Who does 1284 work with?

We work across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Our clients are innovative, purposeful people looking for B2B or G2B comms and public relations. They are typically based in the Midlands, but also UK-wide.

What's the process for starting a new project with 1284?

Every client relationship begins with a detailed discovery phase. We take time to fully understand your brand, values, and business plan. This informs a tailored communications strategy, aligned with the Government-standard OASIS framework. We agree on comms KPIs from the outset and measure throughout.

What results can I expect - and how quickly?

Most clients begin seeing measurable improvements within the first three months of implementation. We provide half-yearly reports and regular onsite check-ins to ensure your campaign remains relevant and its objectives are being met.

Does 1284 provide crisis communications?

Yes - but only for existing clients. As trained journalists, we are able to manage urgent or complex situations, and 1284 clients gain fast, informed advice. For non-clients, we can signpost you to alternative specialist providers.

How are 1284 prices structured?

We offer project-based and retained communications services. Prices for projects start from £999+VAT. Our retained communications service gives you an ongoing, strategic partnership with regular outcome reporting. Prices start from £1,600+VAT. Please contact us for an estimate tailored to your specific situation.

Need to raise your profile? PR strategy for SMEs

OUR TEAM.

1284 consultants share decades of senior industry experience and a host of leading qualifications and certifications.

George Oliver

CHART.PR MCIPR

Managing Director

George is an award-winning Chartered PR Practitioner and Chartered Manager. He has a first-class MSc in Strategic Leadership, as well as post-graduate diplomas in journalism, public affairs, and strategic management.

George is a Board Member at East Midlands Chamber and the Chair of Charity Link. He spent 15 years as a journalist and was Editor of the Leicester Mercury from 2016 to 2020.

Amy Orton

CHART.PR MCIPR

Account Director

Amy is a Chartered PR Practitioner with 10 years+ of regional news experience. She specialises in East Midlands local government comms. A trained BBC journalist, Amy was a regional Local Democracy Reporter.

Amy has BA in Media Studies and a post-graduate diploma in Journalism. She was comms manager for University Hospitals Leicester during the Pandemic.

Suz Everitt

CMKtr FCIM

Partnerships Director

Suz is a Chartered Marketer and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She has 25+ years of industry experience, working on business development for some of the Midlands’ biggest brands. She helps SMEs build market share.

Suz has managed product ranges with turnovers in excess of £25m for companies including Next, Boots, and Samworth Brothers.

Lauren Cropper

MPRCA

Account Executive

Lauren is a PR Executive, marketer and photographer. She supports the development and execution of strategic communication plans for regional startups, social entrepreneurs, and VCSE.

Lauren is a member of the PRCA, and the Internal Auditor for 1284’s ISO9001. She also manages 1284's Good Business Charter accreditation and its carbon reduction strategy.

Emma Oliver

Content Director

Emma has 15+ years experience in news management and industry digital media leadership. She also has a degree in Communications, agency experience, and spent more than a decade teaching journalism at two leading universities. She has an MA in Journalism.

She oversees content campaigns for our clients, providing a news desk approach to manage proactive and reactive content.

OUR ASSOCIATES.

1284 works with a network of long-standing associates - bringing a group of highly skilled suppliers into your project.

Jim Willis

Digital design

Jim is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Bulb Studios, driving digital product strategy through user-centric design, app development, and innovative UI/UX methodologies for global enterprise and startup clients.

Beth Walsh

Photography

Beth is a national freelance photojournalist with 20+ years of experience in news, sport, PR, and commercial. She delivers striking visual storytelling for clients across corporate, healthcare, education and creative.

Graham Barr

Web development

Graham is Director of Rugby Web Design, delivering highly-rated website development, technical support, and digital solutions for small businesses and local organisations. He specialises in robust, user-friendly Webflow platforms.

Chris Shaw

ESG & Impact

Chris is the award-winning Founder of Think Funding, bringing 40+ years of expertise in ethical business planning, fundraising, impact reporting, governance, and social innovation for public, community, and education sector organisations across the UK.

Rich Whitmore

InDesign

Richard is a graphic designer and brand specialist with 30+ years industry experience at Director level in leading creative agencies. He creates compelling brand identities for national and global clients, specialising in InDesign to develop distinctive marketing and editorial collateral.

James Ferraby

AI & data

James is Co-Founder of Digital Planning and specialises in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and enterprise architecture. He leads complex digital transformation and technology projects, creating bespoke solutions across multi-language frameworks in complex industries.

Andy Gundelach

Video

Andy is the Founder & Creative Director of Created By TEN and Film Leicester CIC. An award-winning filmmaker and storyteller, he helps organisations communicate more clearly through cinematic, human-centred content. His work spans commercial brands, sport, education and the public sector, combining strategy with storytelling to create films that move people.

Tom Willday

Printing

Tom is an innovative fourth-generation printer. He is the founder of Willsow, SeedPrint, and Cornwall Paper Mill. Building on 80 years of family heritage, his expertise lies in sustainable printing, manufacture of plantable books, and eco-friendly corporate stationery from recycled waste. He is a winner of Dragon’s Den.

Faresh Maisuria

Business development

Faresh is the founder of Blueberry Marketing Solutions. He has led campaigns for more than 500 public and private sector organisations - from government departments and universities to publishers and financial services brands - including the Department for Business & Trade, HarperCollins and The AA.

‘1284’s comms brought in £149,000 of new income in the first 12 months.’

Mark Underwood
‍Co-Director
Digital Planning

‘1284 tells the story of our mission to build a sports and education campus.’

Matt Piper
Director
FSD FC CIC

‘1284 bring professional brilliance, warmth and humanity to all they do.’

Rob Martin
CEO
Menphys

1284 SERVICES

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION OF MIDLANDS INNOVATION.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Our G2B campaigns promote regional development.

1 Public consultation
2 Business engagement
3 Comms campaigns
4 Support for in-house teams

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES

GROWTH & MID BUSINESS

Our B2B campaigns turn your growth ideas into reality.

1 Network building
2 Reputation management
3 Bid and award writing
4 NED consultancy

BUSINESS SERVICES

CHARITY & SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Our B2B campaigns build your profile and funding streams.

1 Leadership support
2 Strategy development
3 PR campaigns
4 Developing teams

VCSE SERVICES

TRUSTED By CHANGE LEADERS.

FAQs.

PR FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

3 REASONS TO OUTSOURCE YOUR PR STRATEGY TO 1284.

RELIABILITY

You gain a trusted outsourced route to chartered PR professionals. Our skills and experience build your reputation and visibility. And you access it without paying £80k+ for an in-house Communications Director.

NETWORKS

You gain access to a network of media contacts and influencers. 1284 spent decades as journalists, building deep relationships - it saves you the time and enables you to stay focused on your core operations.

AGILITY

You gain a quick response. We bring you flexibility, scalability, and a fresh comms perspective. We also work fast and get the job done well - helpful when your team is facing a tight deadline on a key project.

LATEST NEWS.

George joins DMU creative panel on AI, creativity and skills

Emma Oliver

George joins DMU creative panel on AI, creativity and skills

1284 to help tell story of sustainable print pioneer Willsow

Emma Oliver

1284 to help tell story of sustainable print pioneer Willsow

How 1284 campaign delivered 33% CRM lead conversion

Lauren Cropper

How 1284 campaign delivered 33% CRM lead conversion

George joins DMU creative panel on AI, creativity and skills

Emma Oliver

George joins DMU creative panel on AI, creativity and skills

1284 to help tell story of sustainable print pioneer Willsow

Emma Oliver

1284 to help tell story of sustainable print pioneer Willsow

How 1284 campaign delivered 33% CRM lead conversion

Lauren Cropper

How 1284 campaign delivered 33% CRM lead conversion

1284 expands associates network with 3 new appointments

Emma Oliver

1284 expands associates network with 3 new appointments

Our Latest news

1284 NEWSLETTER

GAIN A DEEPER INSIGHT.

Our monthly newsletter is an easy read. You gain a 5-minute glimpse into useful comms for East Midlands SMEs - featuring everything from how journalists operate to why certain metrics are a waste of your time.

Thank you!

Our monthly newsletter will keep you informed about East Midlands media and innovation.

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