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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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Fourth generation Hollywood company celebrates 80th anniversary
2026 is an important milestone for Kilby Packaging, a manufacturer of packaging materials based in Birmingham. Sustainability at its heart Since its humble beginnings in 1946 when John Kilby started the business reclaiming and recycling boxes at a time of severe raw...
Latest Article
Fourth generation Hollywood company celebrates 80th anniversary
2026 is an important milestone for Kilby Packaging, a manufacturer of packaging materials based in Birmingham. Sustainability at its heart Since its humble beginnings in 1946 when John Kilby started the business reclaiming and recycling boxes at a time of severe raw...
Member News
Mental Health Charity supported by The Signature Awards, Birmingham.
The Kaleidoscope Plus Group (KPG), a local charity who have been championing Mental Health for over 50 years, were the nominated charity for The Signature Awards, which took place at The Vox on Friday 6th February. KPG adopt a proactive approach to raising awareness...
National Charity the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust marks 10 Years of Funding Vital Research and Supporting Families
2026 sees national charity the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust mark ten years of incredible achievements in supporting children and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, both through physical support and by funding thousands of pounds into vital research...
Patron & Strategic News
Holocaust Rescue Stories go on Display at The Hive as Speakers Urge Action Against Hatred
A month‑long exhibition honouring the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust opened in Worcester on Monday, accompanied by stark warnings about rising antisemitism and calls to confront hatred in modern society. Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue During the...
Leading Scholars to Share Cutting-Edge Ideas in Worcester Public Lectures
A new series of public lectures will bring leading academic experts to Worcester, offering fresh perspectives on some of the most fascinating questions in their fields. Launching in February, The Engine Room series, hosted by the University of Worcester, will invite...
Chamber News
Worcestershire Area Council Updates for September
FINANCE SECTOR The revised FRS 102, effective January 2026, introduces significant changes including full balance sheet recognition of leases in line with IFRS 16, a new five-step revenue model aligned with IFRS 15, and fair value guidance via Section 2A based on IFRS...
Herefordshire Area Council Updates for September
SPORTS AND LEISURE SECTOR Prices remain stable, and the UK-India trade deal should benefit us, though its start date is unclear. We import heavily from India, with low duties on equestrian gear but higher on footwear and clothing. Europe is our weakest market after...
Our Latest Member
Nurture your workforce in Herefordshire nature
As new legislation makes employing people more expensive than ever, getting the best out of employees – and holding on to them – is vital. Companies must nurture people and promote camaraderie and enjoyment at work. In the endeavour to motivate and retain...
Nurture your workforce in Herefordshire nature
As new legislation makes employing people more expensive than ever, getting the best out of employees – and holding on to them – is vital. Companies must nurture people and promote camaraderie and enjoyment at work. In the endeavour to motivate and retain...
Policy News
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,...
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...
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
Non-cancer patient numbers under the care of St Michael’s Hospice exceed cancer patients for first time
One of Herefordshire’s largest charities says the number of its patients with non-cancer conditions has exceeded those with cancer for the first time. The change is down to an expansion of services offered by St Michael’s Hospice including expert care and support for...
Friends of Isaac’s Foodbank – Christmas Appeal
Reaching out to the powers of the Chamber of Commerce and my awesome network here! If you know Santa, or have any connections that know Santa, can you please share this in the hope the man in the red suit can come to my aid again this Christmas! I want to be sure that...
EU Trade Getting Harder
More than half (54%) of exporters think the UK-EU trade deal is not helping them grow sales. This is a 13-percentage point increase in the proportion of firms who are unhappy with the deal compared to last year. In total, just four out of 946 firms (0%) thought the...
BCC News
EU Trade Getting Harder
More than half (54%) of exporters think the UK-EU trade deal is not helping them grow sales. This is a 13-percentage point increase in the proportion of firms who are unhappy with the deal compared to last year. In total, just four out of 946 firms (0%) thought the...
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
Gwen Walford Care Home Celebrates Win at the Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards 2024
Gwen Walford Nursing Home is thrilled to announce its success at the prestigious Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards, where the home’s dedicated staff member, Gideon Kusi, won The Good Nurse Award. These awards celebrate the hard work, dedication,...
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...
All Latest News
The Westmead Hotel named a winner in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026
Based on reviews from happy couples, the Westmead Hotel are delighted to have been recognised as one of the UK’s top wedding venues in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026. Having received the accolade as “a reflection of their commitment, professionalism and the...
Growing, Evolving, and Looking Ahead
After Bill’s retirement, Creative Mouse has seen a shift in leadership, with Rob and Steve stepping into co-ownership after more than 20 years at the studio. That’s right, 20 years – Rob and Steve have been part of Creative Mouse almost from the very beginning. Both...
Branch Line Weekend brings the Severn Valley Railway’s past to life
The Severn Valley Railway will be stepping back into classic branch line days on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March with its Branch Line Weekend, a special event marking 35 years since the arrival of the railway’s first diesel multiple unit (DMU). Across the...
Empowering Local Employers with AI & Automation: Free Apprenticeship Insights Webinar Announced for 13th February
Local employers are invited to join a high‑value, free online event designed to help organisations understand and embrace the fast‑evolving world of artificial intelligence and automation. Coinciding with National Apprentiecship Week 2026, the AI & Automation...
Exploring God’s Presence in Jewish Responses to the Holocaust
An academic from the University of Worcester will examine how Jewish thinkers have understood God’s presence before, during and after the Holocaust in a free event at The Hive. Dr Luke Devine, Head of History and Sociology at the University of Worcester, will deliver...
New partner joins to bolster law firm’s agriculture and rural affairs team
Law firm mfg Solicitors has strengthened its nationally-recognised Agriculture and Rural Affairs department with appointment of a new partner. Experienced solicitor Neil Harrison has rejoined the firm after over 12 years working as an internal legal counsel in the...
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