Event Matters

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.