Dragon’s Den star headlines Women in Leadership event at Brighton’s i360

Taking place on Wednesday 13 November 2025, 8–11am, at Brighton’s i360, this free, public event brings together three leading women in business: Sarah Willingham, entrepreneur, former Dragon’s Den dragon, and new owner of the i360; Liz Beck, founder & CEO of AspiringHR; and Susannah Atherton, Managing Director of the English Soap Company.

Run by the University of Brighton in partnership with Dynamic Magazine, the session – called Future Female Leaders – is designed to give attendees a front-row view of the real stories behind successful women in business.

In addition to inspiring insights, the event provides an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, make new business connections, and exchange ideas with peers and mentors in a supportive environment. Places are limited and can be booked by emailing: info@platinummediagroup.co.uk. 

The line-up includes:

• Sarah Willingham – Entrepreneur, former Dragon’s Den star, and new owner of the i360. Sarah has successfully founded and scaled multiple businesses across hospitality and retail.

• Liz Beck – Leadership Coach and Founder and ex-CEO of AspiringHR Ltd, providing innovative HR, culture, engagement and development support solutions and guidance to small and growing businesses.

• Susannah Atherton – Managing Director of the English Soap Company, leading the brand’s growth in sustainable personal care products.

From high-pressure boardrooms to running pioneering companies, the speakers will share their experiences, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons that shaped their careers. The event will include a Q+A session and networking in the i360 pod, 450 feet above Brighton’s seafront, giving attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the speakers and each other.

Sarah Willingham said: “Hosting female leaders at such an iconic venue as the i360 is personally very meaningful to me, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to showcase both the incredible hospitality and the venue at its finest. I often share my own journey through business, and being able to do so with the aim of inspiring and empowering others is a fantastic step forward for the Brighton & Hove business community.”

Naomi Spence, Marketing Management BSc(Hons) student at the University of Brighton and Education Officer at Brighton Students’ Union, will chair the session, supporting conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership today. Naomi’s involvement underscores the university’s commitment to providing students with valuable professional connections and networking opportunities.

Naomi Spence

Naomi said: “I’m really excited to be chairing the Future Female Leaders event. As a sabbatical officer and someone who’s passionate about public speaking, it’s such a great opportunity to be part of a panel with some incredible women. It’s brilliant to see the university backing events like this; not just talking about student leadership, but creating space for it, especially in areas we care deeply about.”

The event is sponsored by the Help to Grow: Management Course, a government-backed initiative supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing critical leadership skills.

The session forms part of the university’s School of Business and Law’s Women in Leadership series – underscoring the university’s commitment to supporting women in business, amplifying female voices, and providing students and the wider community with the tools to succeed as authentic and resilient leaders.

To book your place, please contact: info@platinummediagroup.co.uk.