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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.

More diesel traction announced for the SVR’s Spring Diesel Festival
The guest list for the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival has got even longer, with the announcement that two further locomotives will be appearing at the event, between 15 and 18 May. The latest confirmations are for 57003 to visit by agreement with...
Latest Article
More diesel traction announced for the SVR’s Spring Diesel Festival
The guest list for the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival has got even longer, with the announcement that two further locomotives will be appearing at the event, between 15 and 18 May. The latest confirmations are for 57003 to visit by agreement with...
Member News
A New Powerhouse in UK Moulding – Talisman Group Formed From the Merger of Talisman Plastics and Merriott Group
In a major development for the UK plastics industry, Talisman Plastics and Merriott Group have announced their merger, forming Talisman Group. This strategic consolidation creates a well accredited three-factory operation, positioning the newly established group as a...
SVR to move ahead with landslip repairs
The Severn Valley Railway has announced that it can now move ahead with repairs to the landslip it suffered at Mor Brook bridge in late January. This follows a decision by the heritage line’s insurers to settle its claim in respect of the incident. The insurers have...
Patron & Strategic News
University Provost Shortlisted for National Award Recognising Those ‘Breaking Down Barriers’
A former primary school teacher turned teacher educator has been shortlisted for a national award recognising her impact on the school sector. Ann Jordan, who is now Provost at the University of Worcester, is shortlisted in the Purpose Coalition’s Breaking Down...
Lizzy Withers Promoted in New Role at ISO QSL
ISO Quality Services (ISO QSL) is delighted to announce the promotion of Lizzy Withers to the newly created position of Client Care Team Leader. Since joining ISO QSL in 2022, Lizzy has gained extensive knowledge of ISO certifications, having previously been appointed...
Chamber News
PM’s Announcement Seen as Encouragement for our Defence Sector.
By the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Recently Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak announced a landmark increase in the UK’s defence budget whilst on a visit to Poland. This increase will be 2.5% of national income by 2030, allocating...
Chair’s Report April 2024
There’s lots happening at the Chamber as we move, hopefully, towards Spring and Summer. Numerous events for all levels of membership, dinners, networking events and the Awards Gala in June. There will also be news regarding a re-vamped and enlarged Expo for October....
Our Latest Member
Introducing Bloom.Space: Your Local Coworking and Business Incubation Hub
At Bloom.Space, we create vibrant coworking office spaces and business incubators designed to help entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses thrive. Our mission is to provide more than just a desk and WiFi; we offer a nurturing environment that fosters growth,...

Introducing Bloom.Space: Your Local Coworking and Business Incubation Hub
At Bloom.Space, we create vibrant coworking office spaces and business incubators designed to help entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses thrive. Our mission is to provide more than just a desk and WiFi; we offer a nurturing environment that fosters growth,...
Policy News
Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q1 2023 released
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has released the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q1 2023, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. The latest survey was completed by 5258 businesses across...
Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: No sign of hiring difficulties easing
The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO), a survey of more than 5,000 UK firms of all sectors and sizes by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) reveals businesses are still facing record high difficulties in hiring new staff. The fieldwork for the study was...
Skills News
Patron Members, Hazelton Mountford are seeking a Claims Handler to work within their expanding team in Worcester.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within Hazelton Mountford’s claims team. This could be your chance to forge a career with an exciting, growing company of talented people. At Hazelton Mountford, staff are core to the team’s success and they’re looking for a...
Career Worcs Roadshows2022
Careers Worcs are back with the latest Roadshows2022. Designed for 15-24 year olds who are unsure what to do after leaving school, the Worcestershire Careers and Apprenticeship Roadshow will provide information and advice on a range of options including 6th form,...
Charity News
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity launches Worcestershire Urology Appeal
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are developing a new Urology Investigations Unit and Urology Same Day Emergency Care facility at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, which will create a dedicated countywide Urology facility. But we need your help to make it the...
Hospice Charity Installs a Garden of Remembrance for the Whole Community this July
Wyre Forest charity KEMP Hospice have launched a garden of celebration and remembrance at Brinton Park, Kidderminster. A collection of butterfly sculptures which supporters have donated and dedicated, has created a stunning art display. Located by the Richard Eve...
Vacancies Still Falling As Wages Rise
Reacting to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “There are clear signs of a further loosening in the labour market with fewer vacancies, although they remain just...
BCC News
Vacancies Still Falling As Wages Rise
Reacting to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “There are clear signs of a further loosening in the labour market with fewer vacancies, although they remain just...
Worcestershire News
Minster Micro acquires Software Licences and IP of Darklake Developments
A Worcestershire IT firm has acquired the software licences and technology of a former Devon-based business software provider. Kidderminster-based Minster Micro Computers has completed a deal to take over the intellectual property and bespoke software licences of...
SVR announces Saint as first Autumn Steam Gala guest, with an extended stay for 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’
The Severn Valley Railway has announced that GWR 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’ is to make an extended visit to the railway, culminating in a guest appearance at its Autumn Steam Gala on 19-22 September. The Saint locomotive is the only one of its class in existence, and it...
Herefordshire News
Teacher Encounters to help boost careers education
Teachers are being given the chance to get hands-on experience at workplaces across the region as part of a new scheme to boost links between education and the world of work. The Marches Careers Hub’s Teacher Encounters programme gives teachers the chance to get out...
Herefordshire County BID Launches Exciting New Projects to Support Businesses in 2024
Two new projects have been launched in the first week of 2024 by Herefordshire County BID, as they continue to take action to support businesses, reduce business costs and upskill staff across Herefordshire’s visitor economy. The first is an innovative learning hub in...
All Latest News
Growth Suffers As Firms Face Choppy Waters Ahead
Responding to the latest GDP data released by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With businesses facing an impending avalanche of cost pressures, it’s unsurprising that growth is in trouble. With GDP shrinking in...
AI Agents: An Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents are emerging as the dominant tech trend for 2025, according to Gartner. These agents harness generative AI, helping businesses realise significant returns on their AI investments by automating complex workflows and augmenting human...
Industrial Supply Co. UK Team Takes on London Landmarks Half Marathon in Support of Mental Health Charity
MSC Industrial Supply Co. UK Team Takes on London Landmarks Half Marathon in Support of Mental Health Charity A dedicated team of runners from MSC Industrial Supply Co. UK is set to take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon on April 6 to raise vital funds for the...
University Students Try out Latest Performance Analysis Technology
Students at the University of Worcester got a chance to try out some of the latest technology in the world of sports performance analysis. SmartCart Technologies visited to speak to students on the Master’s Sport (Applied Performance Analysis) course about the latest...
‘Betton Grange’ to guest at SVR’s Spring Steam Gala
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed that GWR 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ will star at its Spring Steam Gala on 18 to 21 April. Dubbed the ‘81st Grange’, it is the sole representative of the Grange class – all the original 80 locomotives were withdrawn for scrap by...
University of Worcester Recognised for Community Work and Inclusive Approach
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for two awards recognising its contribution to the community and its commitment to inclusion. The Circle 2 Success Regional Business Awards celebrate excellence in businesses and organisations across the South Midlands...
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