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.
From Day One to Distinction: Ben’s Apprenticeship Journey
Just over a year ago, Ben joined the team here at B Smith Packaging as an apprentice — and he’s come a long way in a short space of time. We’re delighted to say he’s now completed his Customer Service apprenticeship with a distinction, which is the highest grade...
Latest Article
From Day One to Distinction: Ben’s Apprenticeship Journey
Just over a year ago, Ben joined the team here at B Smith Packaging as an apprentice — and he’s come a long way in a short space of time. We’re delighted to say he’s now completed his Customer Service apprenticeship with a distinction, which is the highest grade...
Member News
OrchardFest 2026 Returns with an Inclusive Summer Celebration
We’re excited to share some sunny news: OrchardFest 2026 is returning on Saturday 15th August 2026, and it promises to be bigger, brighter, and more inclusive than ever. Set at the beautiful Orchard Trust Smallholding in Upper Stowfield, Gloucestershire, this...
A kind collaboration – Dandelion Video Production and Primrose Hospice
Primrose Hospice is the latest charity to collaborate with Dandelion Video Production through their Chamber of Commerce charity pledge. The video, which follows the journey of a piece of pre-loved furniture through the donation process, and the impact it can make,...
Patron & Strategic News
Fire Service staff recognised for their exceptional work at Herefordshire Medals & Awards Ceremony
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service staff have been honoured for their outstanding service and commitment to the fire service and members of the community recognised for special commendation awards at two awards ceremonies at Worcester Guild Hall and...
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. ...
Chamber News
New Prime Minister Must Act Fast
Liz Truss has been announced as the UK’s new Prime Minister. It is vital that she takes immediate action in her role as Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister. The vacuum in power that has been left during the process of electing a new leader has...
British Chambers of Commerce react to the announcement of the new Prime Minister
Reacting to the announcement of the new Prime Minister, Sarah Howard, Chair of the BCC, said: “We would like to congratulate Liz Truss on running a successful campaign to become the UK’s new Prime Minister. “She must now take immediate steps to support the economy....
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Worcestershire Alamo Group Europe Ltd – Comprehensive range of equipment from innovative green maintenance machinery to state-of-the-art remote control mowers CafeLavista...
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Worcestershire Alamo Group Europe Ltd – Comprehensive range of equipment from innovative green maintenance machinery to state-of-the-art remote control mowers CafeLavista...
Policy News
Major rail infrastructure overhaul announced by government
Government have today announced plans to reform the UK’s railway system which should see more punctual services and cheaper tickets for rail passengers. Commenting today, Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps admitted the current system was “too complicated and...
UK jobs market shows resiliency as exit out of lockdown continues
The latest figures released by the Office for National statistics suggest the jobs market has been broadly stable in recent months, with signs of recovery. The number of payroll employees has increased for the fifth consecutive month, but still remains 772,000 below...
Skills News
Kidderminster School Double ESSA Midlands Champions
Pupils at Kidderminster’s Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre are delighted to be double category winners in the English School’s Swimming Association (ESSA) primary relay qualification gala for the Midlands Region at Warwick School. Taking first place in both...
College Young Enterprise team overall winners at Spring Fair
Congratulations to this year’s Worcester Sixth Form College Young Enterprise team, Athena who were crowned overall winners at the weekend’s Spring Trade Fair and won an award for best product for ‘My Amego – a small children’s toy that aims to promote mental...
Charity News
A huge number of Santas turned heads during a festive family run through Hereford
Around 250 people of all ages donned a red and white suit before dashing through the city centre, choosing from a 5k or 2.5k route. The event is expected to raise around £7,500 for Bartestree-based St Michael’s Hospice which provides palliative and end-of-life care...
WORCESTERSHIRE COMPANY DONATE GIFTS TO CHILDREN OVER CHRISTMAS
Staff from Worcestershire-based accountancy firm, Ballards LLP, have donated wrapped selection boxes to Worcester Community Trust. The donation is part of Ballards’ ongoing support of The Worcester Community Trust which is a charity that provides crucial facilities...
Increased Export Volatility Ahead Of Tariffs
Only a fifth (21%) of SME exporters saw increased overseas sales in Q1 of 2025 More than a quarter (27%) said their exports had declined with over half (53%) seeing no change Advanced orders fared no better, as 20% saw these rise while 28% reported a decline The Trade...
BCC News
Increased Export Volatility Ahead Of Tariffs
Only a fifth (21%) of SME exporters saw increased overseas sales in Q1 of 2025 More than a quarter (27%) said their exports had declined with over half (53%) seeing no change Advanced orders fared no better, as 20% saw these rise while 28% reported a decline The Trade...
Worcestershire News
Pay-as-you-go model removes barriers to entry for PR firm
You Do Better PR are breaking down the barriers to Public Relations with their pay-as-you-go business model. More often than not, Public Relations Agencies work on a retained basis, but You Do Better break through that barrier to entry by charging an affordable hourly...
Wildgoose Rural Training have been shortlisted to receive funding from the People’s Project
Wildgoose Rural Training are delighted to have been shortlisted to receive funding from the People’s Project. Five projects in the west midlands have been shortlisted and a short film will be shown about each project on ITV Central news between Monday 15th and...
Herefordshire News
ijlbrown recruit new Marketing Manager to expand business
Herefordshire furniture maker ijlbrown, who specialize in supplying bespoke furniture to the high-end residential market as well as the interior design trade, has recently created a new role within the company structure to help with business growth. The newly created...
Hard Work – But Glorious: Stories from the Herefordshire Suffrage Campaign
When The Courtyard in Hereford closed its doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Fundraising Manager Clare Wichbold found herself at home on furlough. She took the opportunity to bring together her research on the suffrage campaign in Herefordshire to write a book....
All Latest News
Visit Herefordshire PR and Reel Creation Tender – Open
Herefordshire County BID Ltd (HCBID) is seeking to engage the services of a specialist agency with proven expertise in the strategic delivery of PR in the visitor economy. Project Scope: HCBID is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced businesses to provide...
UK Risks Falling Behind In Race To Net Zero
The UK risks falling behind in the global green innovation race because of significant barriers to low-carbon investment, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Research by McKinsey suggests the net zero transition could be worth over £1 trillion to...
Lords’ Amendments Give Firms Hope
Reacting to the news that the House of Lords has re-inserted key amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy, said: “We are fast reaching the end of the road for crucial changes, that businesses desperately want to see, to...
Business Breakfast – Christmas Celebrations & Wellbeing at Work
We’re inviting local businesses to join us for a relaxed, free Business Breakfast at the beautiful Spetchley Park Gardens on Thursday 13th November, 9.30-11.30 am. It’s a great chance to: Connect with other local business owners and professionals ☕ Enjoy coffee,...
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...
Worcester City FC Strengthens Links with Local Charities and Community Causes
Worcester City FC continues to build meaningful connections across the community by partnering with a wide range of local charities to help raise awareness, generate funds, and shine a light on the incredible work being done across Worcestershire and beyond. Through...
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