Event Matters

Kershaw Partners
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Welcome to the Event Matters Podcast, a new podcast from Kershaw Partners about the realities of running, growing and scaling event businesses today.  Hosted by David Watt, each episode keeps things open, honest and practical so you walk away with ideas you can use the same week.   Expect straight-talking updates on the market, candid conversations with expert leaders from across venues, agencies, caterers and suppliers and the wider industry, plus valuable insights and advice you can implement within your own business.

  1. 3d ago

    Food, Festivals and the Most AI-Resistant Industry of All with 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

    Food, Festivals and the Most AI-Resistant Industry of All with Hugo Campbell

  2. Jul 8

    Building a Business People Never Want to Leave with Jennifer Davidson

    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

    Building a Business People Never Want to Leave with Jennifer Davidson

  3. Jun 24

    The Power of Culture, Consistency and Customer Experience with Shea McNelis

    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

    The Power of Culture, Consistency and Customer Experience with Shea McNelis

  4. Jun 17

    A Personal Journey Through Events, Leadership and Identity with Craig Mathie

    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

    A Personal Journey Through Events, Leadership and Identity with Craig Mathie

  5. Jun 10

    Building an Event Ecosystem, Not Just an Agency with Gavin Farley

    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

    Building an Event Ecosystem, Not Just an Agency with Gavin Farley

  6. Apr 22

    Embracing Intuitive Leadership with Taran O’Doherty

    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/

    Embracing Intuitive Leadership with Taran O’Doherty

  7. Apr 8

    Leading with Positivity and Purpose with Lisa James

    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.

    Leading with Positivity and Purpose with Lisa James

  8. Mar 26

    Unlocking Cutting-Edge Event Speakers with Deborah Rey-Burns

    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

    Unlocking Cutting-Edge Event Speakers with Deborah Rey-Burns
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About

Welcome to the Event Matters Podcast, a new podcast from Kershaw Partners about the realities of running, growing and scaling event businesses today.  Hosted by David Watt, each episode keeps things open, honest and practical so you walk away with ideas you can use the same week.   Expect straight-talking updates on the market, candid conversations with expert leaders from across venues, agencies, caterers and suppliers and the wider industry, plus valuable insights and advice you can implement within your own business.

Information

  • Creator
    Kershaw Partners
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Event Matters
  • Show Website
    Event Matters