Nigel’s story offers a different perspective on the events industry, showing what it takes to build a successful product-led event business around a simple idea, strong customer experience and disciplined operations. It’s also a practical look at staying focused, adapting when needed and creating a business that ultimately gives you more choice over how you want to live and work.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Nigel Halliday, Managing Director, Ministry of Colours

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Patricia Lynch, Founder of Senen Event Management, to talk about making the leap from experienced event professional to business owner – and what she has learned in her first two years of running her own company.

After more than 20 years working across events and hospitality in Ireland, Spain and Australia, Patricia decided at 39 that she would rather take the risk than look back and regret never trying. She shares the reality behind that decision, from launching her website and waiting for the phone to ring to building a business that now delivers around 50 events a year.

Patricia explains why reputation and relationships have become her most powerful sources of new business, and how she learned to approach networking as an introvert. She also talks about the challenge of moving from being the person everyone turns to for answers to recognising when you need to ask for help yourself.

The conversation also explores what great event delivery looks like in practice, from creating a seamless attendee experience to building a trusted freelance team, communicating clearly and staying calm when things inevitably don't go to plan.

Expect insights on:

• Making the leap from event professional to business owner
• Building a business through reputation, referrals and relationships
• Why asking for help is an important skill for any entrepreneur
• Creating a better attendee experience through the details that really matter
• Building trust and consistency with a freelance event team
• The importance of communication and contingency planning when things go wrong
• How Patricia uses AI to compete with much larger event businesses
• Why AI could make live events and human connection even more valuable
• Building an international reputation without rushing to build a large team
• Overcoming the fear of failure when starting your own business

Patricia’s story is an open and practical look at what happens when you back your own experience and build a business around it – including the uncertainty, lessons and opportunities that come with doing it for yourself.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Patricia Lynch, Founder, Senen Event Management

In this special episode of Event Matters, David Watt looks back at some of the conversations he has had with event business owners and leaders so far, bringing together the recurring lessons that have emerged around starting, growing and building a business that can last.

Across 16 previous conversations, some surprisingly consistent themes emerge. Few successful event businesses began with a perfectly formed plan, but as those businesses grew, their founders had to change with them – learning to step away from delivery, trust other people with responsibility and build the structure and culture needed to support the next stage of growth.

David also revisits conversations about the realities of building a team in a demanding industry, from creating a culture where people can learn from mistakes to recognising when constantly working harder is no longer sustainable. The episode finishes by looking at technology and AI, and why service, empathy, judgement and human connection remain so important to creating great events.

Expect insights on:

• Why successful event businesses rarely start with a perfect plan
• How the founder's role needs to change as a company grows
• Learning to step away from delivery and trust other people
• What good culture actually looks like inside an event business
• Building a business that doesn't depend on everyone constantly running at full tilt
• Why founders need to create space to focus on the future
• Where technology and AI can add value without replacing the human side of events

Bringing together perspectives from across the Event Matters series, this episode explores what it really takes to build an event business that can grow, evolve and become bigger than the person who started it.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners

Featuring insights from: Lucy Nicholls, Andrew Charlton, Gavin Farley, Chris Lind, Jason Brown, Jennifer Davidson, Holly Faulkner, Craig Mathie, Rita Chandarana, Ben Hardy, Taran O'Doherty, Shea McNelis, Cindy Eisenhuth, Lisa James, Deborah Rey-Burns and Hugo Campbell.

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Hugo Campbell, Co-Founder of Togather, the food and drink specialist behind catering at some of the UK's biggest festivals and live events.

Hugo's journey into events started long before Togather. Growing up in Oxford, he and his childhood friend and future co-founder Digby spent their teenage years chasing free festival tickets, running a music blog and immersing themselves in the world of live events. After moving to London and witnessing the rise of the street food scene first-hand, the pair spotted an opportunity to combine their love of food and events, launching Feast It as a marketplace connecting food traders with private and corporate events. More than a decade later, that business has evolved into Togather, a team of around 65 people delivering food and drink experiences for major festivals including Isle of Wight, Love Supreme and Gala.

The conversation explores how catering has become a central part of the festival experience, why younger generations are placing greater importance on food than ever before and how festivals are increasingly using hospitality to attract and retain attendees. Hugo also shares the lessons learned from scaling a business in the events industry, building trust with suppliers and maintaining quality as the company has grown.

David and Hugo discuss the role of technology in events, including Hugo's conviction that events are one of the most AI-impervious industries there are. While AI can add significant value behind the scenes, he argues that human judgement, creativity and relationships will always remain at the heart of great event experiences.

Expect insights on:

• Turning a teenage obsession with festivals into a fast-growing events business

• Why food has become a key driver of the festival experience

• How great catering can influence ticket sales and attendee retention

• Building trust with suppliers and maintaining quality at scale

• The operational challenge of delivering food and drink experiences for major festivals

• Why Gen Z's relationship with food is changing the events industry

• Creating memorable experiences through local partnerships and unique food concepts

• Where AI can improve event operations and where human judgement remains essential

• Why sustainable growth often comes from patience rather than speed

Hugo's story is a fascinating look at entrepreneurship, live events and the changing role food now plays in creating memorable experiences.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners

Guest: Hugo Campbell, Co-Founder, Togather

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Jennifer Davidson, Founder and CEO of Sleek Events, one of the UK's fastest-growing independent event agencies.

Starting out as a freelance event manager with no grand plan to build a business, Jennifer has grown Sleek into a company approaching £50 million in turnover while staying fiercely committed to its independence, its people and its values. Rather than chasing rapid growth at any cost, Jennifer has built a business where culture comes first, clients become long-term partners and success is measured by the opportunities created for the team.

Jennifer shares the leadership principles that have shaped Sleek's journey, from turning down high-value clients who weren't the right fit to creating a workplace where employees genuinely want to spend time together. She also reflects on the importance of self-development, protecting company culture as you scale and why building a business for the long term means making difficult decisions today.

Expect insights on:

• Building a values-led culture that people genuinely want to protect
• Why saying no to the wrong clients can be the best commercial decision
• Creating long-term partnerships instead of chasing short-term wins
• Leading a growing business without losing sight of your people
• Balancing ambitious growth with independence and long-term thinking
• How personal development shapes better leadership
• Why culture should be measured by actions, not words
• The lessons Jennifer has learned from scaling one of the UK's fastest-growing event agencies

Jennifer's story is a powerful reminder that sustainable success isn't built through relentless growth alone. It's built by investing in people, staying true to your values and creating a business that everyone is proud to be part of.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Jennifer Davidson, Founder & CEO, Sleek Events

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Shea McNelis, Co-Founder of Integrity Security, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing event security businesses.

What began as a bold decision to launch a new company in the middle of the Covid shutdown has grown into a business trusted to secure some of Ireland’s largest public events, including St Patrick’s Festival, major sporting fixtures and large-scale music festivals.

But this conversation is about much more than security.

Shea shares how his background in event promotion shaped his belief that security should be customer-focused, welcoming and built on trust rather than intimidation. He explains why culture and values have been central to Integrity’s rapid growth, how the business has prioritised staff retention in an industry known for high turnover, and why familiar faces and consistent service matter so much to event organisers.

The discussion also explores what happened when Shea stepped away from the business for more than two months to travel with his family, the lessons he learned about trust, delegation and founder dependency, and how the experience changed his perspective on leadership and growth.

Away from the events industry, Shea reveals his long-standing passion for music, from managing chart-topping artists to launching a new music development label focused on nurturing emerging talent.

Expect insights on:

• Building a values-led business in a highly demanding industry

• Why customer experience starts with the first person attendees meet

• Creating a culture of trust, accountability and professionalism

• The importance of staff retention and career development in events

• Managing risk, crowd safety and large-scale public events

• Letting go as a founder and building a business that can operate without you

• Why work-life balance matters, even during periods of rapid growth

• Following passions outside the day job and the lessons creativity can teach business leaders

This episode is a fascinating conversation about leadership, trust and building a business with purpose. Shea’s story offers a refreshing reminder that sustainable growth starts with people, culture and having the confidence to step back and let others succeed.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners

Guest: Shea McNelis, Co-Founder, Integrity Security

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Craig Mathie, Co-Founder of Project 30 – an event production and project management business delivering work across some of the UK’s biggest sporting, cultural and brand-led events.

Craig’s route into the industry began at Bournemouth Sevens, where he worked his way from the bottom of the ladder to Managing Director under the mentorship of entrepreneur Dodge Woodall. That experience shaped not only his understanding of events, leadership and commercial delivery, but also his belief in culture, teamwork and backing young talent.

But this conversation goes far deeper than operations and production. Craig speaks openly about the personal journey that led to the creation of Project 30, including his struggles with sexuality, mental health and the counselling process that ultimately changed his life. What emerged from that period was not only a new sense of self, but also a business built around authenticity, people and purpose.

The discussion explores the realities of scaling a modern events business, why small teams can outperform much larger organisations and how Project 30 has built a reputation for delivering major projects across events including Glastonbury, the Ryder Cup, Henley Royal Regatta and the Champions League Final.

Craig also shares his thoughts on leadership, culture and the future of the events industry, particularly the importance of creating environments where younger generations genuinely want to work and grow.

Expect insights on:

• Why authenticity has become one of the most valuable assets in modern business
• The lessons learned from growing up professionally at Bournemouth Sevens
• How counselling and self-development shaped the creation of Project 30
• Why culture and team dynamics matter so much in high-pressure event environments
• The importance of balancing commercial thinking with operational delivery
• How small teams can outperform much larger agencies when trust and accountability are right
• Why live events will become even more important in an increasingly digital world
• The challenges and realities of scaling an independent events business
• Creating a workplace culture that supports wellbeing, family life and long-term growth
• Why enjoying the process matters just as much as achieving the outcome

This episode is an honest and thoughtful conversation about leadership, identity, resilience and what it really takes to build a business people want to be part of. Craig’s openness, ambition and belief in the power of people make this one of the most personal and insightful conversations on Event Matters so far.

Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners
Guest: Craig Mathie, Co-Founder, Project 30

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. 

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, 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

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 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 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 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 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 

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