1284 Managing Director George Oliver has been named as a finalist in the Alternative Business Awards 2026.

George has been shortlisted in the Alternative Business Person category.

The annual event - arguably one of the less prestigious on the East Midlands business circuit - is led by Big Difference Company, organiser of Leicester Comedy Festival.

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 11 June at The Y Theatre, hosted - as ever - by Teesside comedian Patrick Monahan.

Both George and 1284 Account Director Amy Orton were nominated last year. George narrowly missed out in the Alternative Business category to Leicester business stalwart Chris Greenwell. He was also pipped to the Top Table Favourite title by Nash Chhatralia from The Bridge East Midlands. Amy, meanwhile, lost out to photographer Pete Martin in the Content Catalyst category. 

This year, George goes it alone in the Alternative Business Person category. The nomination reflects his approach to running 1284 Communications - delivering innovative, straight-talking communications that drive real results for clients across a range of sectors.

The annual awards recognises outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in business. It also provides an opportunity for the business community to come together, helping to raise funds to support the work of Big Difference Company.

As well as Leicester Comedy Festival, the charity runs The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival and a host of other events.

George, who is yet to find out who he’s up against, said: "It's nice to be nominated for another Alternative Business Award and it may or may not be related to the fact I bought four tickets for the event the week before. Either way, the ABA’s are always a good way to catch up with people - and I wouldn’t miss out on a chance to spend an evening with Pat talking about Boro.”

George won the New Kid on the Block prize in 2022 - as well as the chance to join sponsor Jerroms Miller in sweeping Pat off his feet.

In other awards news, 1284 Communications will also find out in June whether it has won Small PR Consultancy of the Year at the UK industry-leading CIPR Excellence Awards.

It comes after 1284 made a clean sweep of its nominations in the CIPR’s Midlands PR Awards - taking home Gold for Small PR Agency of the Year, Best Use of AI, and Rising Star.