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.
Law firm welcomes the next generation of legal talent A group of seven trainee solicitors have joined Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors as it continues to invest in the next generation of talent. The new trainees beginning their two-year training contracts are Gabriella Livesey, Katie Stubbs, Ella Gray, Lauren Baker, Marlena Wierzchowska, Craig Thomas and Ellie Moore. Overseen by partners Tom Esler and Sam Pedley, the new cohort began their training contracts on 1 September. Over the next two years each trainee will gain experience across different departments, building on their legal knowledge and developing the skills needed for a successful career in the profession. As part of their training, they will work alongside experienced partners and solicitors across the firm, gaining exposure to a variety of clients, legal matters, as well as developing a broad understanding of the legal services the firm provides. Tom Esler, partner and training principle at mfg Solicitors said: “Our training programme is all about identifying and nurturing the best and most ambitious trainees. Every year we take on an exceptional group of trainee solicitors and this year’s cohort is once again superb. “All of the trainees have showcased their passion to carve out successful careers in the legal industry, and we believe they are amongst the region’s best and strongest young talent. “We look forward to supporting them over the coming years during their training contracts and watching them thrive across our specialist teams and departments.” mfg Solicitors have offices across Worcestershire, Shropshire, Birmingham and the Black Country.
A group of seven trainee solicitors have joined Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors as it continues to invest in the next generation of talent. The new trainees beginning their two-year training contracts are Gabriella Livesey, Katie Stubbs, Ella Gray, Lauren...
Latest Article
Law firm welcomes the next generation of legal talent A group of seven trainee solicitors have joined Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors as it continues to invest in the next generation of talent. The new trainees beginning their two-year training contracts are Gabriella Livesey, Katie Stubbs, Ella Gray, Lauren Baker, Marlena Wierzchowska, Craig Thomas and Ellie Moore. Overseen by partners Tom Esler and Sam Pedley, the new cohort began their training contracts on 1 September. Over the next two years each trainee will gain experience across different departments, building on their legal knowledge and developing the skills needed for a successful career in the profession. As part of their training, they will work alongside experienced partners and solicitors across the firm, gaining exposure to a variety of clients, legal matters, as well as developing a broad understanding of the legal services the firm provides. Tom Esler, partner and training principle at mfg Solicitors said: “Our training programme is all about identifying and nurturing the best and most ambitious trainees. Every year we take on an exceptional group of trainee solicitors and this year’s cohort is once again superb. “All of the trainees have showcased their passion to carve out successful careers in the legal industry, and we believe they are amongst the region’s best and strongest young talent. “We look forward to supporting them over the coming years during their training contracts and watching them thrive across our specialist teams and departments.” mfg Solicitors have offices across Worcestershire, Shropshire, Birmingham and the Black Country.
A group of seven trainee solicitors have joined Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors as it continues to invest in the next generation of talent. The new trainees beginning their two-year training contracts are Gabriella Livesey, Katie Stubbs, Ella Gray, Lauren...
Member News
Before Signing a Website Contract, Ask These Three Questions
A website contract usually turns up once you’re already excited to get moving, which is exactly the wrong moment to read it properly. Before you sign, ask who owns the finished website. Some contracts hand you the code, the content, and the design outright once...
Herefordshire Skills Conference 2026 | Building the workforce Herefordshire needs for the future
Businesses, employers and skills partners from across Herefordshire will come together next month to look at one of the biggest questions facing the county: how do we make sure we have the skills and talent needed to support future growth? The Herefordshire Skills...
Patron & Strategic News
Special Event Explores the Stories Behind Hilary Mantel’s Success
One of the world’s leading experts on Hilary Mantel will explore the work, life and lasting influence of the twice Booker Prize-winning author at an event in Worcester this month. Dr Lucy Arnold, Senior Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Worcester,...
Wyevale Nurseries unveils 19 new plant introductions & showcases ‘Climate Champions’ for 2027
GARDENERS visiting garden centres supplied by Wyevale Nurseries next year will be able to access 19 new 2027 plant promotions and a ‘Climate Champions’ collection offering tougher, pollinator-friendly planting options (September 2026). The leading UK grower has...
Chamber News
Welcome New Members | March 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout March: Mobile Care & Domestic Services Ltd — Provides in-home care and domestic support services to help individuals maintain independence and wellbeing in their own homes. Marlow’s Cleaning...
Introducing Our International Trade “Set Menu” Training Offer
Businesses looking to strengthen their international trade knowledge can now benefit from a newly launched, flexible training offer designed to meet a wide range of learning needs. The International Trade Set Menu Training Offer introduces an innovative approach to...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | February
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout February: Advita Ortho UK Ltd – A medical technology and device company manufacturing and supplying innovative orthopedic implants and AI-enhanced surgical solutions. Elgar Energy Holdings Ltd –...
Welcome New Members | February
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout February: Advita Ortho UK Ltd – A medical technology and device company manufacturing and supplying innovative orthopedic implants and AI-enhanced surgical solutions. Elgar Energy Holdings Ltd –...
Policy News
BCC President Speech to Driving International Trade Conference
Speech made by BCC President Andy Haldane at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference – Thursday 26 March The Case for Trade, Remade As new President of the BCC, I am pleased to be offering some opening remarks at today’s conference. Events in the Middle East...
Solicitor issues alert to businesses ahead of Employment law changes
One of the county’s leading employment lawyers has urged business to ensure they are prepared and have ‘ticked all the boxes’ ahead of sweeping changes to Employment laws. Sally Morris, partner and head of employment at law firm mfg Solicitors, has taken steps to warn...
Skills News
National Apprenticeship Week success culminates with launch of 2025 Apprenticeships Awards
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Worcestershire County Council are pleased to announce the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. The announcement comes at the conclusion of National Apprenticeship Week, a successful week of promoting the...
Worcestershire Apprenticeships Penguin Finds Home with Local Training Provider
Worcestershire Apprenticeships’ very own penguin in the great Waddle of Worcester has found a home with local training provider GLP Training. In the summer of 2024, St Richard’s Hospice delivered the great Waddle of Worcester, a penguin-themed art trail around the...
Charity News
Community Invited to Remember Loved Ones at KEMP’s First Moonlight Walk
KEMP Hospice is inviting the local community to come together this summer for an evening of remembrance, reflection and celebration at its first-ever Moonlight Walk. Taking place on Friday 31st July at the beautiful Bodenham Arboretum, the event offers people the...
Hereford FC and Worcester City Unite for Hospices in Charity Pre-Season Clash
On Tuesday, 21st July at 7.45pm, Hereford FC will host Worcester City in a special pre-season charity fixture at the M&M Edgar Street Stadium, with all proceeds supporting St Michael’s Hospice and St Richard’s Hospice. As Hereford FC’s first home...
New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins
Reacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into...
BCC News
New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins
Reacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into...
Worcestershire News
Valley Railway delivers ‘biggest diesel gala of the year’
The Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival between 15 and 18 May welcomed more than 3,700 visitors and saw 20 locomotives in action, for what organisers believe was 2025’s largest diesel event on the preservation circuit. ‘What a fantastic show we put on!’...
Severn Valley Railway helps local aid charity
The Severn Valley Railway’s paint shop at Bridgnorth had an unusual visitor recently, in the form of a Mitsubishi 4×4 pickup. The SVR was assisting a local charity, Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine, with their efforts in sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The charity...
Herefordshire News
Turning Risks into Opportunities: How Insurance Can Support Business Growth in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Running a business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire presents fantastic opportunities, but it also involves risks. Whether you’re a manufacturer in Malvern, a farm shop owner in Herefordshire, or a tech start-up in Worcester… growth often means taking on...
Paul Harris Tackles 100km Sahara Trek for Hope For Tomorrow
Paul Harris, founder and principal consultant at Coacto, recently traded the comforts of the office for the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert. His mission? To trek 100 kilometers and raise vital funds for Hope For Tomorrow, a charity that brings mobile cancer care...
All Latest News
Build it or buy it? A short guide for growing businesses
Many small business websites run on a handful of off-the-shelf tools. A booking plugin, a contact form, maybe a gallery add-on. For plenty of businesses, that’s exactly the right amount of website, and there’s no reason to change it. The interesting...
Autumn funding for local communities
One of the county’s largest charitable grant makers is launching a new round of the Strengthening Worcestershire grant making programme, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council. Through the first two funding rounds in 2024 and 2025, £287,000 has been...
Recruitment Firm Celebrates Strong First Year and Growing Local Impact
Renford Recruitment ltd is marking its first year in business after a steady period of growth across the Worcestershire area. With ten years of recruitment experience and as a former agency temp worker himself, founder and director Simon Wright has developed the...
Malvern Hills end to end walk – 10.5 Miles for Smiles
Location: On Malvern Hills, start at North Quarry Car Park walk over 15 peaks take the final push up to Chase End Hill Event date: Sunday 20th September On the Saturday of August bank holiday 2018, our son Zac, left the house in the morning and went up on the Malvern...
Budget Must Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on Chancellor, John Healey, to ‘Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth’ in his first Budget statement. With BCC research showing fragile business confidence, its budget submission asks the Chancellor to give...
The Value of Work Experience: Building Future Talent Through Vocational Education
At Kidderminster College, we are committed to helping vocational students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen industries. Work experience is a key part of this, providing valuable opportunities for students to apply their...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here