1284 Communications will help tell the business growth story of two leading Leicester-based sustainable print companies.

1284’s will focus on building the established narrative of award-winning Willsow and Seedprint.

It’s five years now since founder Tom Willday introduced his idea of plantable books to a national audience on Dragons’ Den - and won the support of Sara Davies MBE. 

Willsow then featured in Episode 1 of Big in America, the documentary series produced with the Department for Business and Trade and hosted by businesswoman Alex Polizzi, also a TV presenter known for Channel 5's Hotel Inspector. 

The series launched on LinkedIn in 2023 and followed five UK companies - of which Willsow was the first - as they worked to land their first export deal in New York. 

Willsow secured a licensing deal with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), going on to launch a range of branded plantable seed paper desk calendars and plantable Christmas crackers. The products debuted at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2024.

Willsow’s appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show last year ended up with Tom meeting Sir David Beckham - who promptly shared a post about Willsow's plantable books to his 88 million Instagram followers, resulting in a huge surge in interest in the Willsow mission. 

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show brought them back together, as Tom and David reunited on site, reinforcing the connection between Willsow’s sustainable story and a global audience.

1284’s aim is to build on the companies’ great successes to date, introducing PR support to amplify the B2B story of each brand as Tom and the team continue to bring new ideas and products to market.

Willsow produces plantable children’s books and other printed items using seed paper, allowing readers to plant the product once it has been read or used. 

Seedprint specialises in seed paper printing for items such as cards, stationery and branded materials, targeting organisations that want to reduce waste and demonstrate practical sustainability in their communications. 

Both companies are built on a fourth generation 80-year-old family print business Willday Printers, of which Tom Willday is managing director.

1284 will support Willsow and Seedprint across media relations, B2B content, and case studies - all focussed on putting a spotlight on everything the two businesses are achieving. 

That includes their work with high-profile organisations to deliver sustainable print products, as well as establishing the UK’s first new paper mill in 75 years to produce paper from waste materials.

“We want to show that seed paper is not a gimmick but a practical option for organisations that take sustainability seriously,” Tom said.

“Working with 1284 helps us build on presenting a consistent corporate story about who we are, what we do, and the kind of partners we want to work with.”

Willsow was recently visited by Leicester West MP, Liz Kendall, who learnt about the businesses’ ideas from scaling production to exporting internationally. She said she was proud to have such an innovative company in Leicester, supporting major brand-name clients and making a real contribution to the local economy.

George Oliver, managing director of 1284 Communications, said: “Willsow is a really brilliant example of a Midlands manufacturer innovatively and passionately adapting traditional skills for low‑carbon markets.

“Our role is to amplify that through media and supply networks so that customers, investors and policymakers can see the substance behind all of the fresh ideas coming out of this long-established company.”