1284 attended East Midland’s Chamber Sustainability and CSR conference 2026, strengthening sustainable communications.

Held at the University of Derby, the conference outlined the growing importance of sustainable operations even during uncertain times. A core theme throughout the day was that sustainability must be economically viable.

The conference offered 1284’s account executive Lauren Cropper the opportunity to engage with East Midlands businesses who are leading the way on sustainable practices.

Despite recent news headlines and mounting environmental pressures, the Green Growth report launched at the conference pointed to a decline in action since last year - making accessible support for smaller businesses more important than ever.

Managing Director George Oliver said: “As a small business, sustainability can feel daunting. 1284 only began its journey because funded training through the University of Leicester made the first steps feel possible. With that funding now expired, businesses need clearer and more accessible routes into practical support.”

Following Lauren’’s Carbon Literacy Accreditation through the University of Leicester’s Greener Future Leicestershire programme, 1284 has begun calculating its own carbon footprint and developing its social value reporting.

Lauren said: “As communicators, there is a responsibility to help clients share their progress and to interrogate sustainability claims. But this can only be done with credible evidence and businesses making a start.”

The conference brought together business leaders and sustainability specialists to discuss the challenges of reducing carbon emissions and the importance of CSR in a difficult financial market.

Lauren added: “The most useful part of the conference was the honest discussion about the barriers to taking action on climate change.

“Small businesses don’t have the capacity for dedicated sustainability teams and can struggle with knowing where to start. 

“The call for business support was clear throughout the day, and is one of the options to involve SMEs in leading climate change.”

Speaking at the conference, PS:Planet Director Richard Smith stressed urgency. His comparison, that businesses do not question the ROI of a fire alarm, was a powerful reminder that action matters before the consequences become impossible to ignore.

If you are beginning a sustainability journey, book a meeting with 1284 to discuss how to communicate it clearly and credibly to the audiences that matter.