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.
Our Story
REWIND back to November 2020 …. go to my back to work interview at VAX after having my 2nd child. Even remember taking her in the pushchair with me ha-ha. Sitting there with the section manager and setting everything up. Yep, see you in a few weeks and off home...
Member News
PAYROLLING BENEFITS IN KIND
From April 2027, all Benefits in Kind (BiKs) will need to be payrolled in real time. In our latest article, we break down what the new rules mean, how to manage the transitional year, and why early action is essential to avoid disruption later. Our advice is don’t...
The Limelite Lounge!
We’re really excited to be launching a brand-new series of live, relaxed, expert-led sessions, designed to bring you the latest insights and on-the-ground experience that’s shaping people management practices! Please welcome – The Limelite Lounge! These sessions...
Patron & Strategic News
Early Years Conference Marks Launch of University Centre in Worcester
The work of early years professionals in the county was the topic of a conference which marked the launch of a new University Centre at Heart of Worcestershire College. The internationally renowned author, Ben Kingston-Hughes, who has written several early years...
University Study Finds New Health Link that Could Transform How Heart Disease is Detected
Research carried out at the University of Worcester has discovered a potentially significant link between markers in the blood and electrical functions of the heart which could transform the way heart disease is detected. The study could mean that ECG...
Chamber News
The Rising Cost of Doing Business
How Firms Can Tackle The Rising Cost of Doing Business We’re all now familiar with the cost of living crisis – how households are struggling to keep up with bills and afford the rapidly rising cost of food, fuel and other essentials. But there’s another crisis,...
Thursfields comments on new law criminalising travellers camping on land without permission
New legislation now makes it a criminal offence for people with vehicles to camp out on land without permission, according to Jon Clifford of leading Midlands law firm Thursfields Solicitors. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which was passed into law...
Our Latest Member
Introducing Workwear Pro Direct
Workwear Pro Direct are a UK supplier of plain and branded PPE and workwear. They offer a wide range of customisation services from screen print to embroidery and their in house design team are on hand to assist. Clients also have the option to recycle their old...
Introducing Workwear Pro Direct
Workwear Pro Direct are a UK supplier of plain and branded PPE and workwear. They offer a wide range of customisation services from screen print to embroidery and their in house design team are on hand to assist. Clients also have the option to recycle their old...
Policy News
UK jobs market shows resiliency as exit out of lockdown continues
The latest figures released by the Office for National statistics suggest the jobs market has been broadly stable in recent months, with signs of recovery. The number of payroll employees has increased for the fifth consecutive month, but still remains 772,000 below...
Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey now open
Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey is now open. Click here to take part. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce represent the views of our members to national government, ensuring that the business case drives government policy. A great benefit of...
Skills News
Pershore student awarded top apprentice title
A horticulture apprentice training at Pershore College has been named as the Midland Regional Growers (MRG) Apprentice of the Year. Tom Everard, who is currently employed at the Worcestershire-based plant company Bransford Webbs, was presented with the award by the...
Pershore College officially launches agri-tech revolution
Pershore College opened its doors to representatives from over forty organisations and businesses from around the region last Tuesday when it officially opened its Agri-Tech Research Centre. The state-of-the-art centre was funded with the support of £500,000 from...
Charity News
Local theatre director launches Crowdfunder campaign to help colleagues in Kherson, Ukraine
Local theatre director launches Crowdfunder campaign to help colleagues in Kherson, Ukraine. Rachael Savage, Artistic Director of Worcester-based Vamos Theatre has started a Crowdfunder campaign to raise money for food, clothes and medicine in Ukraine. As an actor in...
Vamos Theatre launches Environmental Action Plan
Vamos Theatre is proud to announce its three-stage Environmental Action Plan, based on the One Planet Living Framework. In response to the climate emergency, and with the support of Julia’s Bicycle, the Theatre Green Book, Arts Council England and One Planet Living,...
Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: Hiring Difficulties Easing But Significant Concerns Persist
Businesses report recruitment conditions have eased, with fewer firms facing difficulties in hiring 66% of responding firms say they’ve faced challenges finding staff, the lowest percentage in three years Companies in the production and manufacturing...
BCC News
Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: Hiring Difficulties Easing But Significant Concerns Persist
Businesses report recruitment conditions have eased, with fewer firms facing difficulties in hiring 66% of responding firms say they’ve faced challenges finding staff, the lowest percentage in three years Companies in the production and manufacturing...
Worcestershire News
Expanding Stonemasonry Business to Take on New Space in Worcester
Well-known local family run business, Stonemasons of Worcester is relocating part of its operations to a larger industrial unit in Bromyard Road, Worcester with the support of Worcestershire-based commercial property consultancy and Chartered Surveyors GJS Dillon....
Local Solicitors show Support for Wyre Forest Hospice Charity
The Kidderminster office of a West Midlands law firm is showing their support for Wyre Forest Charity KEMP Hospice. Talbots Law, based on Church Street in Kidderminster, have chosen to support KEMP Hospice through their ‘Charity Will Service’, donating 50% of the fee...
Herefordshire News
Two AA Rosettes Comes to Hay-On-Wye!
Hay-On-Wye, Herefordshire: The Old Black Lion in Hay-On-Wye was awarded Two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, whilst maintaining Four Star AA rated accommodation on Thursday 4th August 2022. The Old Black Lion is a restaurant and B&B, welcoming guests to stay...
Council Tax Rebates Application Deadline is Approaching
Herefordshire Council is encouraging residents who are eligible but who have not yet been in touch about their Government Energy Rebate to apply online. As part of the Government’s initiative to help households with rising energy costs, there is a one-off £150...
All Latest News
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...
Join the Movement: Inclusive Sporting Events Make Sure No Kid Gets ‘Left on the Bench’
Pupils from special and mainstream schools around Worcester spent a morning taking part in inclusive sports at the University of Worcester, led by a charity founder with a unique vision. Supported by students from the University, around 70 pupils formed teams to...
Opportunity to Become a Governor at Holy Trinity School, Kidderminster
Holy Trinity School is a thriving, all-through school in Kidderminster, providing high-quality education for students from Reception to Sixth Form. With a history spanning over 120 years, the school has evolved significantly from its independent school heritage,...
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...
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