From maternity leave to major milestones: Prior Media & Marketing celebrates triple awards recognition

Sussex-based PR and marketing agency Prior Media & Marketing is celebrating another milestone after being shortlisted for Best New Business at the Sussex Business Awards 2026, bringing its total award nominations this year to three.

The latest recognition follows the agency's recent success at the Brighton & Hove Business Awards, where it was named a finalist in both the Best New Business and Small Business of the Year categories.

Founded in 2022 by Stephanie Prior, Prior Media & Marketing has continued to establish itself within Sussex's business community, delivering strategic marketing, public relations, content creation and brand communications for a growing portfolio of clients.

Despite a year of change, including Stephanie taking maternity leave following the birth of her son, the agency has retained all its long-standing clients while continuing to attract new business.

Andy Stenning, Marketing Director at Prior Media & Marketing, said: "To receive three award nominations in one year is an amazing achievement, particularly for a relatively young business. Prior Media & Marketing was established in 2022, and since then we've worked incredibly hard to build lasting relationships, deliver results and grow our reputation.

"It's been a particularly important year for the business, and these nominations have given us a real confidence boost. We're incredibly grateful to the judges for recognising what we're building and to our clients for their continued support."

For founder Stephanie Prior, the nominations carry additional personal significance following a year in which she has embraced motherhood alongside her role as a business owner.

Stephanie said: "This year has been one of the biggest and most rewarding of my life. Becoming a mum has been incredible, but it has also given me a new appreciation of the challenges so many women face when balancing motherhood with their professional ambitions.

"Whether you're employed, self-employed or running your own business, there is often an expectation that something has to give. As women, we're sometimes encouraged to put our careers on hold to focus on motherhood, or to make sacrifices in our family lives to pursue professional success. It can feel as though we're constantly being asked to choose between two incredibly important parts of who we are.

"I don't believe it should have to be one or the other. That's not to say balancing both is easy, because it certainly isn't. But with the right support, understanding and flexibility, women should be able to pursue their ambitions while embracing motherhood, without feeling they have to compromise their identity or aspirations.

"Receiving three award nominations this year has been an enormous confidence boost, particularly at a time when I've had to adjust to such a significant life change. I'm immensely proud of what we're building and grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.

"I've always been passionate about championing women in business, and if sharing my own journey helps inspire other women to believe that motherhood and professional success can coexist, then that means just as much to me as any award. We shouldn't have to put one dream on hold to pursue another."

The Sussex Business Awards celebrate the achievements, innovation and contributions of businesses across the county, recognising organisations and individuals making a positive impact within the local economy.

Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3 December 2026 at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.

Hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield, the evening will bring together finalists and hundreds of guests from across Sussex's business community for an evening of celebration, entertainment and networking.

For Prior Media & Marketing, the latest shortlisting represents another encouraging step in its growth, with the team looking forward to building on its success throughout 2027 and beyond.