1284 Communications' MD and Account Director have each been named as finalists at the Alternative Business Awards 2025.

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.

Attendance is an annual treat for the 1284 team - and this year will include the added jeopardy of either George or Amy being called onstage to spar with host Patrick Monahan. 

George will battle it out with multi-triple-platinum award-winner Nick Megson, 1284 friend (now foe) Chris Greenwell, Amber Hickman and Rob Barsby in the Alternative Business Person category.

He will also take on Dave Graham, Nash Chhatralia, Maz Patel, and Dr (not the A&E kind) Yasin El Ashrafi for the Top Table Favourite prize. 

“This is an unexpected honour which is entirely unrelated to the fact that 1284 is a partner of BDC's business club," he said. "Our lawyers are watching."

Amy is nominated in the Content Catalyst category, going up against Danny Gohill, Tim Grayson, Sanjib Sahota, and the Leicester business scene’s one man paparazzi Pete Martin.

"If this is just a way to get me to sign up to the Stand Up Challenge, it will 100% fail," she said.

“I will, however, attend because it’s the only awards do to which you don’t have to wear an uncomfortable posh frock and heels.”

The annual awards 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.

The ABA ceremony aims to recognise individuals and groups in a number of warm-hearted business award categories.

George won the New Kid on the Block prize in 2022 - as well as the chance to join sponsor JerromsMiller 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.

The Loughborough-based consultancy is also in the running for Midlands Small PR Consultancy of the Year at the PRCA's DARE Awards.