1284 is working with SoundingBoard -  a volunteer-led social enterprise dedicated to helping East Midlands businesses and charities overcome barriers to growth. 

SoundingBoard convenes panels of experienced volunteer business leaders, matching them with local SMEs and nonprofits.

This supports the sharing of new perspectives, networks and practical support. Confidential 2-hour face-to-face sessions focus on unlocking opportunities or tackling obstacles. 

More than 20 organisations have already benefitted from SoundingBoard’s no-cost, high impact sessions. It incorporated as a CIC in 2024 under the official name nCourage (Midlands) CIC.

The CIC began trading as SoundingBoard in Spring 2025, when a grant from Charnwood Borough Council, through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, enabled it to rebrand and launch a new website.

Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for housing, economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: "We're proud to support SoundingBoard through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

"This initiative reflects Charnwood Borough Council’s commitment to nurturing local talent, enterprise and innovation.

"By connecting experienced professionals with small businesses and non-profit organisations, SoundingBoard is helping to unlock potential, strengthen our local economy and build a more resilient community."

Led by directors George Oliver, Scott Charlish, and Ian Borley, SoundingBoard has steadily grown its reach and influence across the region through word of mouth.

1284 Account Director Amy Orton volunteers alongside 11 other expert panelists, bringing communications expertise to support and drive local business engagement. Amy is a Chartered PR Practitioner with over a decade in regional news, specialising in East Midlands local government comms.

1284 promotes the work of SoundingBoard through its Community Impact package - a tailored suite of comms services designed to promote nonprofit reach and community benefit. 

Account Executive Lauren Cropper leads a strategic PR campaign to boost applications to SoundingBoard’s panels and promote the stories of the businesses who have benefited from its support. 

This targeted approach will encourage a diverse pipeline of guest businesses and volunteers. Helping to strengthen SoundingBoards impact across Leicestershire.

The Community Impact package is designed for nonprofits. It combines strategic communications, media outreach and stakeholder engagement:

• Increasing visibility 
• Attracting new participants
• Showcasing the value of collaborative local networks

Learn more and apply at the new SoundingBoard website.