Business Direction Online
Latest News
Introducing Business Direction Online, your one stop shop for all local and industry news.
Business Direction Online is updated daily, bringing you news from across Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Explore our Members exciting and important updates and keep up to date with any Chamber news.
If you’re a Chamber Member, you can submit your latest news stories free of charge and promote updates to local business professionals. Contact our Marketing team for more information.
Unemployment Up As Business Costs Rise
Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The increase in employment costs for business appears to be starting to bite with today’s data...
Latest Article
Unemployment Up As Business Costs Rise
Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The increase in employment costs for business appears to be starting to bite with today’s data...
Member News
Valley Railway delivers ‘biggest diesel gala of the year’
The Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival between 15 and 18 May welcomed more than 3,700 visitors and saw 20 locomotives in action, for what organisers believe was 2025’s largest diesel event on the preservation circuit. ‘What a fantastic show we put on!’...
One year on – how a charity superstore in Herefordshire has been embraced by their local community
In May 2024, St Michael’s Hospice opened the doors at its brand-new charity superstore in Whitestone Business Park, Hereford. Hundreds flocked to its grand opening and have continued to show their support throughout its first year, with over 160,000 visitors spending...
Patron & Strategic News
Scale Smart: Why Growing Businesses Choose to Outsource Payroll Services
That’s why many growing businesses are choosing to outsource their payroll. From saving hours each month to reducing risk and staying compliant, it’s a smart move for scaling success. In our latest article, we cover: · Why in-house payroll becomes a bottleneck · The...
He’s the pinnacle of all that is evil, so why do people seem to like the Devil?
That’s the question being asked in a public talk by a University of Worcester expert in a talk at Script Haven bookshop this week. Professor Darren Oldridge is a specialist in sixteenth and seventeenth-century religious history and has recently given several popular...
Chamber News
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Release the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q4 2024
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has released the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q4 2024, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The Quarterly Economic Survey is a comprehensive analysis of economic data collected from a diverse range...
Free Training Opportunities for Herefordshire Businesses
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Attention businesses in Herefordshire: an exciting opportunity is now available to help your employees upskill and meet evolving industry demands—at absolutely no cost to you. Thanks to...
Our Latest Member
New Strategic Member – Greensafe IT
Greensafe IT specialise in offering secure, sustainable and environmentally responsible IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and lifecycle services. Their goal; to help businesses efficiently manage their IT estates from cradle to grave; ensuring full data security and...
New Strategic Member – Greensafe IT
Greensafe IT specialise in offering secure, sustainable and environmentally responsible IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and lifecycle services. Their goal; to help businesses efficiently manage their IT estates from cradle to grave; ensuring full data security and...
Policy News
Toxic Mix As Businesses Prepare for Tax Rise
QES_infosheet_Q1_2025 59% of businesses say tax, including national insurance, is now a concern, the second highest level on record following a peak in the previous quarter Business confidence remains subdued, with less than half of firms (48%) expecting turnover to...
US Tariffs To Hit UK Economy
Reacting to news of a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US and higher tariffs for other countries, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint, and...
Skills News
Blue Print Direct Mail utilise TDM’s Tech and Digital Skills Bootcamp to upskill five staff members
Blue Print Direct Mail recently completed a bespoke TDM Skills Bootcamp, upskilling five members of their team to utilise a new software being introduced by the organisation. The bespoke Skills Bootcamp focused on the fundamentals of HTML and CSS, with Managing...
The Power of People-First Leadership.
Great businesses are both smart and healthy. You can invest in all of the technology, marketing, operational efficiencies you like, but the real measure of success is how willing your people are to engage in it. In fact, there is no shortage of smart leaders who know...
Charity News
The Courtyard makes the finals of Visit England Awards for Excellence 2025
The Courtyard is thrilled to announce it is a finalist in the 2025 Visit England Awards for Excellence in the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ category. In February, Head of Sales and Marketing Jessica Prosser and Head of Operations Phillip Pearcy attended the Visit...
New College Worcester Receives £18,500 from the National Lottery Community Fund for New Outdoor Play Equipment
New College Worcester (NCW) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £18,500 from the National Lottery Community Fund to fund the installation of new outdoor play equipment for its students. This generous funding will enhance the college’s outdoor spaces and...
Procurement Act Must Quickly Deliver for SMEs
Only 20% of direct public sector procurement spend was with SMEs in 2024 – a similar figure to 2023 (19%) £45.4 billion was spent by Government directly with SMEs last year, up from £42.4 billion in 2023 Median spend per SME remained at £31,000 in 2024 Local...
BCC News
Procurement Act Must Quickly Deliver for SMEs
Only 20% of direct public sector procurement spend was with SMEs in 2024 – a similar figure to 2023 (19%) £45.4 billion was spent by Government directly with SMEs last year, up from £42.4 billion in 2023 Median spend per SME remained at £31,000 in 2024 Local...
Worcestershire News
Land slippage on the Severn Valley Railway will affect some Services
A serious embankment failure has occurred on the Severn Valley Railway, leaving the track impassable at one location along the 16-mile route. The popular heritage line is likely to face a large repair bill, and disruption to services at the northern end of its route....
Paddington™ to visit the Severn Valley Railway in February
There’ll be plenty of family fun at the Severn Valley Railway, with appearances from the energetic and much-loved character Paddington™ from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 February 2025. Families can take an exciting heritage train ride out to The Engine House, Highley and...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire Business Growth Board
Background Following the previous government’s decision to transfer the economic functions and business representation from Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to local authorities, the Herefordshire Business Growth Board will play a leading role in driving the...
Golden Chance to Study Engineering: NMITE Offers over 30 Scholarships and Support for Students: APPLY NOW
NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering) today shares a reminder of the upcoming application deadline, 23rd August 2024, for the prestigious Motorola Solutions Foundation Scholarship as well as offering the Life Changer bursary initiative for local...
All Latest News
Skills Minister Supports VC Raising Funds for Student Scholarships and Hardship Funds
Support and donations for the University of Worcester’s Vice Chancellor continue to pour in, as he reaches the halfway mark on his challenge to raise money for student scholarship and hardship funds. Professor David Green CBE DL is walking 280km along the coastal path...
Funding and Intellectual Property
The link between funding and intellectual property rights is often underestimated, and having a patent can do more for you than just keep your competitors at bay. R&D Tax Credits R&D tax credits are a government incentive designed to reward companies for...
Why don’t UK innovators file enough patents?
Many SMEs understand the value of patents, and routinely file patent applications to protect their innovation. However, UK innovators are lagging behind those in many other countries when it comes to patent ownership. Japan is, unsurprisingly, one of the leading...
Worcester Lecturer Invited to Chelsea FC After Inspiring Presentation
A lecturer at the University of Worcester spent a weekend at Chelsea FC after being nominated for a mentoring experience by a school pupil. Jessica Fassnidge, lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, had given a presentation at a Worcester high school and later found...
Father’s Day at Cote
Give him a gift he’ll really love this year This Father’s Day, treat him to something he really wants – quality time, great food, and something good in his glass. Speaking of drinks, we’re giving all dads a complimentary cocktail or beer on the special day. Come in...
St Michael’s Hospice Unveils Refreshed Leominster Charity Shop
St Michael’s Hospice is pleased to announce the reopening of its newly transformed Home & Living charity shop in Leominster, following a comprehensive refurbishment aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for the local community. Located at Station Yard, the...
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