Business Direction Online
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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.
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.
Emily Newman Shortlisted for Rising Star Award at Financial Reporter Broker’s Choice Awards
Jane Newman Financial Planning (JNFP) is delighted to announce that Emily Newman has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Rising Star Award at this year’s Financial Reporter Broker’s Choice Awards. Emily joined JNFP in 2018 and has since built a strong reputation...
Latest Article
Emily Newman Shortlisted for Rising Star Award at Financial Reporter Broker’s Choice Awards
Jane Newman Financial Planning (JNFP) is delighted to announce that Emily Newman has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Rising Star Award at this year’s Financial Reporter Broker’s Choice Awards. Emily joined JNFP in 2018 and has since built a strong reputation...
Member News
Mayor Welcomes University Netballers After Historic Trophy Win
Netballers from the University of Worcester have been welcomed to the Guildhall by the City’s Mayor, who formally congratulated the side for their historic win in the National Trophy Final. The team defeated Bath 2s in the British Universities and Colleges Sports...
Join rail leaders at the Severn Valley Railway as they shape the legacy of the Greatest Gathering
A unique and thought-provoking evening exploring the future of the rail industry will take place at the Severn Valley Railway’s Engine House at Highley on Thursday 14 May, as part of its Spring Diesel Festival. Bringing together an exceptionally well-connected panel...
Patron & Strategic News
University of Worcester Shortlisted for Two WhatUni Student Choice Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for two awards in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026: Career Prospects and Halls and Student Accommodation. The shortlistings reflect the University’s strong commitment to providing an outstanding student...
HCR Law marks strategic growth with record number of promotions
Top 50 UK firm HCR Law has promoted more than 100 colleagues across its business services and private client teams, marking the firm’s biggest promotion round to date. Promotions take effect from 1 April 2026, recognising more than 100 lawyers and support...
Chamber News
Autumn Budget 2025: Chamber Response
Commenting on the Budget Statement, Robert Elliot, Director of Business Development & Policy, said: “For months we have been concerned that this Budget might repeat the chaos businesses faced in October 2024. While this statement is more stable, several measures...
Unlocking AI Potential: How the BCC AI Academy Is Helping Local Businesses Thrive
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword, but a business imperative, the BCC AI Academy is proving to be a game-changer for regional organisations. This is not just theoretical training; it’s a practical, hands-on programme...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members – June
Warm welcome to our newest Members! Apogee Associates Limited – Apogee help you receive R&D tax relief and access innovation grants, providing your business with the funds necessary to fuel your groundbreaking projects. Arden Studio Business Solutions Ltd...
Welcome new Members – June
Warm welcome to our newest Members! Apogee Associates Limited – Apogee help you receive R&D tax relief and access innovation grants, providing your business with the funds necessary to fuel your groundbreaking projects. Arden Studio Business Solutions Ltd...
Policy News
Have Your Say: Herefordshire Council Budget 2026/27 Consultation
Herefordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to take part in its Budget 2026/27 consultation, giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how council services are prioritised and where savings may need to be made. The consultation runs from...
Autumn Budget 2025: Your detailed summary
Rachel Reeves’s second Budget boosts welfare spending paid for through stealth tax rises, and taxes on property, savings and dividends. Income tax rates remain unchanged, but frozen thresholds for a further three years and wealth-focused levies do the heavy lifting. ...
Skills News
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...
From Learners to Leaders – Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025
It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2025, and we’ve picked our own theme this year, to showcase the journey (our) apprentices take as they evolve on the job – From Learners to Leaders. Apprenticeships are more than just earning a qualification; they’re about...
Charity News
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust response to the release of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step...
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust response to Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step...
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
BCC News
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
Worcestershire News
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!’...
Severn Valley Railway helps local aid charity
The Severn Valley Railway’s paint shop at Bridgnorth had an unusual visitor recently, in the form of a Mitsubishi 4×4 pickup. The SVR was assisting a local charity, Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine, with their efforts in sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The charity...
Herefordshire News
New Chief Executive aims to Create a Greener Future for Communities in Warwickshire and Worcestershire
The new Chief Executive of a leading woodland creation and conservation charity which is planting one of the largest forests in England is set to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change in communities across Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The Heart...
Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Biggest Business Exhibition Draws a Record Crowd
On Thursday 10th October 2024, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Hewett Recruitment, hosted their annual Business Expo at the University of Worcester Arena. This was the Chamber’s first Business Expo at the...
All Latest News
BCRS Business Loans allocated £20m by the British Business Bank to support businesses across the West Midlands and Wales
Community lender BCRS Business Loans has been allocated £20m by the British Business Bank to support underserved small businesses across the West Midlands and Wales. Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans is the sixth lender to be accredited by the British Business...
University of Worcester Shortlisted for Two WhatUni Student Choice Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for two awards in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026: Career Prospects and Halls and Student Accommodation. The shortlistings reflect the University’s strong commitment to providing an outstanding student...
New SVR Summer Gala to feature rare ‘Witch’ class locomotive
The Severn Valley Railway has announced an exciting new addition to its events calendar with the launch of its Summer Gala, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July. The two-day rail celebration will showcase a lively mix of steam and heritage diesel traction,...
Recruitment Challenging As New Employment Law Lands
Nearly three quarters of firms (71%) say they experienced hiring difficulties in Q1 of 2026, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The research, published as the first elements of the Employment Rights Act come into effect,...
HCR Law marks strategic growth with record number of promotions
Top 50 UK firm HCR Law has promoted more than 100 colleagues across its business services and private client teams, marking the firm’s biggest promotion round to date. Promotions take effect from 1 April 2026, recognising more than 100 lawyers and support...
Smart Accountancy Solutions joins with Ballards to strengthen Worcestershire team and SME offering
Left to right: James Syree and Mark Smith Ballards, one of the Midlands fastest growing independent business advisory, consultancy and accountancy firms, has further strengthened its presence in Worcester and the wider Worcestershire region as Smart Accountancy...
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