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.
Why work-life balance is a business issue, not just a people issue
Having spent much of my career in food, drink and FMCG manufacturing, I know how easy it is for long hours and constant availability to become normal. When production targets need hitting, staffing is tight and problems keep coming, stepping in can feel like the only...
Latest Article
Why work-life balance is a business issue, not just a people issue
Having spent much of my career in food, drink and FMCG manufacturing, I know how easy it is for long hours and constant availability to become normal. When production targets need hitting, staffing is tight and problems keep coming, stepping in can feel like the only...
Member News
What is Export Packing?
Export packing is essential when shipping heavy machinery, industrial equipment or high-value products overseas. It’s not just about protecting the items from damage but also making sure everything complies with export regulations, survives long-haul transit and lands...
Essential oils: practical tools for focus, concentration and regulation at work, in learning and at home
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Members Holly Bolt and Kamila Hadley are joining forces to deliver a free to access webinar exploring how essential oils can be used as practical tools to aid focus, concentration and regulation at work, in...
Patron & Strategic News
New Invest in Herefordshire service launched to attract business investment and jobs
Herefordshire Council and partners have launched a new Invest in Herefordshire service and website to attract business investment, support growth and create better-paid jobs in the county. With a £3.6 billion economy, more than 10,600 active businesses and a...
Sherlock Holmes Under the Lens in Free Talk at The Hive
A free talk at The Hive will explore the fascinating thinking behind the creation of the most famous fictional detective of all time. Dr Sharon Young, Course Leader for MA English at the University of Worcester will deliver the talk, titled In Search of a Hero:...
Chamber News
Welcome new Members!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Adder Bookkeeping Ltd – Adder Bookkeeping was established in December 2006. Their core purpose is to relieve business owners of the pain and stress of accounting and support clients to make better...
Why are motor insurance premiums at a record high?
Analysis by The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which looks at 28 million motor insurance policies, suggests that the average price paid for motor insurance in the second quarter of 2023 continued to increase. The average premium paid for private comprehensive...
Our Latest Member
New Member Profile: Introducing CraftAndSew!
CraftAndSew is a small freelance service crafting a variety of handmade items. Situated in the heart of Stourport on Severn, they offer a bespoke service which, depending on the requirements, offers some personalisation as a nice individual touch. It also has a small...
New Member Profile: Introducing CraftAndSew!
CraftAndSew is a small freelance service crafting a variety of handmade items. Situated in the heart of Stourport on Severn, they offer a bespoke service which, depending on the requirements, offers some personalisation as a nice individual touch. It also has a small...
Policy News
New Prime Minister Must Act Fast
Liz Truss has been announced as the UK’s new Prime Minister. It is vital that she takes immediate action in her role as Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister. The vacuum in power that has been left during the process of electing a new leader has...
British Chambers of Commerce react to the announcement of the new Prime Minister
Reacting to the announcement of the new Prime Minister, Sarah Howard, Chair of the BCC, said: “We would like to congratulate Liz Truss on running a successful campaign to become the UK’s new Prime Minister. “She must now take immediate steps to support the economy....
Skills News
Worcestershire chosen to have another Careers Hub supporting Middle Schools to create our future workforce
Worcestershire has been selected as part of a new wave of Careers Hubs launched across the UK.
The Careers and Enterprise Company announced on Tuesday 23 June that Worcestershire has been chosen in the new wave 3 Careers hubs.
Worcestershire chosen to have another Careers Hub supporting Middle Schools to create our future workforce
Worcestershire has been selected as part of a new wave of Careers Hubs launched across the UK. The Careers and Enterprise Company announced on Tuesday 23 June that Worcestershire has been chosen in the new wave 3 careers hubs. Currently the county secured a Wave 1...
Charity News
Countdown to this year’s annual Elgar Festival
Organisers of the annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer are counting down the days until the event. The Elgar Festival’s 2024 event will take place between Monday 27 May and Sunday 2 June. The Festival – which was launched...
The Courtyard Announces Ambitious LED Lighting Project to Enhance the Performance Spaces and Substantially Reduce its Carbon Footprint
The Courtyard is thrilled to unveil its latest initiative to bring vibrant low-energy lighting to its performance spaces through the installation of 140, eco-friendly LED lights. This innovative lighting project promises endless possibilities for creative expression,...
Cost Pressures Continue to Hit Labour Market
Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ongoing impact of business cost pressures, most notably from the national insurance hike,...
BCC News
Cost Pressures Continue to Hit Labour Market
Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ongoing impact of business cost pressures, most notably from the national insurance hike,...
Worcestershire News
Wellbeing job clubs sign up 120 clients in first three months
A brand-new wellbeing job club and support service opened in Worcester in June of this year to support people who are looking to work towards gaining employment or training. Three months down the line, and more than 120 people are already gaining support. The service,...
Learning on-the-go: EG People Development launches new eLearning offering
Malvern-based business EG People Development, led by Liz Gait, unveiled their new online learning platform at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s recent Business Expo. EG People Development officially launched their eLearning programme at the...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire Embrace Equity for International Women’s Day
Over the last couple of years Ruby Edwards from You Do Better PR has written together with local business women who live and work in and around Worcestershire to share the positive sentiment of International Women’s Day. This year, in Herefordshire, we embrace...
New e-bikes arrive in Hereford
An additional 47 Beryl e-bikes are being added to Hereford’s fleet this week. More will be added over the coming weeks, making a total of 200 bikes and 104 e-bikes available for users in the city. The e-bikes can be hired from and returned to any of the existing 69...
All Latest News
Steam swap: ‘Manor’ and ‘Dukedog’ in a cross-UK exchange
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) and the Vale of Rheidol Railway are delighted to announce an exciting two-year locomotive exchange that will bring two iconic steam engines to fresh audiences in new locations. From Spring 2026, the SVR’s beloved GWR 7819 Hinton Manor,...
Recruitment firm adds expertise to new Finance and HR division
A leading recruitment firm has expanded its recently launched Finance and HR division with the appointment of a specialist recruitment consultant. Pineapple Recruitment has appointed expert recruiter Lauren McGorrigan to the new consultant role. With over 10 years’...
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust response to Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step...
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...
Kidderminster hotel lands gold for sustainability successes
A boutique Kidderminster hotel has earned gold recognition after a string of sustainability successes. The 4 AA Red Star Brockencote Hall Hotel has been recognised by Green Tourism – a world-leading certification that has been assessing travel, tourism and hospitality...
Ten Years of Smarter Energy: Solar Select Marks a Decade in Business!
Managing Director Terry Hayward reflects on how much the sector has changed since the company was founded: “When I started Solar Select, the solar industry was very different. Today, with the introduction of multiple manufacturing brands such as Sigenergy, Duracell...
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