Growing East Midlands PR agency 1284 has won its third public relations industry prize in a year. The Loughborough-based corporate communications agency, launched three years ago by ex-Leicester Mercury editor George Oliver, has received the Silver Award at the CIPR’s Midlands Pride Awards which were held in Birmingham.
The award was in the keenly-contested Small PR Consultancy of the Year category, with six agencies from around the Midlands region shortlisted.
The recognition comes after 1284 received the same prize as Independent Practitioner of the Year at the 2022 Midlands PRide awards. In between, 1284 received the Mark of Excellence at the CIPR’s national Excellence awards, during an event in London.
Each award recognises 1284’s work around East Midlands small business innovation and Levelling Up.
Managing director George Oliver said: “This latest award is special because it reflects the period in which 1284 grew from an independent business to an employer.
“The arrival of Amy and, more recently, Richard, has more than doubled what 1284 is delivering and we are onboarding new clients as a result.
“We have a plan for further growth from here - and to continue telling the stories of innovative people and organisations across the East Midlands.”
Experienced journalist Amy Orton joined 1284 as account director in March while ex-newspaper editor Richard Bowyer joined in October as content editor.
All are highly experienced newsroom leaders, with George and Amy also qualified as Chartered PR professionals.
1284 clients include Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Rykneld Homes, Michael Smith Switchgear, and Menphys.
Midlands PRide 2023 winners were announced at an awards night in Birmingham on Friday night.
Entrants spanned East and West Midlands, with judging conducted by senior CIPR members from outside of the region.
