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.
Weak Business Confidence Impacting Hiring
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s labour market data is a stark example of the challenges awaiting Andy Burnham as he settles into...
Latest Article
Weak Business Confidence Impacting Hiring
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s labour market data is a stark example of the challenges awaiting Andy Burnham as he settles into...
Member News
Limelite HR: Lisa to Join as Guest Speaker and Workshop Facilitator
A bit of news to share. On Wednesday 8th July, Lisa is speaking at the Keep Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working Conference at The Abbey Hotel in Malvern, and she’s also hosting a workshop on returning to work. We’re really looking forward to it....
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Farmers Needed for New Arthritis Study
Researchers at the University of Worcester are appealing for people from farming backgrounds with experience of arthritis to take part in groundbreaking research into the condition. The University is currently carrying out one of the first studies to directly ask...
Patron & Strategic News
University of Worcester Dedicates Room to Honour Former Mayor Brenda Sheridan
A major room at the University of Worcester has been dedicated for Brenda Sheridan, a long-serving member of staff and highly respected community leader, councillor and former Mayor of Worcester. Brenda was an exceptional lecturer and highly valued member of staff at...
Solicitor issues alert to businesses ahead of Employment law changes
One of the county’s leading employment lawyers has urged business to ensure they are prepared and have ‘ticked all the boxes’ ahead of sweeping changes to Employment laws. Sally Morris, partner and head of employment at law firm mfg Solicitors, has taken steps to warn...
Chamber News
ONSIDE Independent Advocacy are offering a Free 6 week Timeout Course
Timeout is an exploration of creative techniques to inspire mindfulness and increase positive mental health. The course is provided by ONSIDE, charity no 1102022. During a free 6 week course, participants are encouraged to learn and practice simple, accessible...
Welcome new Members!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Herefordshire Calming Connections Ltd – Developing a positive mental health environment for the benefit of everyone Eight Three Eight – Search Engine Optimisation Packages, WordPress Training...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Herefordshire Alcocks Limited – Alcocks Ltd are experienced chartered surveyors with an in-house architect. Black Mountain Clothing Ltd – Here to help you create a...
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Herefordshire Alcocks Limited – Alcocks Ltd are experienced chartered surveyors with an in-house architect. Black Mountain Clothing Ltd – Here to help you create a...
Policy News
UK calls for greater global ambition as UN report concludes the planet has warmed more than previously estimated
The UK is calling for urgent global action in response to a UN report published yesterday (9 August) on the science of climate change, that says the planet has warmed more than previously estimated. This latest report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on...
Retraining essential as 1 in 5 firms consider redundancies post-furlough
The BCC has called for government to extend skills training as new research showed nearly 1 in 5 companies are considering staff redundancies as the next phase of furlough tapering begins. With older workers much more likely to still be on furlough, there is...
Skills News
Fellowship awarded to popular local businessman and Chair of WLEP
As part of this year’s graduation ceremonies, Mark Stansfeld, local entrepreneur and Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), was named a Fellow of the University of Worcester following his outstanding work and over 30 years’ experience in his...
Give As You Live named Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate its category winner in the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2019, Give As You Live. Give As You Live provides an innovative way for consumers to raise money for charity in the UK,...
Charity News
Ballards LLP Continues Annual Tradition of Spreading Christmas Joy to Children in Need
As part of their commitment to supporting the Worcester Community Trust, Ballards LLP recently donated wrapped selection boxes to the charity. This support plays a role in helping the Worcester Community Trust provide facilities for community use and extends a helping...
The Iconic St Michael’s Hospice Santa Run has Sold-out
An iconic pre-Christmas sight is set to bring festive cheer to the streets of Hereford. St Michael’s Hospice has confirmed its ever-popular Santa Run, taking place on Sunday 17th December, has sold-out with around 300 signed up. All ages don Santa suits and choose...
Turning Point As More SMEs Unlock AI
Over a third of SMEs (35%) say they are actively using AI technology, up from 25% in 2024 – according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Intuit, the global financial technology platform. The research, featured in a new report, also...
BCC News
Turning Point As More SMEs Unlock AI
Over a third of SMEs (35%) say they are actively using AI technology, up from 25% in 2024 – according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Intuit, the global financial technology platform. The research, featured in a new report, also...
Worcestershire News
University of Worcester to Evaluate the 2023 Düsseldorf Invictus Games
A team of researchers from the University of Worcester has been commissioned by the Royal British Legion to undertake a comprehensive evaluation the 2023 Invictus Games. The project aims to provide the Royal British Legion with wide-ranging insights into the extent to...
New Funding Confirmed for Light Night Worcester 2024
Severn Arts have announced new funding from Arts Council England, making it possible for Light Night Worcester to take place again next year. Laura Worsfold, Severn Arts CEO said: “Light Night Worcester has been so popular and well attended over the last four years,...
Herefordshire News
Beauty and the Beast Dementia Friendly Performance
This Christmas, audiences living with Dementia can enjoy a beast of a show in The Courtyard’s Dementia Friendly Performance of annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. After Beauty finds herself imprisoned by a mysterious beast in an enchanted castle, there is little...
Funding fears for projects supporting vulnerable young people and the unemployed
Major concerns have been raised over the future funding of projects in Herefordshire which support young people not in education or employment. The IN2 Training programme has helped hundreds of young people from across the county, aged 15-24, who are not in education,...
All Latest News
Introducing Socage UK Ltd – A World-Leading Manufacturer of Chassis & Track-Mounted MEWPs Now Supporting the UK Market
As a new member of the H&W Chamber I would like to introduce Socage UK Ltd. The largest manufacturer in the world of chassis and track mounted MEWPS. Made in Moderna, Italy available around the world and market leader in many countries. Our UK subsidiary is in...
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...
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