Advertise on podcast: Event Matters

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 eventsFinding creative connections between brands, venues and occasionsThe planning and teamwork behind ambitious live experiencesBuilding client trust and delivering when things go wrongUsing AI while managing expectations and realistic budgetsBuilding a creative business that can thrive beyond its founderAdam 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 recyclingThe social value events already create and how to measure itWhy agencies should think about responsibility before their clients askHow the events industry can get better at telling the story of its own impactTurning surplus event food into something valuable for local communitiesHow technology and AI are changing the way event impact is measuredWhy live events remain such a powerful source of human connection in an increasingly digital worldThis 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 sectorsBuilding stronger business skills alongside exceptional event deliveryMoving from a founder-led company to employee ownershipProtecting a founder’s legacy while building a brand that can thrive without them at the centreRecruiting for attitude, emotional intelligence and transferable skillsWhy service and guest experience sit at the heart of luxury event deliveryWhere AI can improve efficiency – and where Lee believes human judgement still needs to leadCreating a culture where employees genuinely take ownership and accountabilityLee’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 businessWhy Ministry of Colours shifted its focus from general fundraising merchandise to colour eventsHow selling an experience rather than simply a product has shaped the business and its marketingWhy doing fewer things better has been central to the company’s growthHow empowering people and building good processes can keep a small team effectiveWhy partnerships with suppliers, agencies and other specialists are so important for small businessesHow automation and AI are helping remove repetitive work from customer service and operationsWhy seasonal businesses can benefit from working with their natural peaks rather than fighting themThe importance of knowing when to outsource and recognising the value of your own timeWhy resilience, asking for help and learning from other people’s mistakes matter when building a businessNigel’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 ownerBuilding a business through reputation, referrals and relationshipsWhy asking for help is an important skill for any entrepreneurCreating a better attendee experience through the details that really matterBuilding trust and consistency with a freelance event teamThe importance of communication and contingency planning when things go wrongHow Patricia uses AI to compete with much larger event businessesWhy AI could make live events and human connection even more valuableBuilding an international reputation without rushing to build a large teamOvercoming the fear of failure when starting your own businessPatricia’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 planHow the founder's role needs to change as a company growsLearning to step away from delivery and trust other peopleWhat good culture actually looks like inside an event businessBuilding a business that doesn't depend on everyone constantly running at full tiltWhy founders need to create space to focus on the futureWhere technology and AI can add value without replacing the human side of eventsBringing 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 protectWhy saying no to the wrong clients can be the best commercial decisionCreating long-term partnerships instead of chasing short-term winsLeading a growing business without losing sight of your peopleBalancing ambitious growth with independence and long-term thinkingHow personal development shapes better leadershipWhy culture should be measured by actions, not wordsThe lessons Jennifer has learned from scaling one of the UK's fastest-growing event agenciesJennifer'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 businessThe lessons learned from growing up professionally at Bournemouth SevensHow counselling and self-development shaped the creation of Project 30Why culture and team dynamics matter so much in high-pressure event environmentsThe importance of balancing commercial thinking with operational deliveryHow small teams can outperform much larger agencies when trust and accountability are rightWhy live events will become even more important in an increasingly digital worldThe challenges and realities of scaling an independent events businessCreating a workplace culture that supports wellbeing, family life and long-term growthWhy enjoying the process matters just as much as achieving the outcomeThis 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 experienceBuilding a business around relationships, not transactionsEmbracing constant change as a strategic advantagePrioritising company culture and core values in scalingOperating with lean capital by reinvesting and avoiding external debtLong-term thinking as a driver of sustained innovation and differentiationThe 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 excellenceThe pivotal shift from doing to leading when stepping into her CEO roleBuilding a culture based on values like kindness, loyalty, and excellenceThe importance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability in leadershipLisa’s insights on mentoring, giving back, and the power of positive conversationsNavigating motherhood, menopause, and health challenges in the workplaceThe role of trust, communication, and creating safe environments for teams and clientsHow her experience with travel, languages, and cultural exposure enriches her event creationFuture 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 deliveryBuilding and maintaining long-term client relationships through meticulous planning and trustLeadership, team culture, and the importance of attitude in event executionAdapting systems and frameworks for global, diverse venuesTraining, onboarding, and fostering passion among young industry professionalsLessons learned from working at iconic restaurants with legendary chefsThe significance of consistent communication and boundary-setting with clientsThe role of storytelling, body language, and guest experience in creating memorable eventsThis 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.