Public relations agency 1284 has launched a new service aimed at innovative East Midlands start-ups.

1284START combines premium PR expertise with AI software to offer affordable campaigns for purposeful emerging businesses.

It has already completed its first project - with the James Dyson Award-winning med-tech ACT Medical. 

1284 director George Oliver is now in talks with other well-known local startups and social entrepreneurs about campaigns for their brands.

He said: "My goal in founding 1284 back in the summer of 2020 was to specialise in communications relating to the East Midlands innovation sector.

"After working on strategic projects with Leicestershire Innovation Board, Leicestershire Innovation Festival, and other experienced change leaders, 1284START moves us further towards my goal by formalising our offer of tactical PR for startups."

Development of 1284START was supported by a growth grant from the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub.

It contributed 35% towards George’s investment in equipment and software needed to improve productivity.

Those efficiency gains freed up time for George to work with selected startup clients at a special rate - meaning they can price quality comms into smaller marketing budgets and funding applications.

Former Leicester Mercury Editor George became a CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner in March. He is also Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Leicester.

"The purpose of 1284 from the outset was to advocate for East Midlands innovators - 1284START helps extend that principle to smaller organisations," he added.

George is shortlisted for the PRide Midlands Independent Practitioner of the Year and East Midlands Chamber's Leicestershire Entrepreneur of the Year.

• Read more about George's plans for growing 1284START in this interview with BusinessLive.