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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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Business Rates Anxiety Hits Record High
A third of firms (34%) are worried about their business rates, the highest level since 2017. Concern is highest in the hospitality sector (49%), with manufacturing (44%) and logistics (43%) close behind. In 2024, 27% of firms said they had scaled back or...
Latest Article
Business Rates Anxiety Hits Record High
A third of firms (34%) are worried about their business rates, the highest level since 2017. Concern is highest in the hospitality sector (49%), with manufacturing (44%) and logistics (43%) close behind. In 2024, 27% of firms said they had scaled back or...
Member News
Using Excel for Bank Reconciliations
Once you’ve completed your first round of bank reconciliations in your accounting software and the balances still don’t match, it can be frustrating to trace missing or unmatched transactions: https://it-ebs.co.uk/news/oh-solve-problem-like-bank-rec/ Most systems only...
Free CPR and defibrillator training for Malvern Businesses
Free CPR and defibrillator training is being offered to businesses in Malvern and the surrounding area. The training being offered by Heartstart Malvern, only takes 90 minutes and is very practical. During this time, participants are taught some very simple skills...
Patron & Strategic News
University Academic to Give Insights in Historical Fiction Discussion
Two writing experts will be sharing their insights on how to turn historical facts into fiction at a special event this week. University of Worcester Lecturer in Creative Writing, Dr Ruth Stacey, and best-selling author Barbara Erskine will take part in a discussion...
Children and Families Festival a Hit
Hundreds of people attended the first ever Children and Families Festival at the University of Worcester over the weekend. The free event, which took place on Saturday (31st May) was organised by staff and students and was held at the University’s Lakeside Campus....
Chamber News
Worcestershire Workplace Health Survey
In September 2021, Worcestershire County Council launched their Acting Together to Prevent Suicide campaign in partnership with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust. The campaign is fronted by Delicious Orie – a GB boxer with roots in Herefordshire...
Bank of England Roundtable
On August 22nd, 12 business leaders and Members of the Chamber were invited to attend an interesting roundtable event with Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England. Following this enlightening event, I wanted to share some key notes from the meeting, in order to...
Our Latest Member
EV Future Solutions take Advantage of Solar and Battery Boom
In recent years, more and more businesses and homeowners are recognising the economic and environmental benefits of using solar panels and battery storage to power their lives. The solar panels capture sunlight and convert it to energy via photovoltaic cells, this in...
EV Future Solutions take Advantage of Solar and Battery Boom
In recent years, more and more businesses and homeowners are recognising the economic and environmental benefits of using solar panels and battery storage to power their lives. The solar panels capture sunlight and convert it to energy via photovoltaic cells, this in...
Policy News
Restart Grant Scheme now open for applications
On 3 March 2021, the Chancellor announced the Restart Grant Scheme to help support businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic as they reopen in line with the gradual lifting of restrictions. Applications for the Restart Scheme are now open until 30 June 2021....
BCC says modest growth in GDP offers some hope for the future
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released data today (13 April) estimating that gross domestic product (GDP) has grown by 0.4% in February 2021. That follows a fall of 2.2% in January, an upward revision from negative 2.9%, as the UK entered the third...
Skills News
Parents Invited to Open Morning at Little Trinity Nursery
Parents of children aged 2-years and up are invited to meet staff and find out more about Kidderminster’s Little Trinity Nursery on Saturday 16th March between 10am and 1pm. Nursery Manager, Miss Gaynor Carter, said: “We’re delighted to be inviting new families to...
Nursery Sponsored Swim Raises Cash for KEMP
Forty-nine children at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster made a splash as they took to the water for a sponsored swim in aid of KEMP for Kids and have so far raised £619. Watched by parents, carers and family members the children all swam continually for a set...
Charity News
Safeguard Medical raises over £5,000 for Mercia Accident Rescue Service
Last Friday saw a successful return of the Prometheus/Safeguard Medical charity Golf Day in aid of Mercia Accident Rescue Services (MARS). MARS is a charity that provides emergency support to the West Midlands Ambulance Service. The charity golf day raises vital...
Call from hospice for volunteers to support families
A Worcestershire hospice is calling for caring and compassionate people to step forward as volunteers and help make a difference to patients or bereaved people when they need it most. St Richard’s Hospice, based in Worcester, is aiming to boost the number of...
Tough Budget For Business – British Chambers of Commerce
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This is a tough budget for business to swallow but the Chancellor has looked to ease the pain by holding out a promise of better days ahead. “While some protection for...
BCC News
Tough Budget For Business – British Chambers of Commerce
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This is a tough budget for business to swallow but the Chancellor has looked to ease the pain by holding out a promise of better days ahead. “While some protection for...
Worcestershire News
Children’s Charity Makes History as First Hospice Ever to Strike Gold with UNICEF UK Award
Acorns Children’s Hospice continues to make history as the first hospice in Britain ever to win a UNICEF UK ‘Gold’ award for its work to protect children’s rights. The prestigious accolade recognises the charity’s commitment to ensuring the United Nations Convention...
Wildgoose Rural Training Open Day Event
An opportunity to see what Wildgoose Rural Training is all about – Sunday 21st May 2023 10.00am-3.00pm FREE Entry. Lots of exciting things happening on the day including: Craft market, Animal Talks, Nature Reserve Tours, Refreshments & Bar, BBQ, Sweet...
Herefordshire News
The Courtyard launch project with Hereford Care Homes to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Courtyard are delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new Creative Ageing project in collaboration with Wye Knot Forest School. The project is being delivered by Rose Sales for residents in two Hereford based care homes over a two-month period. Each session...
Herefordshire Board Gamers hosting Game Weekend event in aid of Mental Health Charity ‘Mind’
You’re invited to Herefordshire Board Gamer’s 8th Annual Charity Game Weekend! The highly anticipated event returns this year from May 13 – 15th – both in Hereford and online. You can enjoy 3 whole days of FREE gaming while raising money for Herefordshire Mind...
All Latest News
Worcester Lecturer Invited to Chelsea FC After Inspiring Presentation
A lecturer at the University of Worcester spent a weekend at Chelsea FC after being nominated for a mentoring experience by a school pupil. Jessica Fassnidge, lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, had given a presentation at a Worcester high school and later found...
Father’s Day at Cote
Give him a gift he’ll really love this year This Father’s Day, treat him to something he really wants – quality time, great food, and something good in his glass. Speaking of drinks, we’re giving all dads a complimentary cocktail or beer on the special day. Come in...
St Michael’s Hospice Unveils Refreshed Leominster Charity Shop
St Michael’s Hospice is pleased to announce the reopening of its newly transformed Home & Living charity shop in Leominster, following a comprehensive refurbishment aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for the local community. Located at Station Yard, the...
Summit Marks New Beginning
Responding to the deal agreed at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s summit marks a turning point in UK/EU relations which puts our trade relationship at the forefront of our partnership...
EU Reset Must Cut Shackles From Business
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for Monday’s EU reset summit to mark a sea change in the UK’s trade relationship with Europe so business can prosper. The BCC wants to see seven vital changes made to the Brexit deal which are based on its four years of...
VA Agency Founder Wins Business Award
Naomi Wachner, Founder of VA Agency Calibre Virtual Assistant Services (‘Calibre’), has been announced as winner at the 10th Anniversary Woman Who Achieves Awards, held at the historic Coombe Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire. The Woman Who Achieves Awards were...
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