1284 Communications has reaffirmed its support for ethical business by backing the Good Business Charter’s annual awareness week.

This week’s UK-wide activity tells the story of organisations, like 1284, which have committed to GBC’s 10-point framework of responsible business practices. 

​The year’s theme, ‘Raising the Bar Together’, speaks directly to the need for more organisations to adopt, evidence and continuously improve responsible business behaviours - rather than treating them as a tick-box exercise. 

The Good Business Charter is an independent accreditation that recognises organisations which meet all 10 commitments, spanning fair pay, employee wellbeing, prompt payment, environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing.

‍1284’s Good Business Charter accreditation

1284 Communications has been accredited by the Good Business Charter since June 2024, demonstrating that the agency meets all 10 GBC commitments.

Responsible business practice is central to 1284’s work with innovative SMEs, public-sector partners and social impact organisations, and is built into how the business operates.

Managing Director George Oliver said: “Good Business Charter accreditation, our investment in learning, and achieving ISO 9001 last year all point in the same direction - that we are building an agency that’s effective, accountable, and rooted in independently-audited responsible practice.”

Over the past year, 1284 has delivered 27 days of pro bono, reduced-rate and voluntary support for organisations including SoundingBoard, Charity Link, Menphys, and East Midlands Chamber. This includes Account Director  Amy Orton’s recent appointment to the Menphys board, strengthening the charity’s strategic communications capacity.

1284 also continues to support SoundingBoard CIC - a business support social enterprise which the company helped to found and which connects SMEs, charities and start-ups with senior volunteer business leaders - unlocking support many could not otherwise afford.

Skills, learning and continuous improvement

1284 Communications also invested 77 full work days in learning and development for its people in 2025. This covered apprenticeship training, growth programmes, sustainability and social innovation courses. 

Continuous professional development (CPD) ensures 1284 stays aligned with current best practice in communications, strategy and stakeholder engagement. Building on existing expertise is a core part of 1284’s approach. 

As part of CPD hours, recent learning and development include:

• Account Director Amy working towards a Level 7 business management degree, applying her learning to key projects and internal improvements.

• Account Executive Lauren Cropper completing her Level 4 public relations apprenticeship, strengthening 1284’s PR capacity for clients across the East Midlands, as well as university-backed accelerators covering sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

• Content Director Emma Oliver completing the Help to Grow management programme at the University of Leicester Business School, building leadership and management skills that support sustainable, long-term growth for 1284 and its clients.

​​1284’s continuous support of Good Business Charter Week reflects a wider commitment to learning, community impact and ethical governance, underpinned by ISO 9001. 

ISO 9001 is an international quality management standard that embeds robust, consistent processes to strengthen how organisations operate. This structured approach ensures 1284 continually improves on its commitment to responsible practice.