[Loughborough, 28-04-26] 1284 Communications has been named Midlands Small PR Agency of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
1284 also won Best Use of AI and the Rising Star Award during this year’s CIPR Midlands PR Awards event at the Book Rotunda in central Birmingham.
Small Agency of the Year recognises consultancies that consistently punch above their weight on results, innovation, and client service. 1284’s win reflects a period of sustained growth and impact.
Independent industry judges considered 1284’s growth and focus on embedding independently audited standards - including ISO 9001, Crown Commercial Supplier, and Cyber Essentials Plus - as evidence of its continuous improvement approach.
Judges said: “In a competitive category, the team at 1284 Communications stood out for their commitment to CPD and innovation. EDI, ethics, and ESG are embedded at the heart of their work, driving strong growth and client retention.”
1284 also received the Best Use of AI award in recognition of its research and development role in developing the AI News Editor platform - alongside associate Digital Planning - for East Midlands Chamber.
Judges said: “The AI News Editor transformed editorial processes and freed up time for proactive communications, standing out for its strong collaboration both internally and with the news industry.”
The Rising Star Award, received by Account Executive Lauren Cropper, celebrates the next generation of talent powering 1284’s success. Over the last year, Lauren completed her apprenticeship, took on management of key accounts, secured multiple award shortlists and became the agency’s ISO 9001 Internal Auditor.
Judges said: “Lauren has achieved rapid progression and impressive results. Her entry stood out for her commitment to development and collaboration, quickly becoming a key member of the 1284 team.”
Overall, organisers described entries to this year’s awards as “incredibly competitive”, with each submission read at least four times by a panel of 18 experienced PR practitioners drawn from across CIPR Scotland.
1284 Communications Managing Director, George Oliver, said: “To come away with three Golds from our three entries was a big endorsement of what we are working to achieve at 1284.
“These awards recognise what 1284 cares about - delivering measurable, targeted results for our clients; application of innovation in a smart and ethical way; scheduled fixed time for volunteering projects; and creating space and resources for our talented people to grow.”
Account executive Lauren added: “Being recognised as a Rising Star at the Midlands CIPR Awards means a lot at this stage in my career. It reflects the support I’ve had at 1284, the brilliant clients I get to work with every day, and the opportunities I’ve been given to step up and make a difference.”
Pictures show 1284 Communications at the CIPR Midlands PR Awards 2026.
Picture credit: Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd.
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.
