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.
One year on – how a charity superstore in Herefordshire has been embraced by their local community
In May 2024, St Michael’s Hospice opened the doors at its brand-new charity superstore in Whitestone Business Park, Hereford. Hundreds flocked to its grand opening and have continued to show their support throughout its first year, with over 160,000 visitors spending...
Latest Article
One year on – how a charity superstore in Herefordshire has been embraced by their local community
In May 2024, St Michael’s Hospice opened the doors at its brand-new charity superstore in Whitestone Business Park, Hereford. Hundreds flocked to its grand opening and have continued to show their support throughout its first year, with over 160,000 visitors spending...
Member News
Scale Smart: Why Growing Businesses Choose to Outsource Payroll Services
That’s why many growing businesses are choosing to outsource their payroll. From saving hours each month to reducing risk and staying compliant, it’s a smart move for scaling success. In our latest article, we cover: · Why in-house payroll becomes a bottleneck · The...
He’s the pinnacle of all that is evil, so why do people seem to like the Devil?
That’s the question being asked in a public talk by a University of Worcester expert in a talk at Script Haven bookshop this week. Professor Darren Oldridge is a specialist in sixteenth and seventeenth-century religious history and has recently given several popular...
Patron & Strategic News
Boost your career and make a difference as a Special Constable
Are you looking to develop your skills, meet new people, and give back to your community? Volunteering as a Special Constable with West Mercia Police could be the unique opportunity you’ve been searching for. Special Constables are volunteer police officers who wear...
The Artists of Tomorrow Display Work in Worcester
People in Worcester are invited to come to the opening night of a free public exhibition showcasing the very best artwork from students in Worcester. The Show 25 is an end-of-academic-year presentation of work by final-year students at the University of Worcester’s...
Chamber News
CPTPP – Trade Deal Unlocks New Opportunities for UK Businesses:
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a modern and ambitious trade deal encompassing countries that collectively account for nearly 15% of global GDP. The agreement comes into effect on 15th December, enabling UK traders...
Business Challenges: How the Chamber Supports your Business.
Following the recent budget, businesses may encounter new challenges alongside ongoing pressures from the cost of living and energy crises. The Chamber provides support to help businesses grow and thrive. By conducting local research on key issues, from infrastructure...
Our Latest Member
Cloud Voice Solutions and Connectivity
LOQEX is a leading provider of unified communications solutions. Our extensive expertise in the telecommunications industry enables us to streamline the operations and enhance the customer service experience of businesses across the UK. We integrate our unified...
Cloud Voice Solutions and Connectivity
LOQEX is a leading provider of unified communications solutions. Our extensive expertise in the telecommunications industry enables us to streamline the operations and enhance the customer service experience of businesses across the UK. We integrate our unified...
Policy News
Labour Pressures Continue for Businesses
Reacting to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The labour market remains a significant challenge for employers who are struggling with skills...
Surgical Red-Tape Cuts Can Boost Business
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech on regulation and civil service reform, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses want regulation which supports rather than hampers them – and we’re encouraged by the Prime...
Skills News
Ballards LLP Business Services Team Ignites Innovation and Adventure
Ballards LLP, a leading professional services firm, today organised a collaborative session at Eastnor Castle, delivering a transformative experience for their Business Services team. Against the backdrop of 5000 acres of Herefordshire countryside, the event focused...
Careers in Construction at Kidderminster College
As part of The Point Business Centre at Kidderminster College’s collaboration with CITB, Level 1 and 2 Bricklaying students at Kidderminster College recently had the chance to visit a local Barratt Homes development in Stourport. The visit stemmed from a...
Charity News
Kaleidoscope Plus Group to Host Unique Corporate Event – ‘It’s a Knockout’ at Warwick Castle
Leading mental health and wellbeing charity, Kaleidoscope Plus Group (KPG) is thrilled to announce its first-ever corporate event, ‘It’s a Knockout® Ultimate Team Challenge.’ This exhilarating event will take place on Wednesday 11th June at the stunning Pageant Field...
Join the Movement: Inclusive Sporting Events Make Sure No Kid Gets ‘Left on the Bench’
Pupils from special and mainstream schools around Worcester spent a morning taking part in inclusive sports at the University of Worcester, led by a charity founder with a unique vision. Supported by students from the University, around 70 pupils formed teams to...
Domestic Market and Online Offer Hope To Businesses
More than a third (35%) of UK firms expect to grow in the next year, while 41% forecast ‘business as usual’ and 22% expect to downsize Four in 10 businesses (38%) see the UK domestic market as the biggest opportunity Online remains a key driver of growth for...
BCC News
Domestic Market and Online Offer Hope To Businesses
More than a third (35%) of UK firms expect to grow in the next year, while 41% forecast ‘business as usual’ and 22% expect to downsize Four in 10 businesses (38%) see the UK domestic market as the biggest opportunity Online remains a key driver of growth for...
Worcestershire News
Worcester City Plan Consultation
Residents, local businesses and other stakeholders are being asked for their views on a new plan that sets out the City Council’s ambitions for Worcester over the next five years. The draft City Plan 2025-2030 envisions Worcester as an ambitious, vibrant and welcoming...
Severn Valley Railway Shortlisted for Four Heritage Railway Awards
The Severn Valley Railway has been shortlisted in four categories for the prestigious Heritage Railway Association awards for 2025, which recognise excellence and innovation across the heritage rail sector. SVR-based locomotive, Stanier Mogul No 13268 is in the...
Herefordshire News
Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift for your Clients or Employees?
Here at Celtic Marches we offer a wide range of luxury cider and wine gifts to suit a variety of budgets. Our award-winning Herefordshire Cider and English Wine is beautifully packaged in gift boxes and delivered straight to your company ready for you to give to...
Herefordshire’s NMITE University Project Announces New £3.5 Million Gift by the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust
Herefordshire’s pioneering new university project, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has announced a further major charitable donation as it continues its growth. The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust has agreed to make a grant of £3.5...
All Latest News
Elite and Talented Student Athletes Celebrated at Awards Ceremony
Elite and talented athletes studying at the University of Worcester have been recognised at an inaugural sports award’s ceremony. Seven awards were handed out at the awards, including UW Sports Personality of the Year, Academic Commitment, Excellence in Leadership,...
Unlock HR Success: Expert-Led Workshops for Worcestershire Organisations
Worcestershire businesses are being offered valuable support through a new series of events focused on key HR topics. This support is designed to enhance the workforce and help organisations thrive. In today’s fast-changing landscape, many businesses are navigating...
Will writing drive to raise funds for Worcestershire Community Foundation
Specialist legal teams at two Worcester law firms are throwing their support behind the Worcestershire Community Foundation through a month-long Will writing initiative. Throughout June, solicitors at City firms Bradley Haynes and HCR Law will be offering to write...
Procurement Act Must Quickly Deliver for SMEs
Only 20% of direct public sector procurement spend was with SMEs in 2024 – a similar figure to 2023 (19%) £45.4 billion was spent by Government directly with SMEs last year, up from £42.4 billion in 2023 Median spend per SME remained at £31,000 in 2024 Local...
US Trade Deal Provides Welcome Relief
Reacting to news of a trade deal in principle with the US, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This deal will be met with a huge sigh of relief by many British businesses. “The reduction in the 25% tariffs on most of our automotive exports and the...
Severn Valley Railway launches short film to celebrate its 60th anniversary
The Severn Valley Railway has released a short promotional film, celebrating its 60th anniversary and marking its involvement with the Railway 200 celebrations that are also taking place in 2025-26. The film features a range of volunteers from across the railway,...
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