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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.
Exciting volunteer opportunities in catering at the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway is inviting enthusiastic new volunteers to join its catering team and become part of the warm, welcoming community that keeps the much-loved heritage line on track. Stretching across 16 scenic miles, the railway is powered not only by steam...
Latest Article
Exciting volunteer opportunities in catering at the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway is inviting enthusiastic new volunteers to join its catering team and become part of the warm, welcoming community that keeps the much-loved heritage line on track. Stretching across 16 scenic miles, the railway is powered not only by steam...
Member News
Students Raise Over £1,800 for Worcestershire Charities in 24-Hour CPR Marathon
Student Paramedics at the University of Worcester have successfully completed their 24-hour CPR Marathon, raising more than £1,800 for two local lifesaving charities. Running from 9am on March 16 until 9am the following morning, the endurance event saw staff, students...
100 Easter Eggs Delivered to Worcester Foodbank
The ISO QSL Good Egg Awards made a return for the 9th consecutive year – and once again, they didn’t disappoint. This year saw an incredible 100 nominations, which also meant 100 Easter eggs donated to Worcester Foodbank just in time for Easter. First launched in...
Patron & Strategic News
From GCSE Resits to PhD, Worcester Lecturer Champions Diverse Learners
A mother of two who once believed she ‘wasn’t good enough’ for university is now graduating with a PhD that explores how to empower silenced learners. Anastasia Kennett studied for her undergraduate degree in Special Educational Disabilities at the University of...
Occupational Therapy Comes to Local Charity After Staff Member Retrains
A newly trained Occupational Therapist is already making a difference to young people at her Worcestershire workplace, after retraining and reshaping her career. Emma Nokes graduates from the University of Worcester this week with her MSc in Occupational Therapy and...
Chamber News
Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 is now live!
The Quarterly Economic Survey is among the largest business surveys in the UK, making it a key resource for the government to conduct case studies and access up-to-date statistics on businesses across the UK. The Survey consists of questions on several topics,...
Welcome new Members
Warm welcome to our newest Members! C5 Leadership Ltd – Leadership Development Consultancy, Executive (1-2-1) and Team Coach Country & Classic Properties Ltd – Estate Agents Specialising in Period & Character Properties Coventry, Warwickshire and...
Our Latest Member
Penguin Office Supplies Ltd Expands with a Record-Breaking Sales Year
Following a remarkable year of record-breaking sales, family business Penguin Office Supplies are expanding as part of their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to the Penguin customer family. The expansion has been fuelled by the redevelopment of...
Penguin Office Supplies Ltd Expands with a Record-Breaking Sales Year
Following a remarkable year of record-breaking sales, family business Penguin Office Supplies are expanding as part of their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to the Penguin customer family. The expansion has been fuelled by the redevelopment of...
Policy News
Trade Strategy Must Support Smaller Exporters
Fewer than one fifth (18%) of micro-exporters (fewer than 10 employees) increased export orders in Q2, with 29% reporting a decrease. By comparison, 29% of large exporters (more than 250 staff) increased their export orders with a fifth (20%) reporting a drop. More...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Release the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q2 2025
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has released the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q2 2025, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The Quarterly Economic Survey is a comprehensive analysis of economic data collected from a diverse range...
Skills News
BetaDen North Cleantech Programme Extension
Applications are now open for this popular Cleantech Bootcamp opportunity. This is an extension of their current programme that is already supporting six exciting cleantech founders. BetaDen North is looking for up to four more innovators who have a new product or...
First ever T-level students are a success!
A-level results day on 18th August 2022 is arguably much more anticipated than the previous two years, as exams were cancelled due to the pandemic and students were awarded grades based on teacher’s assessments. Therefore, this year’s results day marks a return to...
Charity News
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
National Supported Lodgings Week: Could You Open Your Door to Change a Young Life?
This November (9th–16th) marks National Supported Lodgings Week, celebrating the incredible role ordinary people play in providing safe and supportive homes for young people who might otherwise face homelessness. Through St Basils Supported Lodgings scheme,...
EU Reset Must Reverse Trade Slump
In new survey data, the percentage of businesses reporting increased export orders has fallen to 21% in Q4 2025, compared with 31% in Q2 2018 A further 50% report no change, while 28% report a decrease Smaller and medium sized businesses have been hit much harder than...
BCC News
EU Reset Must Reverse Trade Slump
In new survey data, the percentage of businesses reporting increased export orders has fallen to 21% in Q4 2025, compared with 31% in Q2 2018 A further 50% report no change, while 28% report a decrease Smaller and medium sized businesses have been hit much harder than...
Worcestershire News
Turning Risks into Opportunities: How Insurance Can Support Business Growth in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Running a business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire presents fantastic opportunities, but it also involves risks. Whether you’re a manufacturer in Malvern, a farm shop owner in Herefordshire, or a tech start-up in Worcester… growth often means taking on...
Severn Valley Railway is now part of a Local Geology App
The Severn Valley Railway is now part of a free-to-download smartphone app that aims to open up the hidden world that lies within the geology of the landscape. The Geopark Way app covers a walking trail that stretches 109 miles, from Shropshire to Gloucestershire,...
Herefordshire News
New Future of Farming Line-up Announced
Royal Three Counties Show, 14th-16th June 2024 Water quality, soil health, biodiversity, succession planning, the latest developments in agri-tech and the positive role cattle can play in improving the environment are some of the big conversations due to take place...
25th ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY CONTINUES …..
IMAGE – Another proud moment for Discover Parks in Herefordshire as nominators of this months charity donation, Richard & Jane Lodge, hand over the big cheque. (image left) Sue Strachan, Herefordshire Champion for Alzheimer’s Research UK receives it...
All Latest News
Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced
Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “While a new 10 per cent US tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some...
‘Made In Europe’ Plan Could Upend EU Reset
The British Chambers of Commerce has warned the UK could be sleepwalking into a legislative nightmare, which could upend the EU Reset, unless urgent action is taken. The EU is currently pursuing a Made In Europe agenda which aims to protect its industries from unfair...
Disruption Inevitable If Conflict Sustained
Commenting on the immediate impact on businesses of the US and Israeli combat operations in Iran and its military retaliation, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “There will be huge uncertainty for businesses as the situation in Iran and the wider...
Ministerial visit to Kidderminster sites shines spotlight on apprentices
Specsavers Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D) welcomed Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, to Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) during National Apprenticeship Week on Friday 13 February. During the visit, Minister Smith met more than...
HydroShunter launched at Kidderminster as UK’s first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive enters the market Date: 26 February 2026
Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions and the Severn Valley Railway today (Thursday 26 February) marked a major milestone in railway decarbonisation with the official launch to market of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered railway shunting locomotive, unveiled at the...
Steam trains set the pace for new multi-sport challenge in the Severn Valley
The Severn Valley Railway is delighted to support an exciting new multi-sport event, Steaming Down the Valley, taking place at Severn Valley Country Park on Saturday 6 June 2026. Hosted by Shropshire Council and organised by a dedicated team of local volunteers, this...
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