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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.
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Modern Work Experience at Specsavers M&D
Work experience at Specsavers Manufacturing & Distribution has evolved into a hands‑on and meaningful introduction to the world of work. Across Vision Labs, Lens Online, IGS and Kidderminster, students now gain real insight into how eyewear is produced,...
Latest Article
Modern Work Experience at Specsavers M&D
Work experience at Specsavers Manufacturing & Distribution has evolved into a hands‑on and meaningful introduction to the world of work. Across Vision Labs, Lens Online, IGS and Kidderminster, students now gain real insight into how eyewear is produced,...
Member News
Neurodiversity in Business: What’s Shifting in 2026
As we move into 2026, the conversation around neurodiversity in business is changing. For years, workplace approaches have leaned heavily on labels and late-stage interventions – responding once someone is already struggling, burnt out, or disengaged....
PGM Pest Control Publishes Herefordshire Pest Activity Data Analysis Report 2025
PGM Pest Control has released its Herefordshire Pest Activity Data Analysis Report 2025, identifying the most prevalent pest issues across the county based on recorded treatment data. Key Findings: Rodents — 48% Wasps — 15% Carpet beetles — 6% Bed bugs — 6% Woodworm —...
Patron & Strategic News
Student Helps Deliver Lecturer’s Baby During Hospital Placement
A routine hospital placement turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a University of Worcester student, who helped deliver her lecturer’s baby. 3rd-year Paramedic Sciences student Elise Faragher was on placement on the Maternity Ward at Worcestershire Royal...
Top level changes for West Midland RFCA leadership team
A new leadership team is bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (West Midland RFCA) after the election of a new Chair and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Over the summer, Major General John Crackett...
Chamber News
Business Roundup – November 2022
I’ve recently highlighted the measures some companies and organisations are taking to help their staff mitigate the significant cost of living increases we are all seeing. It’s also pleasing to see action being taken at local council level. The government’s...
Chancellor places emphasis on stability and growth in his Autumn budget
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his much-anticipated Autumn Statement, with an emphasis on stability, growth, and public services. The tackling of inflation was key on the Chancellor’s agenda after it hit a 41-year high of 11.1%. Bringing down inflation will...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members – Silver Scope Media!
Silver Scope Media is an award-winning digital agency combining creativity with a deep technical understanding to create transformative digital experiences. They have worked with clients from Hereford to Queensland and helped businesses design, develop and deploy...
Welcome New Members – Silver Scope Media!
Silver Scope Media is an award-winning digital agency combining creativity with a deep technical understanding to create transformative digital experiences. They have worked with clients from Hereford to Queensland and helped businesses design, develop and deploy...
Policy News
UK signs free trade deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Following agreement in principle last month, the United Kingdom has moved quickly to sign a free trade deal with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, locking in tariff-free trade and securing greater access for UK firms. Ministers from the three countries came to London...
Immigration – latest news
Graduate Visa The Graduate visa route opened for applications on Thursday 1 July. International students who have been awarded their degree can stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students. See the...
Skills News
Pirates invade Kidderminster Nursery
Children at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster had a swashbuckling time dressing up and enjoying their very own version of the ‘Black Pearl’ pirate ship as part of their themed play day. Nursery manager and shipmate, Gaynor Carter, explained: “Playing pirates and...
Pershore College student preparing to take on the country’s best landscape gardeners
A horticulture student from Pershore College is preparing to take on the country’s best landscape gardeners in a bid to compete on the world stage. Patrick Nield, from Hungerford in Berkshire, will be one of only eight competitors in the final of the WorldSkills UK...
Charity News
Darren Wilkins Appointed as a New Trustee of Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust
Worcestershire business owner Darren Wilkins has been announced as a new Trustee at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust (GKCCT). Having supported the charity since Darren’s family business City Signs, celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2020, his dedication to the...
Worcestershire Community Foundation Seeks New Board Members!
Worcestershire Community Foundation is a local charitable body and one of the leading grantmakers in Worcestershire; we act as a conduit to local philanthropy, linking private and public funders with community projects across the county. We are an accredited member of...
Level Playing Field For UK Trade Is Vital
Responding to the Government’s proposals for the Trade Remedies Authority and changes to customs charges for low value imports, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are still many twists and turns to go in the trade war...
BCC News
Level Playing Field For UK Trade Is Vital
Responding to the Government’s proposals for the Trade Remedies Authority and changes to customs charges for low value imports, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are still many twists and turns to go in the trade war...
Worcestershire News
Managing risk: how to avoid breaches of the SRA Account Rules
Despite being an integral part of every legal practice, breaches of the SRA Accounts Rules are the single biggest reason why law firms are intervened by the SRA. Why? Because they are so easy to fall foul of. Whether it’s breaches due to mismanagement, or a lack of...
OSPREY APPROACH LAUNCHES SECOND WEBINAR SERIES
Independent legal software provider Osprey Approach is delighted to announce the launch of its second webinar series, which aims to help SME law firms establish good business habits for long term success. Following positive feedback for Osprey’s first webinar series,...
Herefordshire News
Leave a Light On for Small Business
When it comes to outsourced marketing support, big doesn’t always mean best – says Ruby Edwards, Owner of You Do Better PR. Uncovering the organisations within the local area can certainly reap rewards. We’re lucky to have so many to choose from:...
HAY FESTIVAL AND LVIV BOOKFORUM UNVEIL PARTNERSHIP TO DEFEND FREE EXPRESSION
Ukrainian literature will be brought to a global audience of millions in a new digital partnership announced today between Ukraine’s largest literature festival, Lviv BookForum, and leading literary charity and global ideas platform Hay Festival. Taking place 6-9...
All Latest News
University Students’ Support for Ledbury Poetry Festival Leads to New Role for Graduate
A University of Worcester graduate is embarking on an exciting new role inspired by an internship at this year’s Ledbury Poetry Festival. Jacob Briscombe was one of three students who volunteered as artist management interns at the poetry festival, now in its 28th...
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust endorses Jess’s Rule to work with GPs to improve early cancer detection
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is proud to support the launch of Jess’s Rule; an initiative aimed at improving the early detection of cancer and other serious diseases in patients. Officially introduced today, Jess’s Rule advocates for a specific approach to...
University of Worcester Shortlisted in Student Accommodation Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted in the Student Accommodation Awards 2025. Worcester is a finalist for the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award, which celebrates initiatives that reduce environmental impact and promote greener student...
CONSTRUCTION WELL UNDERWAY AT NMITE’S CENTRE FOR INNOVATION AND FUTURE SKILLS
Construction is today underway at NMITE’s Centre for Innovation and Future Skills with base plates being installed and the timber frame being erected this week. Due to be opened in Spring 2026, this is a significant milestone in the construction of the building which...
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives £13,000 donation from Hereford’s KGD Industrial Services
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is flying high after a generous donation of £13,000, following the success of a lively charity dinner held by Hereford’s own, KGD Industrial Services. KGD Industrial Services, which specialises in designing and manufacturing process...
SYNDICATED INTERVIEW WITH WUTHERING HEIGHTS DIRECTOR, DAVID DURANT
“Wuthering Heights is a tale of love and loss that has a very strong connection to a lot of Greek Tragedies which allows for plenty of Drama.” – David Durant, Artistic Director at The Courtyard Interviewee: David Durant, Artistic Director, The Courtyard Date:...
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