1284 has been shortlisted in three categories at the CIPR Midlands Awards 2026.

The Loughborough-based consultancy is a finalist for Best Use of AI, Rising Star, and Small Agency of the Year. 

The CIPR Midlands Awards recognises outstanding creativity, strategic thinking, and impact among PR and communications professionals working in-house, independently, or in agencies across the East and West Midlands.

Organisers described entries to this year’s awards as “incredibly competitive”, with each submission read at least four times by a panel of 18 experienced PR practitioners drawn from across CIPR Scotland. Judges described those making the shortlist as demonstrating creativity, strategic thinking and clear impact in their work. 

• The Best Use of AI category recognises how agencies are deploying artificial intelligence to enhance PR activity. 1284 was shortlisted for its work in ideating and developing the AI News Editor platform with associate Digital Planning for its client East Midlands Chamber.
• The Rising Star Award focuses on emerging talent within the profession. 1284 Account Executive, Lauren Cropper, was shortlisted after a successful year in which she completed her apprenticeship, took over the management of several accounts, was shortlisted for two awards, and became 1284’s ISO 9001 Internal Auditor.
• Small Agency of the Year celebrates consultancies punching above their weight in terms of results, innovation and client service. 1284 was shortlisted as a result of a nomination describing its moves to cement industry-leading quality over a 12-month period through independently-audited standards including ISO 9001, Crown Commercial Supplier, and Cyber Essentials Plus.

1284 Communications Managing Director, George Oliver, said: “Being shortlisted in three categories at the first CIPR Midlands Awards is a real boost to our team and an acknowledgement of the quality of our clients. 

“We’re especially pleased to see Lauren recognised in the Rising Star category, which reflects the quality and ambition of the next generation coming through at 1284. 

“Recognition such as this from the CIPR - for our use of AI, focus on emerging talent, and for our company as a whole - shows what’s possible when you combine strong regional stories with progressive, ethical PR practice.”

Lauren said: “To be shortlisted for the Rising Star award is a real confidence boost. It’s been a privilege to work on projects that have real impact for organisations in the Midlands, and I’ve learned a huge amount from the rest of the 1284 team. 

“It’s an exciting time for us as we keep experimenting with new ideas, tools and stories for our clients.”

Winners will be announced at the CIPR Midlands Awards ceremony on 23 April at the Book Rotunda in Birmingham. The event will be hosted by BBC presenter Richie Anderson.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners. Established in 1948, it has more than 11,000 members, sets industry standards, provides training, and enforces an ethical code of conduct for PR professionals.