Business Direction Online
Latest News
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.
Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth
Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent...
Latest Article
Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth
Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent...
Member News
Severn Valley Railway announces 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ as Spring Steam Gala guest
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has announced BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester as the first visiting locomotive for its Spring Steam Gala, running from 16 to 19 April. This year marks 50 years since the railway had its first ever Spring Gala, in April 1976. The appearance...
Students Earn Choreography Commission with Worcester Theatre
Two talented dance students will take centre stage at Worcester’s Swan Theatre after securing a prestigious paid commission for their work. Maisey Tromans and Ruby Brown are both in the first year of their Dance and Performance degree at the University of Worcester...
Patron & Strategic News
NMITE Appoints its First Head of Learning and Teaching To Support the Institution’s Ambitious Development Plans
NMITE has appointed Dr Richard Lillington, as Professor in Engineering and its first Head of Learning and Teaching, marking a key milestone in shaping the institution’s academic growth and strategic direction. He joins NMITE this month (January 2026) from Aston...
Turn your unwanted Christmas gifts into a lifeline for local children
Did Santa bring you a gorgeous gift… that you already own? Did you get something fabulous and fashionable, but it doesn’t quite fit? Or have the festivities left your wardrobes and cupboards feeling a little too bloated? Before you mistle-toss them into the attic, why...
Chamber News
Worcestershire’s Award-Winning Technology Programme Welcomes New Cohort of Innovators
Eight ambitious tech businesses from across the region have been selected to join Worcestershire’s award-winning business support programme, BetaDen Accelerate, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the county’s innovation landscape. Enabled by funding from...
The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 is now Live
The Quarterly Economic Survey is among the largest business surveys in the UK, making it a key resource for the government to conduct case studies and access up-to-date statistics on businesses across the UK. The Survey consists of questions on several topics,...
Our Latest Member
Women In Business Network Joins H&W CoC!
What is WIBN? WIBN membership is for business women who own SME businesses, are self-employed or work as professional service providers for small businesses. WIBN’s purpose is to create communities of business women who build strong business relationships. Members...
Women In Business Network Joins H&W CoC!
What is WIBN? WIBN membership is for business women who own SME businesses, are self-employed or work as professional service providers for small businesses. WIBN’s purpose is to create communities of business women who build strong business relationships. Members...
Policy News
Rate Cut Will Help Firms in Choppy Waters
Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome the decision to cut the base rate to 4%, marking a further move away from a prolonged period of...
Office Return Varies Across Sectors
41% of businesses have required staff to spend more time working on site over the past year One in ten (9%) relevant firms say employees have quit because of the requirement to return to onsite working Nearly half of surveyed businesses (48%) expect all working days...
Skills News
Coacto Team Members Excel with Salesforce Certifications
We are thrilled to announce that two of our talented team members at Coacto, Jessica Hargreaves and Laura Hardwick, have recently achieved significant milestones in their professional development by earning Salesforce certifications. Jessica Hargreaves has...
Boost Recruitment and Retention with ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is known internationally for helping businesses consistently meet customer requirements but is less known for its other benefits like supporting recruitment and retention. Local ISO experts at ISO Quality Services highlight five ways ISO 9001 could help you...
Charity News
KEMP Hospice Santa Fun Run Returns with a New Festive Home in Wolverley
The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by taking part in the jolliest jog of the year: the return of KEMP Hospice’s much-loved Santa Fun Run, launching this year from a brand-new location. On Sunday 7th December 2025,...
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s 2025 Christmas Range Takes Off
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has announced the launch of its 2025 seasonal merchandise collection, which is already proving to be a hit amongst supporters. This year’s festive range features new additions of a star shaped key ring, a tea towel and shopping bag...
Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now...
BCC News
Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now...
Worcestershire News
Severn Valley Railway launches ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer this half term
The Severn Valley Railway is making family adventures more affordable than ever with the launch of its ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer for the May half-term holiday from 24 May to 1 June. For just £1 per child, families can enjoy an unforgettable heritage rail journey through...
Rip-roaring fun as the Severn Valley Railway steps back to the 1940s
The Severn Valley Railway is recreating the spirit of the British Home Front across two weekends in June, for its ever-popular Step Back to the 1940s events. On 7/8 June and 14/15 June, the heritage line is hosting a festival of forties-themed fun, with music,...
Herefordshire News
Rotherwood Healthcare Launches Pioneering Wellness Programme to Enhance Resident Well-Being
Rotherwood Healthcare, an award-winning healthcare provider, is excited to announce the official launch of its Rotherwood Wellness Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to enhance the health and well-being of residents across its care homes. This...
Rotherwood Care Homes Celebrate Harvest Festival with Charity and Donations
Herefordshire-based nursing homes, Kington Court, Lynhales Hall and Hampton Grange & Gwen Walford recently celebrated their Harvest Festival event, showcasing the spirit community, charity, and gratitude. Each home hosted a MacMillan Coffee Morning, raising vital...
All Latest News
Welcome New Members | December
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout December: Untapped Global Ltd – Specialists in inclusive communications and marketing, helping organisations reach diverse audiences with clarity and impact. Proelium Law LLP – A specialist law firm advising...
More Clouds Gathering Over Business Confidence
Confidence among firms has continued to weaken, with tax remaining the biggest concern, according to the UK’s largest business sentiment survey. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey also found more businesses now expect to raise prices in...
Turn your unwanted Christmas gifts into a lifeline for local children
Did Santa bring you a gorgeous gift… that you already own? Did you get something fabulous and fashionable, but it doesn’t quite fit? Or have the festivities left your wardrobes and cupboards feeling a little too bloated? Before you mistle-toss them into the attic, why...
Policing Students Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls with Poster Campaign
Aspiring police officers at the University of Worcester have created a powerful public messaging campaign aimed at tackling violence against women and girls. Students on the Professional Policing degree produced posters inspired by their studies, focused on educating...
Start Now: Make 2026 a really BIG year
As the busiest season of the year approaches, you might be looking at the next few weeks with mixed feelings — hoping for strong sales but wishing you’d had more time to put new ideas, promotions or partnerships in place. Or perhaps you’re already feeling the strain...
University Women’s Team Head Undefeated into the New Year
The University of Worcester’s Women’s Football Team are chasing promotion, as they enter the new year unbeaten after a record-breaking first half of the season. The side has won all eight of its league and cup fixtures so far, scoring 96 goals and conceding just once....
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here