1284 Communications Account Executive Lauren Cropper has been shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year at the Leicestershire Business Awards. 

Lauren was announced as one of five finalists during the East Midlands Chamber President’s Dinner at Kelham Hall, in Newark, last night.

It’s the second award Lauren has been nominated for this year, having also been shortlisted in the same category of the Enterprising Women Awards.

Lauren started her apprenticeship with 1284 in July 2024 and is currently preparing her End Point Assessment on the industry-leading PRCA Public Relations and Communications Level 4 Apprenticeship.

Her achievements so far at 1284 include:

• Helping to securing £8,000 of funding for a local CIC, having also developed a business plan through the Leicester Social Innovation Accelerator 
• Taking over responsibility for 1284’s nonprofit accounts, including creating and managing a PR campaign for a local social enterprise
• Learning to analyse business process in a new role as Internal Auditor, helping 1284 towards ISO 9001 certification
• Creating a sustainability action plan for 1284, having completed a climate leadership programme run by Greener Futures Leicester and the University of Leicester 
• Learning and then leading new software systems to help develop a new company project management tool and handbook.

Lauren said: “It’s very humbling to have been shortlisted for a second award in just a few months. My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop so many skills, from supporting local nonprofits to leading client campaigns and improving our own business practices. 

“To be recognised twice is a huge honour and feels like a celebration of the hard work, learning, and support I’ve had since joining 1284. It’s inspiring to see the impact apprentices can make, and I’m grateful for the encouragement from my colleagues and mentors along the way.”

Managing Director George Oliver, said: “Lauren was our first apprentice and has become a really central part of our work at 1284 Communications.

“Her achievement in being shortlisted for two awards this year is a testament to her dedication, enthusiasm, and the quality of work she brings to 1284.

“We’re hugely proud of Lauren -  she demonstrates exactly what apprenticeships can deliver and we look forward to seeing what she achieves next.”

The Leicestershire Business Awards, led by East Midlands Chamber, will be held at Leicester City Football Club on 26 February 2026.