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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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Take on Kilimanjaro and Support Your Local Hospitals
Have you ever dreamed of standing on the roof of Africa? Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity is inviting you to take part in our very first international challenge event: an unforgettable trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2027. At 5,895m,...
Latest Article
Take on Kilimanjaro and Support Your Local Hospitals
Have you ever dreamed of standing on the roof of Africa? Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity is inviting you to take part in our very first international challenge event: an unforgettable trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2027. At 5,895m,...
Member News
University Bids Farewell to ‘Lovely Sue’
A much-loved colleague of the University of Worcester has retired after 38 years of loyal and dedicated service. Sue Hudson, known as ‘Sue My Lovely’ to colleagues, students and visitors because of the friendly way she greets people, began her career at what was then...
Worcester IT Firm Wins International Support Contract
Worcester-based IT Managed Consultancy (ITMC) is celebrating a significant international win, having been appointed to deliver round-the-clock IT support to AirNord — providing cover for 170 staff across seven countries. The contract sees ITMC’s engineers...
Patron & Strategic News
OfS Chiefs Visit University of Worcester to Discuss Civic Mission and Innovation
The University of Worcester recently hosted senior officials from the Office for Students (OfS) for discussions about its civic mission and innovative partnerships. Ruth Hannant, Joint Chief Executive of the OfS, visited the University alongside Board member Andrew...
Clearing Gave me the Chance to Choose, says Worcester Graduate
The University of Worcester is braced for a potentially record-breaking Clearing Day, as pupils across the country prepare to receive their exam results. The University received more than 1,000 calls to its Clearing hotline last year, with students hoping to secure a...
Chamber News
Dr Ellie Chowns MP Attends Herefordshire Area Council Meeting
Dr Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire recently attended the Chamber’s Herefordshire Area Council meeting held at NMITE’s facility on Skylon Park, Rotherwas. Ellie Chowns began by outlining current priorities within the constituency, the impact of international...
Chamber Business Awards 2026 – Finalists Announced
We are delighted to announce the outstanding businesses and organisations shortlisted as finalists for the Chamber Business Awards 2026. Sponsored by Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council, the Awards celebrate firms across the two counties and are a...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | December
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout December: Untapped Global Ltd – Specialists in inclusive communications and marketing, helping organisations reach diverse audiences with clarity and impact. Proelium Law LLP – A specialist law firm advising...
Welcome New Members | December
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout December: Untapped Global Ltd – Specialists in inclusive communications and marketing, helping organisations reach diverse audiences with clarity and impact. Proelium Law LLP – A specialist law firm advising...
Policy News
URGENT Briefing Webinar: What Does the Middle East Conflict Mean for Your Business?
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is already having significant consequences for global energy markets, supply chains, insurance costs and wider commercial risk environments. As the situation continues to evolve, UK businesses need timely, reliable...
Growth Elusive As Labour Market Loosens
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are strong signs that the labour market is continuing to loosen as wage...
Skills News
National Apprenticeship Week success culminates with launch of 2025 Apprenticeships Awards
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Worcestershire County Council are pleased to announce the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. The announcement comes at the conclusion of National Apprenticeship Week, a successful week of promoting the...
Worcestershire Apprenticeships Penguin Finds Home with Local Training Provider
Worcestershire Apprenticeships’ very own penguin in the great Waddle of Worcester has found a home with local training provider GLP Training. In the summer of 2024, St Richard’s Hospice delivered the great Waddle of Worcester, a penguin-themed art trail around the...
Charity News
Get Festival-Ready For OrchardFest
Our accessible music festival OrchardFest 2026 is just around the corner, and the official merchandise shop is now live! From comfy hoodies to classic T-shirts and stylish bucket hats, it’s a brilliant way to get into the festival spirit. Merchandise Deadline: Order...
Local Business Backs Young Footballers and KEMP Hospice with New Team Sponsorship.
Young footballers in the Wyre Forest are set to take to the pitch in brand-new kits this season thanks to the support of local business R Albert Accountancy Ltd – with KEMP Hospice proudly featured on the front of the shirts. The new kits will feature the KEMP...
UK Exporters Floundering As Headwinds Build
The proportion of businesses reporting increased exports orders fell to 16% in Q2 2026, down from 25% in Q1. The balance of firms reporting increased orders stands at -10%, with 26% of businesses reporting a decrease. In the past 20 years, export orders have only...
BCC News
UK Exporters Floundering As Headwinds Build
The proportion of businesses reporting increased exports orders fell to 16% in Q2 2026, down from 25% in Q1. The balance of firms reporting increased orders stands at -10%, with 26% of businesses reporting a decrease. In the past 20 years, export orders have only...
Worcestershire News
The Worcestershire Community Foundation is looking for two new trustees
The Worcestershire Community Foundation is looking for two new trustees to join the Board. We are one of the leading grant makers in Worcestershire; we act as a conduit to local philanthropy, linking private and public funders with community projects across the...
Valley Railway delivers ‘biggest diesel gala of the year’
The Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival between 15 and 18 May welcomed more than 3,700 visitors and saw 20 locomotives in action, for what organisers believe was 2025’s largest diesel event on the preservation circuit. ‘What a fantastic show we put on!’...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire Law Firm Announces New Partners
A Herefordshire law firm is celebrating the appointments of four new partners – including one who started out as an office secretary nearly 30 years ago. Lanyon Bowdler has announced that four senior members of staff have been promoted to partners –...
Turning Risks into Opportunities: How Insurance Can Support Business Growth in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Running a business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire presents fantastic opportunities, but it also involves risks. Whether you’re a manufacturer in Malvern, a farm shop owner in Herefordshire, or a tech start-up in Worcester… growth often means taking on...
All Latest News
Severn Valley Railway temporarily suspends steam services during prolonged hot and dry weather
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has announced that, because of the continuing period of exceptionally hot and dry weather and with little rainfall forecast, it is suspending all steam-hauled services until further notice. Heritage diesel locomotives will haul all...
Welcome New Members | July 2026
A warm welcome to our newest Members who joined us throughout July: Empowered Minds BWRT Therapy & Coaching – offers BWRT psychotherapy and coaching in Worcestershire to help people create lasting positive change. Catesby & Fawkes – is a brand and...
New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins
Reacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into...
Alarm Bells Ringing As Services Exports Fall
Commenting on the latest trade data released by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Goods exports fared well in May with a 5.2% increase in volume, particularly in chemicals exports to the...
Mixed Picture for UK Exporters On US Tariffs
The US has introduced new tariffs to replace its current levies on UK imports which have expired today. For most UK companies there is no effective change, but there is welcome confirmation that the removal of US tariffs on whisky has taken effect Duties that must be...
University Lecturer Completes 310-Mile Charity Kayak Challenge
A University of Worcester lecturer who has kayaked 310 miles in 31 days to raise money for charity is set to complete his month-long challenge today (Friday 31 July), having already exceeded his original fundraising target. Steve Ennis, Business Lecturer and Managing...
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