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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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SUTCLIFFE & CO FINALISTS IN WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS
Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers are celebrating being named finalists in two categories at the Worcestershire Business Awards: Employer of the Year and Community Impact Award. As a business headquartered in the heart of Worcester, this recognition is especially...
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SUTCLIFFE & CO FINALISTS IN WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS
Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers are celebrating being named finalists in two categories at the Worcestershire Business Awards: Employer of the Year and Community Impact Award. As a business headquartered in the heart of Worcester, this recognition is especially...
Member News
Free Hive Lecture Explores How Moon Myths Travelled Across Civilisations
You’re invited to a free public lecture from the University of Worcester examining the fascinating way ancient traditions and cultures are interconnected through the moon. Dr Luke Devine, Senior Lecturer in History, Sociology, and Politics at the University of...
Is Your Business Ready for 2027: Free Event Covers AI, Funding & Growth
AI Expert and Stable Payments are excited to host a free business breakfast at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Thursday 26 November to help businesses prepare for AI, funding and growth in 2027. The event, Ready for 2027? AI, Funding and Confidence Growth, will...
Patron & Strategic News
Autumn Budget 2026 summary: Key tax changes and announcements
Autumn Budget 2026: Key announcements, tax changes and what they mean for you Three months into life under the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, we have the first budget of the new Chancellor John Healey. As we would perhaps expect from the quietly-spoken and...
Autumn Budget 2026 explained: Your detailed summary
Chancellor John Healey delivered a cautious, stability-focused Autumn Budget, with limited giveaways and few major tax increases against a backdrop of rising inflation, energy costs and pressure on the public finances. Measures include changes to business investment...
Chamber News
UK Steel Strategy
From 1st July, the government will be reducing the amount of steel that can be imported without tariffs, meaning that there will be 50% import tariffs on companies that exceed the 60% quota set by the government. There is some uncertainty over the reasoning behind...
DIGITAL CARNETS
From 1 June 2026, ATA Carnets will begin transitioning from paper to a digital format across the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland. This marks the start of a global shift, with both paper and digital Carnets running side by side until 31 December 2027, allowing customs...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | April 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout April: Bexley Beaumont – A specialist provider of outsourced HR solutions and employee relations support for organisations across the UK. Cristie & Co – Offers tailored website management,...
Welcome New Members | April 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout April: Bexley Beaumont – A specialist provider of outsourced HR solutions and employee relations support for organisations across the UK. Cristie & Co – Offers tailored website management,...
Policy News
More Help Needed on Business Costs
Responding to measures announced by the Chancellor this lunchtime, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of...
Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis
New research shows 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict, including energy price increases, shipping disruption and rises in raw material costs The manufacturing sector is seeing the biggest impact, with 68% of firms...
Skills 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...
Worcester recruitment firm supports students with CV and interview success tips
Experts from a leading Worcester recruitment firm have supported local school children through a one-day training programme which gave them tips how to write CVs and handle job interviews. Pineapple Recruitment, which specialise in providing a range of professionals...
Charity News
TRUELINE’S CHARLIE PREPARES TO TAKE ON THE ARCTIC FOR ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
Trueline Products’ Fundraising Champion, Charlie Macaulay-Collins, is preparing to swap the comforts of home for snow, ice and temperatures well below freezing as she takes on an extraordinary Arctic challenge to raise vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice....
Autumn funding for local communities
One of the county’s largest charitable grant makers is launching a new round of the Strengthening Worcestershire grant making programme, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council. Through the first two funding rounds in 2024 and 2025, £287,000 has been...
Jobs Market Continues to Feel The Strain
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Caterina Batog, Research and Economics Analyst at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Unemployment remained at 4.9%, in the three months to July, a clear indication of the continued stress businesses are...
BCC News
Jobs Market Continues to Feel The Strain
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Caterina Batog, Research and Economics Analyst at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Unemployment remained at 4.9%, in the three months to July, a clear indication of the continued stress businesses are...
Worcestershire News
‘Flying Scotsman’ to reunite the Severn Valley Railway line
The world’s most famous steam locomotive 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ will haul the first passenger train along the full length of the 16-mile Severn Valley Railway line, when the northernmost section is reunited with the rest of the line on Friday 25 July. Work is now...
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...
Herefordshire News
Hereford Military History Festival Honours Herefordshire History with Network of Local Partners and Community Support
HEREFORD, 19th August 2025 — The inaugural Hereford Military History Festival 2025 is a highly ambitious new addition to the UK’s cultural calendar, which aims to support the city’s local community, celebrate its culture and heritage, and honour its rich military...
McPhillips wins £10m bus station redevelopment contract
West Midlands-based construction company McPhillips has won a £10 million local authority contract to deliver a new and improved bus station. Herefordshire Council announced McPhillips as its official construction partner on the Hereford Transport Hub project, part of...
All Latest News
The Gift of Caring: Orchard Trust Launches Animal Sponsorship Campaign to Support Local Well-being
A meaningful gift that funds animal care and life-changing therapeutic experiences in the/our local community Lydbrook, October 2026 – Orchard Trust has launched a new animal sponsorship campaign, “The Gift of Caring,” inviting animal lovers and thoughtful...
WORCESTERSHIRE AMBASSADORS REWARD PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE HENLEY
On rare occasions, Worcestershire Ambassadors choose to use their Annual Ball to award a prestigious ‘Pride of Worcestershire’ award to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the organisation and the county over many years. This years Ball – held at...
University Graduate Secures Internship Role Through Worcester Partnership
A former University of Worcester student has secured a new internship with Severn Arts just weeks after graduating, thanks to a partnership of several organisations leading the Local Voices Creative Choices project in the City. Ashley Gregory, who recently graduated...
Global manufacturer invests in new Herefordshire headquarters
The opening of a new Herefordshire headquarters for international manufacturing business CEJN Group is being welcomed as another positive example of business growth and investment in the county. Swedish-owned CEJN Group, a global specialist in high-performance...
Parents warned of inheritance tax risks when gifting family home
Parents who are considering transferring the family home to their children to reduce inheritance tax (IHT) are being warned the move may not deliver the expected tax benefits they hoped. Jack Robinson, a senior associate in the Private Client division at...
Law Student Brings Home Gold from International Karate Contest
An aspiring lawyer came back from the brink of defeat to win gold for England at the Karate World Championships. University of Worcester Law student Paulina (Lina) Makazlieva took on competitors from around the world at the International Combat Organisation tournament...
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