1284 Communications has joined Leicester’s Social Innovation Accelerator to accelerate the growth of nCourage (Midlands) CIC.

nCourage launched in Leicestershire in 2024 with the aim of connecting local SMEs with volunteer panels of senior experts.

Its purpose was to provide intensive 2-hour panel sessions - at no charge -to help businesses discuss ideas, challenges and opportunities at no cost.

The result was that 23 businesses have already been helped with ideas and discussions around overcoming growth barriers.

This success led to nCourage incorporating as a Community Interest Company in October 2024.

Social enterprise support

The Social Innovation Accelerator launched in Leicester in February 2025.

It focuses on applying practical skills to solve real-world problems, guiding participants to develop solutions that address genuine community needs.

The 8-week programme delivers focused workshops, expert mentoring, and practical support for emerging social enterprises.

Based at the Voyager Hub, in Granby Street, it is led by Chris Shaw and Stacey Wragg, who bring 40 years of combined community experience.

The programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Leicester City Council, and the accelerator is part of the broader ExSel project supporting social entrepreneurs.

Leicestershire economic growth

1284 Communications director George Oliver is one of the co-founders of nCourage.

And 1284 account executive Lauren Cropper is participating in the Accelerator in order to apply its insights directly into nCourage's growth strategy.

The accelerator is designed to create sustainable solutions for positive social impact.

Lauren is using the programme to build a plan for nCourage to:

• Expand its network of volunteer experts, offering guests coverage from more industry sectors.

• Automating back-end systems to more efficiently match businesses with relevant panellists.

• Developing improved metrics from which to track business growth impact.

Building the network

The accelerator programme equips participants with a clear strategy to launch or scale their social enterprise.

And its structured approach will strengthens nCourage's capacity to support local business leaders effectively.

Lauren, who leads 1284's nonprofit account portfolio, said:

"Being part of Leicester's Social Innovation Accelerator is a key pillar of the planned next stage of growth for nCourage. 

“We'll use it to expand our expert network, improve our matching systems, market our offer, and measure our impact. 

“Next, we'll scale up to support further local businesses, helping them talk through ways to overcome growth challenges and drive real change in our community."

1284 Communications provides PR and comms support to a host of East Midlands nonprofits.

Our Community Impact package is a tailored communications solution that helps charities and social entrepreneurs tell their story - raising profile, attracting donors, and communicating mission and impact to stakeholders.