27
February
2026
[Leicestershire, 27-02-26] 1284 Communications has been shortlisted in three categories at the CIPR Midlands Awards.
The Loughborough-based consultancy is a finalist for Best Use of AI and Small Agency of the Year, with newly-qualified apprentice Lauren Cropper also shortlisted for the Rising Star prize.
The CIPR Midlands Awards recognise outstanding creativity, strategic thinking and impact of PR and communications professionals working in-house, independently, or in agencies across the East and West Midlands.
Organisers described entries to this year’s awards as “incredibly competitive” - adding that each submission was read at least four times by a panel of 18 experienced PR practitioners drawn from across CIPR Scotland.
The judges described those making the shortlist as demonstrating creativity, strategic thinking, and clear impact in their work.
The Best Use of AI category recognises how agencies are deploying artificial intelligence to enhance PR activity, while the Rising Star Award focuses on emerging talent within the profession. Small Agency of the Year celebrates consultancies punching above their weight in terms of results, innovation and client service.
George Oliver, Managing Director of 1284 Communications, is a Chamber Board member and was asked last year to look at ways to streamline media response times.
That led to the design and development of AI News Editor, which has now been named as a finalist in the Best Use of AI category of the CIPR Midlands Awards 2026.
The Chamber embarked on its new AI Strategy in 2025, with the AI News Editor becoming the first project to roll off the production line. The custom-built platform enables Chamber policy and comms officers to radically accelerate their responses to Government announcements, without sacrificing human editorial control. Product testing indicated time savings of up to 58%.
George said: “It’s good to return to the shortlist for the Small Agency of the Year and for our AI work for East Midlands Chamber with our associate Digital Planning.
“But we’re especially proud to see Lauren recognised in the Rising Star category in the same month that she passed her apprenticeship, reflecting the quality and ambition of the next generation coming through at 1284.
Lauren said: “To be shortlisted for the Rising Star award is a real confidence boost.
“It’s been an amazing experience to learn while working on projects that have real impact for organisations in the Midlands, and to be given management opportunities relating to our ISO 9001 certification and more.
“It’s an exciting time for us as we keep experimenting with new ideas, tools and stories for our clients.”
The Awards recognise outstanding creativity, strategic thinking and impact of PR and communications professionals working in-house, independently, or in agencies across the East and West Midlands.
CIPR Midlands Awards winners will be announced during a ceremony on 23 April at the Book Rotunda, in Birmingham. The event will be hosted by BBC presenter Richie Anderson.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) was established in 1948 and is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners. With more than 11,000 members, it sets industry standards, provides training, and enforces an ethical code of conduct for PR professionals
ENDS
L-R - Emma Oliver, George Oliver, Amy Orton, Lauren Cropper, Suz Everitt
Credit: Beth Walsh
NOTES TO EDITORS
1284 Communications is an award-winning PR consultancy, founded in 2020 to tell the story of East Midlands innovation and economic growth. It specialises in building the profile of manufacturing and tech SMEs, research spinouts, and local authorities. 1284 brings decades of senior newsroom experience and Business School theory. A Chartered PR Practitioner, it is Good Business Charter accredited and a registered Crown Commercial Supplier. 1284’s work has been nationally recognised by both CIPR and PRCA, including as a finalist in the CIPR’s UK Small PR Consultancy of the Year 2025.
CONTACT
Emma is Content Director at 1284 Communications. She has an MA in Journalism, a BA in Communications Studies and more than 15 years' experience as a journalist. Emma previously served as Senior Journalism Lecturer at the Universities of Sheffield and Derby, and was News Editor at the Newcastle Chronicle and Journal.
