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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.
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Devolution Plans must Deliver on Local Economic Growth
After the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament today, Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome further devolution to...
Latest Article
Devolution Plans must Deliver on Local Economic Growth
After the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament today, Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome further devolution to...
Member News
University Academic to Give Insights in Historical Fiction Discussion
Two writing experts will be sharing their insights on how to turn historical facts into fiction at a special event this week. University of Worcester Lecturer in Creative Writing, Dr Ruth Stacey, and best-selling author Barbara Erskine will take part in a discussion...
Children and Families Festival a Hit
Hundreds of people attended the first ever Children and Families Festival at the University of Worcester over the weekend. The free event, which took place on Saturday (31st May) was organised by staff and students and was held at the University’s Lakeside Campus....
Patron & Strategic News
ISO Quality Services Announce the Return of the Good Egg Awards 2025
ISO Quality Services (ISO QSL) is delighted to announce the return of their Good Egg Awards for the eighth consecutive year. Originally launched in 2018, this annual initiative has become a cornerstone of the organisation’s commitment to recognising excellence among...
Students Complete 24-Hour CPR Marathon
Students at the University of Worcester have completed their 24-hour CPR marathon, attracting the donation of a defibrillator and a visit from a Casualty actor. The students began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a training mannequin at 9am on Monday, 10...
Chamber News
Inflation eases but rising prices increase pressure on businesses
UK inflation has eased in March, however rising food prices has meant inflation remains higher than expected above 10%, adding to the speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates again on Thursday. According to data released from the Office for...
Labour market struggles continue, according to the Office for National Statistics
The UK continues to struggle with labour shortages despite the estimated number of vacancies falling on the quarter, data released today from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown. April’s labour market overview revealed that between January and March...
Our Latest Member
Welcome the Business Doctor to the Chamber
Steve Ennis is the latest business professional to join the Business Doctors network and will be operating in the county of Worcestershire. Steve will focus his efforts on supporting and providing strategic advice to business owners with the aim of helping them become...

Welcome the Business Doctor to the Chamber
Steve Ennis is the latest business professional to join the Business Doctors network and will be operating in the county of Worcestershire. Steve will focus his efforts on supporting and providing strategic advice to business owners with the aim of helping them become...
Policy News
UK vacancies at record level – but biggest test yet to come for businesses
Recently released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests the labour market is continuing its strong recovery from the economic shock caused by the pandemic. UK job vacancies have risen to record levels, with 953,000 in the three months to July....
Government extends deadline for CE marking rules
The government has extended the start date for the new post-Brexit certification rules for construction products by 12 months, after being told that sticking with next year’s deadline would have caused chaos across the industry. The current CE markings had been due to...
Skills News
Top Marks From Akademik !
When the exam results became known I found out that 3 of my students from April – May got top marks. Two got an A* and one got an A. These were the students I helped to prepare for A level exams. And usually I also conduct Russian GCSE and A level exams but it...
Employer guidance on apprenticeships
A new employer guide has been developed for employers who want to get their apprenticeships up and running again with advice and support to help organisations where apprentices have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Further guidance is available on:...
Charity News
Matt and George take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in aid of Acorns
In December, Matt and George plan to take part in the annual Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, with the aim of raising £250,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice, a local charity very close to their hearts. The dynamic duo are rowing in memory of a close family...
Hundreds already signed up to Messy Runner
One of the messiest events Hereford has ever seen heads to the city this summer. Hundreds are set to be dunked in slime, covered in paint and drenched with water during the first ever Messy Runner. The family-friendly event takes place on Saturday 17th June and is...

Inflation Dips but Price Pressures on Business Remain
Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s slight dip in the inflation rate is welcome but it’s not a game-changer. Underlying price pressures within the economy...
BCC News
Inflation Dips but Price Pressures on Business Remain
Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s slight dip in the inflation rate is welcome but it’s not a game-changer. Underlying price pressures within the economy...
Worcestershire News
The Chamber Welcomes Worcester City Women FC (WCWFC)
Worcester City Women FC (WCWFC), established in 2021, is a determined participant in a movement sweeping the nation and, quite frankly, the globe: women’s football. Since England’s Euro Success in 2022, the Women’s Super League (tier 1) has seen an...
Big challenges ahead for former student to honour the memory of his daughters.
A former University of Worcester student has been back on campus as he gets ready for his last year of big fundraising challenges. 55-year-old Tony Frobisher has already run the London Marathon, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire IT Company Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation and Growth
ActiveIT, a leading provider of cutting-edge IT solutions and services, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. Since its founding in February 1998, the company – which has a base near Ross-on-Wye – has established itself as a leader in the industry...
Wyevale Nurseries supplies trees as part of Council’s ‘tree planting’ ambition
Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford has supplied more than 100 different projects with trees as part of Gloucestershire County Council’s commitment to plant at least a million trees (February 2023). It has supplied trees, transplants and container shrubs as part of the...
All Latest News
Planning and Infrastructure Reform Must Benefit Business
Responding to the unveiling of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “It’s encouraging to see the Government has heeded our calls to tackle the problems of the UK’s worn-out infrastructure to fire...
US Tariffs Hit UK Business
Reacting to the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on exports of UK steel and aluminium to the United States, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said: “This is a difficult day for trans-Atlantic trade and plunges businesses, in both the US and UK, into a new age...
Small plates having a big impact at Brockencote Hall Hotel
Brockencote Hall Hotel has unveiled its new Petit Plates menu featuring an array of British produce across 13 different plates. Menu favourites include pork belly, soy and honey; as well as beef sirloin with chimichurri and pitta; market fish with spinach and caper...
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...
Pineapple Recruitment’s initiatives back Neurodiversity Celebration Week
A leading Worcester recruitment firm has signaled its support for this year’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week by urging businesses to implement more procedures which encourage neurodiverse job candidates. Pineapple Recruitment, which specialise in providing...
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...
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