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