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.
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A Life in Technology: John Legge’s Journey Through Computing and Training
John Legge our IT trainer of many years has written his first book of his career in computing and business including of course the many years he’s delivered courses on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Although John runs almost entirely just Excel training currently...
Latest Article
A Life in Technology: John Legge’s Journey Through Computing and Training
John Legge our IT trainer of many years has written his first book of his career in computing and business including of course the many years he’s delivered courses on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Although John runs almost entirely just Excel training currently...
Member News
Worcester Prostate Cancer Survivor calls for Testing Awareness in Over 50s
Recent prostate cancer survivor and Worcester business owner Duncan Sutcliffe, calls for greater awareness of the need for males over the age of 50 to request annual, and in his case, life-saving, PSA tests for prostate cancer detection. Despite prostate cancer being...
AI Education Embedded in All Undergraduate Business and Computing Courses at Worcester from September
Business and Computing students at the University of Worcester will be educated in the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) from September 2026. Leaders at Worcester Business School, which is home to the University’s Department of Computing, have designed a...
Patron & Strategic News
University Leader Welcomes Return of European Study Scheme
The University of Worcester’s Vice Chancellor has welcomed the UK’s decision to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange scheme from 2027, ending a six-year absence. The move will give UK students the chance to study, train, or volunteer across Europe once again. Professor...
Worcester Runner Goes for a Second World Record
A University of Worcester colleague is aiming to become the world’s fastest man to complete the London Marathon in full graduation attire. 50-year-old Chris Garratt, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the University, has had his attempt formally accepted by Guinness...
Chamber News
Dozens of Students Dressed to Impress Thanks to Kind Community Donations
An initiative to help university students dress the part for interviews and placements has proven a huge success. Placements are a big part of courses at the University of Worcester, and students often enter environments where they’re required to dress smartly....
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Announce Relaunch of Business Direction Magazine
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce their new partnership with Crosby Media Associates. The Chamber and Crosby Media will collaborate closely to ensure a seamless transition toward the end of 2025, with October/November and...
Our Latest Member
The Rise of Alternative Conference and Filming Spaces in the Countryside
As businesses and creative industries look beyond traditional urban venues, there is a growing shift toward nature-inspired settings for corporate events, team retreats, and film productions. With an increasing focus on well-being, creativity, and sustainability,...
The Rise of Alternative Conference and Filming Spaces in the Countryside
As businesses and creative industries look beyond traditional urban venues, there is a growing shift toward nature-inspired settings for corporate events, team retreats, and film productions. With an increasing focus on well-being, creativity, and sustainability,...
Policy News
Government Must Harness Retail Investor Optimism
Over half of retail investors (53%) are optimistic about their investments over the next twelve months (compared to 42% in May) 40% of investors expect to increase the amount of money they invest over the next twelve months Younger investors are most confident, with...
Business Welcomes Movement On EU Reset Negotiations
Responding to the release of the EU’s draft mandate for UK negotiations on removing checks on food and drink and eliminating carbon charges, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “Firms have been patiently waiting for signs of progress on the EU reset and...
Skills News
The Power of People-First Leadership.
Great businesses are both smart and healthy. You can invest in all of the technology, marketing, operational efficiencies you like, but the real measure of success is how willing your people are to engage in it. In fact, there is no shortage of smart leaders who know...
National success for the Serco Restart Scheme and One Stop
The Serco Restart Scheme has been working with One Stop, a retail convenience business with over 900 shops, since July 2022. Serco Restart Scheme Employer Engagement Coordinator, Hannah Monaghan, met Campbell Hutchison, People Partner for One Stop, via a mutual...
Charity News
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Recognises Local Heroes and raises £70,000 at Annual Awards
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity celebrated its annual Saving Lives Charity Ball on Thursday 25th September, honouring inspirational individuals, fundraisers, volunteers, and corporate partners who make its lifesaving missions possible. The black-tie event, hosted by...
Gift Aid Fuels 105 life-saving missions for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
To mark Gift Aid Awareness Day on Thursday 9th October, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is showcasing the incredible impact of a simple tick box exercise, and how it can save lives. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters and the power of Gift Aid, the...
Customs Reform Needed As Import Rules Change
Responding to news of the Government’s plan to widen customs charges to low value goods entering the UK, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This has been on the cards for a while as the US has already made this change and the EU will do so at the start of...
BCC News
Customs Reform Needed As Import Rules Change
Responding to news of the Government’s plan to widen customs charges to low value goods entering the UK, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This has been on the cards for a while as the US has already made this change and the EU will do so at the start of...
Worcestershire News
Third visitor announced for Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival
Organisers have confirmed that a pair of HST powercars will join the guest line-up at the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival. Nos 43480 and 43468 from Rail Adventure will appear at the four-day event, which takes place between 15 and 18 May. The HST...
‘Steam into Stories’ on Board a Heritage Train
The Severn Valley Railway is offering a treat for young people, with a special on-train storytelling session. On Saturday 12 April, best-selling author Sam Sedgman will be reading from his railway-based adventure stories for children aged seven and over, on board a...
Herefordshire News
Wye Valley Brewery Empower Business School Alumni Witnessing Sustainability in Action
Wye Valley Brewery recently hosted the University of Worcester Business School’s alumni for an exclusive event, with a special emphasis on sustainability. The event was designed to inspire and support local business leaders who have completed the ‘Help to Grow:...
Business leaders urged to join new board to shape Herefordshire economy
Herefordshire’s best business leaders are being urged to join a new independent board to help shape the county’s economic future. The Herefordshire Business Growth Board will play a leading role in driving the economy, supporting business growth, promoting innovation...
All Latest News
Rate Cut Christmas Cheer for Business
Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 3.75%, is a much-needed Christmas gift for businesses across the UK. However, unwrapping growth...
Giving Charities a Voice: Dandelion Video Production Commits to Monthly Free Videos
Worcestershire-based video production company Dandelion is giving small local charities the opportunity to have a professional video produced to help them share their stories. As part of a Chamber of Commerce pledge, they have committed to producing twelve videos...
School Leaders Take Part in Climate Assembly
Teachers and educators from across Worcestershire got together to discuss the implications of the climate and ecological crisis in schools across the West Midlands. The Educators Climate Assembly, hosted by the University of Worcester, saw senior education leaders and...
Self-employed or employed? Why UK businesses need to get it right
Many UK small businesses rely on freelancers, associates and contractors. Most are not trying to break the rules. But misclassifying someone who is actually a worker or employee can quietly turn into a serious legal and financial problem. The key issue is this. UK law...
Have Your Say: Herefordshire Council Budget 2026/27 Consultation
Herefordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to take part in its Budget 2026/27 consultation, giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how council services are prioritised and where savings may need to be made. The consultation runs from...
Time is running out to book the SVR’s Santa Steam Specials
With Christmas fast approaching, families are being urged to book quickly as only four days are left when they can enjoy the Severn Valley Railway’s much-loved Santa Steam Specials. The last available dates are 20, 21, 23 and 24 December, with spaces now very limited...
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