TELLING THE STORY OF YOUR R&D.

East Midlands university researchers, graduate spinouts, and IP-rich companies write 1284 into their funding bids - gaining clear marketing & comms campaigns that commercialise ideas and amplify impact.

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FINALIST UK SMALL PR CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR 2025

PR FOR TECHNICAL IDEAS.

Our Chartered PR and marketing consultants specialise in East Midlands innovation and are trained journalists.

It means they cut through complexity, providing the commercial awareness you need to position your innovation - landing your project with your target audience.

A TRUSTED PARTNER.

‘Our work with 1284 grew from a single project to shaping our group brand.’

Nigel Finney
Managing Director
Hive Composites

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‘We gained 2 fellowships, 3 tech awards, and £100,000+ grant funding.’

Joseph Bentley
Founder
ACT Medical

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‘1284 took my research and built a narrative that reached Ministers.’

Dr Ismini Vasileiou
Founder
East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster

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HOW WE HELP.

1284 provides comprehensive commercial comms packages which can be easily written into your funding bids.

We are experienced in translating technical products and complex research into compelling, audience-friendly narratives.

1284's R&D PR packages are underpinned by our proprietary CommsTally® campaign management platform - which was itself developed with the support of Innovate UK funding.

Our work combines targeted messaging, brand design, and media - connecting your project commercially and purposefully with investors, industry partners, and stakeholders around the world.

OUR SERVICES.

1284 campaigns are individually tailored to your unique opportunities, ensuring you use comms that get you to your objective in the most productive way. Services include:

  • Messaging and narrative
  • Funding bids
  • Brand design
  • Vision decks
  • ESG strategy
  • Websites
  • Blogs, newsletters & LinkedIn
  • Award nominations
  • Media relations
  • Thought leadership
  • Impact reports
  • Pitch decks

Media relations to help Marketing
Directors turbocharge campaigns

Corporate comms to help HR Directors
convince skilled jobseekers

Copywriting to help Finance Directors
win grants and investment

Pitches and proposals to help
Commercial Directors win new contracts

Stakeholder engagement to help
Partnership Directors strengthen networks

Public affairs to help CEOs contribute
to shaping local policy

Impact reporting to help Sustainability
Officers evidence ESG benefits

Reputation management to help
Directors safely navigate crises

Comms auditing to help Governance
Directors measure impact

Strategic messaging to help Marketers
position sector campaigns

Event promotion to help Event Managers
fill launches and trade shows

Ghostwriting to help Executives
become thought leaders on LinkedIn

Search-friendly copy to help
Commercial Directors attract prospects

Newsletters to help Team Managers
align and update hybrid staff

Case studies to help Marketing Directors
demonstrate market confidence

Press releases to help Comms Directors
amplify big announcements

Award entries to help Directors
and teams gain recognition

Brochures to help Sales Directors
capture buyer attention

Website content to help
Marketers convert leads

Photography to help Brand Managers
enhance corporate image

Narrative to help Senior Leaders
shape vision and mission

Campaign planning to help Directors
understand what is required

CASE STUDIES.

Enterprise Zones

Setting out the impact of £305m of East Midlands structural investment.

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DIGITAL PLANNING

Building a £300k pipeline and UK profile of a tech scale-up with a sponsored PhD.

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INNOVATIVE LEICS

Leading multi-agency public-private comms to develop a regional innovation brand.

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FAQs.

Who does 1284 work with?

We work across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Our business clients are innovative, growing SMEs operating in manufacturing and technology. They are typically based in the East Midlands but also UK-wide.

What’s the process for starting a new project with 1284?

Every client relationship begins with a detailed discovery phase. We use the CommsTally® platform we developed with Innovate UK support to fully understand your brand, values, and business plan. This informs a tailored communications strategy, aligned with the Government-standard OASIS framework. KPIs are agreed at outset.

What results can I expect - and how quickly?

Most clients begin seeing measurable improvements within the first three months of implementation. CommsTally® provides you with 24/7 access to reports, ensuring your campaign remains relevant and its objectives are being met.

Does 1284 provide crisis communications?

Yes - but only for existing clients. As trained journalists, we are able to manage urgent or complex situations, and 1284 clients gain fast, informed advice. For others, we can signpost you to appropriate specialist providers.

How are 1284 prices structured?

We offer project-based and retained communications services. Prices for projects start from £999+VAT. Our retained communications service gives you an ongoing, strategic partnership with regular outcome reporting. Prices start from £1,600+VAT pcm. Please contact us for an estimate tailored to your specific situation.

Can 1284 work under NDA to protect our IP?

Yes. Our work with innovative businesses means we frequently work under NDAs. This includes ensuring compliance and confidentiality, and seeking designated sign-off approvals before publication of content.

Does 1284 have experience of large funded programmes?

Yes. We have provided retained comms support for DSIT and DCMS funded projects, including East Midlands Create Growth, Business Gateway Growth Hub, and East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. In addition, we have successfully applied for, won, and delivered our own Innovate UK-funded project.

Can we commission 1284 through a framework or DPS?

Yes. 1284 is listed on recognised public‑sector procurement routes. We are a Crown Commercial Supplier, making commissioning straightforward and compliant for councils and partner organisations.

How can 1284 evidence its quality as a supplier?

Our people have a number of industry-leading qualifications, including CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner status. As an organisation, we are one of the small handful of UK PR consultancies to have ISO 9001 certification. In addition, we have various other high quality supply chain certifications, including Fair Payment Gold, Cyber Essentials Plus, and Good Business Charter accreditation.

WORKING WITH.

1284 NEWSLETTER

THE INSIDE TRACK ON SME COMMS.

Our monthly newsletter is a light, informative read. In 5 minutes you gain a glimpse of useful comms thinking for your organisation - featuring everything from grant availability to why certain PR metrics are a waste of your time.

By signing up, you agreeing to receive email marketing communications from 1284.

Thank you!

Our monthly newsletter will keep you informed about East Midlands media and innovation.
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