Business School news

Susan Fleet MBE of Lea Graham Associates, has won the University of Sussex Business School sponsored Lifetime Achievement award at The Dynamic Awards 2023, produced by Platinum Media Group.

At the age of thirteen, Susan discovered her passion for the arts and organising events, staging her first charity concert raising money for a local care home. From there on she used her organisation and communication skills to form her career in PR.

In 1986 she set up professional public relations and entertainment service Lea Graham Associates. As one of the oldest PR companies in the country, they provide PR advice, project support, corporate entertainment, and mentoring services, among others.

Susan is also joint vice-chairman of Coro Nuovo, a 50-voice choir, taking music to the community. Over the years Susan raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity by organising and hosting musical events, and in 2015 received the honour of Bright FM Fundraiser of the Year.

Her mentoring work with young people from across the globe has seen great success. Starting in 1991, Susan has offered work placements to more than 20 students from her local secondary school as well as international students, with many going on to have impressive careers. She remains close to many of these students, one even becoming an ‘adopted son’ to her and her late husband Graham.

For the past 15 years Susan has provided free marketing advice to local charities, including St Peter and St James Hospice, and advises the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity on publicity matters. A close friend and PA of the late Dame Vera Lynn, Susan now gives talks about her remarkable legacy, something she would like to continue to do long into her retirement.

She was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours in January 2022 for her services to music, charity, and fundraising.

Winner Susan Fleet said:

“I was delighted to receive an invitation to attend The Dynamic Awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel last month, but not in a million years could I have predicted that I would end up being the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award.

“Throughout the evening I was looking around at numerous businesswomen I like, respect, and admire, so when they were applauding me at the end of the evening, it felt as though I was dreaming.”

The Dynamic Awards, now in its second year, was created to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesswomen across the South East. This year they welcomed entrants from Sussex and Surrey.

The event was held at The Grand Hotel in Brighton on 25 May. Hosted by award winning comedian and writer Jo Caulfield, there were 16 categories including ‘Businesswoman of the Year’, ‘Innovator of the Year’, ‘Best New Business’, and ‘Community Hero’ award, among others.

Debbie Keeling, Professor of Marketing, who presented the award added:

"The Dynamic Awards demonstrate the inspirational achievements and contributions made by women in business across Sussex and Surrey. We are delighted to celebrate and support such transformational role models. Susan Fleet is one such person. A highly deserved winner of the lifetime achievement award who has achieved incredible impact across the region and beyond."