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.
Award-Winning Partnership Showcases Power of Help to Grow Programme
A participant and a leader of the University of Worcester’s Help to Grow: Management programme have been recognised at a national awards ceremony in London. At the event, hosted by organisers of the Help to Grow programme, Steve Ennis and Richard Sadler each scooped...
Latest Article
Award-Winning Partnership Showcases Power of Help to Grow Programme
A participant and a leader of the University of Worcester’s Help to Grow: Management programme have been recognised at a national awards ceremony in London. At the event, hosted by organisers of the Help to Grow programme, Steve Ennis and Richard Sadler each scooped...
Member News
Online retailer ready for growth after receiving BCRS Business Loans funds
An online retailer is preparing for growth thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Vabe Wholesale Ltd, based at Middlemore Industrial Estate, West Bromwich, is using £50,000 in investment secured from...
University of Worcester to Host Conference on Global Divisions and Future Sustainability
The University of Worcester will host a special conference next month exploring the growing political, social, and economic divisions shaping the modern world, and how communities can work together toward a more sustainable future. The conference, titled ‘Divided...
Patron & Strategic News
Key Employment Law Updates: Autumn 2025
1. Fire and Rehire – Government Softens Proposed BanThe Employment Rights Bill continues to target “fire and rehire” tactics, where employers dismiss staff to impose new terms. Dismissals linked to restricted variations (e.g. reductions in pay, hours, pensions, or...
Chambers & Partners success for law firm’s Employment team
The Employment and HR Services department from Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors has been ranked in the prestigious 2026 UK Chambers & Partners Guide. Regarded as one of the legal sector’s most trusted measures of quality, Chambers & Partners is an...
Chamber News
Destination Bromyard punches well above its weight
The MP for North Herefordshire, Sir Bill Wiggin, attended a local VIP and stakeholder event in Bromyard last week. The aim of the event was to showcase the new interventions and artwork within the town – all of which were incredibly well-received. For the past six...
Chair’s Report
It’s great to be able to start with news that affects all businesses: mitigating energy costs and hopefully helping many businesses avoid insolvency. Through a new Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Worcestershire B-Stitch Embroidery & Printing – Embroidery & Printing Service for workwear apparel Capella Associates Limited – Leadership & Personal...
Welcome New Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Worcestershire B-Stitch Embroidery & Printing – Embroidery & Printing Service for workwear apparel Capella Associates Limited – Leadership & Personal...
Policy News
Opportunity to meet HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP
HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to better connect UK towns and cities, regenerate communities and make a step change in the Government’s commitment to become Carbon Zero.
UK and Australia agree in principle to first post-Brexit trade deal
Source: BBC News A trade deal between the UK and Australia has been agreed between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his counterpart, Scott Morrison. The deal is the first to be built from scratch since the UK left the EU. The new deal could allow the UK to eventually...
Skills News
Compare the salary and benefits you offer to improve recruitment
At a time when provisions for flexible working and annual leave allowance are as important to candidates as salaries, it has never been more crucial to compare the salary and benefits your business offers. Take part in our annual Salary & Benefits 2019/20 survey...
Holy Trinity ESSA English Champions
Holy Trinity School pupils have taken the title of Medium School, Medley Relay English Champions at the ESSA Primary Relay Finals at Ponds Forge, Sheffield on Saturday 15th June. The medley relay team had pre-qualified for the Sheffield gala earlier in the year with a...
Charity News
Vamos Theatre opens its doors for a special day of play
Vamos Theatre, the award-winning full mask theatre company based in Worcester, is inviting non-theatre professionals to join in a unique workshop – one that’s for everyone who’s interested in theatre. Renowned for its ground-breaking, non-verbal performance style,...
Lifesaving charity Arrive Alive becomes charity of the year with Johnsons Coaches for 2023
Established in 1909 family business Johnsons Coaches has become one of the most well respected coach companies within the UK, winning multiple awards for its service and core values. With community and the service at the forefront of their business they have supported...
Tariffs Loom Large As Growth Forecasts Cut
Responding to the latest IMF forecasts for the UK and Global economies, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The downgrades for both the UK and global economy should come as no surprise to anyone. Businesses are under no...
BCC News
Tariffs Loom Large As Growth Forecasts Cut
Responding to the latest IMF forecasts for the UK and Global economies, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The downgrades for both the UK and global economy should come as no surprise to anyone. Businesses are under no...
Worcestershire News
Jobs boost as Worcestershire business leader marks 35 years
The owner of a Kidderminster IT firm has marked 35 years in the business as it gets set to provide further local jobs. The owner of a Kidderminster IT firm has marked 35 years in the business as it gets set to provide further local jobs. Susan Marlow, managing...
Powerful new film shines honest light on children’s hospice care
You’ll never forget that moment. The diagnosis. Everything stops…’ – This is the powerful opening of a brand-new film from Acorns Children’s Hospice that takes you on the moving journey of local families who need the charity’s lifeline care and support. ‘Stronger...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire Area Council – May 2022
Business Sector Updates Science Market conditions are currently buoyant with good levels of opportunities and demand. Recruitment is proving challenging with many job vacancies, although specialist science is particularly hard to recruit to. Working from home is seen...
Chair’s Report
Great news for Hereford, with the successful bid for funding from the Government Towns Fund. A total of £22.4 million has been secured for investment in up to 15 transformational projects included in the city’s Town Investment Plan (TIP). Details of all the projects...
All Latest News
Mental Elf 2025 Kidderminster
About this event Holiday • Christmas Held at the stunning Bodenham Arboretum in Kidderminster, this event isn’t just about raising funds, it’s about bringing our community together and shining a light on the importance of mental health and wellbeing, especially during...
We don’t need to do brand building – or do we?
It is a phrase often heard in business circles, “we don’t need to do brand building” but here’s the reality: it’s not an option. It’s not about ‘needing’ to build the brand, it’s whether you’re going to actively shape and exploit your brand or leave it to chance. What...
Event marks milestones at law firm
Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors held its latest ‘Law and Order’ networking event for professionals across the region. The event, held at Worcester’s Piston Distillery, celebrated partner and chairman Iain Morrison who has marked 30 years at the firm, whilst...
The Key Safe Company to Showcase World’s Most Secure Key Safe in Live Attack Tests at International Security Expo
A specialist in access management hopes to use this week’s International Security Expo in London to demonstrate that not all key safes are equal. Worcester-based The Key Safe Company will once again put its ark Tamo Pro under intense duress when it goes under attack...
Hunger doesn’t wait until Christmas – ISO Quality Services Launches 8th Bingo Box Challenge
ISO Quality Services has launched its eighth annual Christmas Bingo Box Challenge, calling on local people and businesses across Worcestershire to support families facing hunger this winter. Demand for food banks remains at record levels, with the Trussell Trust...
Bestselling Authors Caz Frear and Olivia Isaac-Henry to Headline Spooky Fiction Event at The Hive
With the countdown to Halloween now on, bestselling author Caz Frear, creator of the hit Cat Kinsella series, will join fellow novelist Olivia Isaac-Henry for an evening of hair-raising storytelling and writing tips at The Hive. At the free event, on October 15...
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