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