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.
Steel Quota Changes – A Step In The Right Direction
Reacting to today’s government announcement of changes to its planned steel tariffs and quotas, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “These amendments are a welcome tilt towards the needs of the UK’s downstream steel users, employing 300,000 people in...
Latest Article
Steel Quota Changes – A Step In The Right Direction
Reacting to today’s government announcement of changes to its planned steel tariffs and quotas, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “These amendments are a welcome tilt towards the needs of the UK’s downstream steel users, employing 300,000 people in...
Member News
Hillscourt Hotel Celebrates Continued Commitment to Sustainability
Hillscourt Hotel and Conference Centre is proud to announce a range of sustainability initiatives that reinforce its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental best practice. As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact, Hillscourt has...
Hillscourt Hotel & Conference Centre Achieves Gold Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation
Hillscourt Hotel & Conference Centre is proud to announce that it has achieved Gold Accreditation as a Neuroinclusive Venue through Welcome Brain, recognising its commitment to creating accessible, welcoming and inclusive experiences for all guests and delegates....
Patron & Strategic News
Speller Metcalfe positions for the next era of construction standards
As the construction sector navigates the most significant regulatory change in a generation, Speller Metcalfe has moved early to ensure its systems, governance and information management are built for what comes next. The Building Safety Act has fundamentally changed...
Teacher educator urges public to take part in consultation on new Natural History GCSE
A leading teacher educator at the University of Worcester, is urging the public, teachers and young people to take part in the Government’s consultation on the proposed Natural History GCSE, as the qualification moves a significant step closer to becoming a reality....
Chamber News
Opportunity for Local Businesses to Connect with Major Buyers this February
The popular Meet the Buyer Conference, sponsored by Worcestershire Growth Hub, is set to return on Friday 6 February 2026, offering businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire a valuable opportunity to connect directly with major buyers and procurement...
Chamber Release Salary & Benefits Report 2026, In Partnership with Hewett Recruitment
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Salary & Benefits Report in partnership with Hewett Recruitment. This report is the region’s most comprehensive benchmarking resource for pay, benefits, and...
Our Latest Member
Meet JP Bookkeeping — Your New Virtual Finance Office
As a new member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (HWCC), JP Bookkeeping is excited to introduce its Virtual Finance Office service which manages the full finance function for businesses from start to end. Our strategic, outsourced Finance...
Meet JP Bookkeeping — Your New Virtual Finance Office
As a new member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (HWCC), JP Bookkeeping is excited to introduce its Virtual Finance Office service which manages the full finance function for businesses from start to end. Our strategic, outsourced Finance...
Policy News
Inflation Eases But Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
New Tariff Rate A Further Blow To Business
Reacting to the decision by the US President to raise his new tariffs under section 122 of the Trade Act 1974 to 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The 40,000 UK companies exporting goods to the US will be dismayed at this latest turn...
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
Local Charity launches entrepreneurial fundraising challenge during Mental Health Awareness Week this May
West Midlands-based mental health charity Kaleidoscope Plus Group has launched a new fundraising initiative, inviting individuals, schools and businesses to turn just £5 into vital support for its mental health services across the Midlands. The Fiver to Thrive...
Why I’m taking on The King’s Trust Challenge
Why I’m taking on The Kings Trust CEO Challenge “I didn’t think I was good at anything… now I know I just needed a chance.” That’s the voice of a young person whose life has been changed through The King’s Trust. One of many who have moved from uncertainty to...
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...
BCC 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...
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
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
Winners Revealed at the Chamber Business Awards 2026
The Chamber Business Awards 2026 brought together the very best of business from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire last night for a spectacular evening of celebration, recognition and global-inspired entertainment. Sponsored by Herefordshire Council and...
Building Confidence: HWGTA’s Apprentice Residential Success
The end of May saw HWGTA’s final apprentice residential of the year, supporting over 100 apprentices from engineering and commerce pathways across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. These residentials are a distinctive feature of our learner journey, offering...
Double cheers for SVR pubs as CAMRA honours King and Castle and Railwayman’s Arms
The Severn Valley Railway is celebrating a double success after both of its pubs received recognition in this year’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub of the year awards. The King and Castle in Kidderminster has been named Worcestershire CAMRA Pub of the Year and will...
Sustained growth leads to rapid expansion of law firm’s Corporate team
Law firm mfg Solicitors has continued to strengthen its position as a trusted adviser to owner-managed businesses, corporates, and private equity-backed companies across the West Midlands. Following sustained growth and a rise in new client wins, the firm’s Corporate...
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...
Films to be Screened at The Hive for Refugee Week Film Festival
A powerful programme of short and feature-length films exploring themes of migration, displacement and belonging will be screened at The Hive as part of a collaboration between the UW Sustainability Forum and Worcester Welcomes, Refugee Week 2026. The free to attend...
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