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.
BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business...
Latest Article
BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business...
Member News
Cyber resilience – Are you ready for when it hits the fan?
In an age where digital threats are evolving faster than ever, resilience is no longer just an IT issue – it’s a business imperative. We’re bringing together decision-makers from across the region to explore how organisations can prepare for, respond to, and...
New Monthly Workshop Series Launches to Help Small Business Owners Accelerate Profit and Build Lasting Legacy
Profit Acceleration Workshops at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce HQ Explore 12 Proven Strategies for Strategic Business Growth A new monthly workshop series designed to transform how small business owners approach growth and profitability has...
Patron & Strategic News
Suzanne Richards to Receive Honorary Doctorate and Honorary Fellowship at the University of Worcester
The mother of a student who died in a terrorist attack before he could complete his studies is to be awarded both an Honorary Doctorate and Honorary Fellowship from her son’s university. Suzanne Richards MBE, mother of Joel Richards, will receive her awards at this...
New Invest in Herefordshire service launched to attract business investment and jobs
Herefordshire Council and partners have launched a new Invest in Herefordshire service and website to attract business investment, support growth and create better-paid jobs in the county. With a £3.6 billion economy, more than 10,600 active businesses and a...
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
Inflation Heaping More Pressure On Firms
Reacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on...
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,...
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
Free CPR and defibrillator training for Malvern Businesses
Free CPR and defibrillator training is being offered to businesses in Malvern and the surrounding area. The training being offered by Heartstart Malvern, only takes 90 minutes and is very practical. During this time, participants are taught some very simple skills...
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...
Inflation Eases but Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
BCC News
Inflation Eases but Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
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
Worcestershire Care Home Celebrates Harvest Festival with MacMillan Coffee Morning and Community Donations
Worcestershire Care Home Celebrates Harvest Festival with MacMillan Coffee Morning and Community Donations Dorset House Nursing Home in Droitwich recently celebrated Harvest Festival with a heartwarming community event. The festivities were led by Reverend Giles, who...
Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College’s Path to Net Zero
Educational institutions play a key role in promoting sustainable energy resources. Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College’s Low Carbon Technology Training Centre showcases this approach by offering specialised courses in renewable technologies, which for a...
All Latest News
New Invest in Herefordshire service launched to attract business investment and jobs
Herefordshire Council and partners have launched a new Invest in Herefordshire service and website to attract business investment, support growth and create better-paid jobs in the county. With a £3.6 billion economy, more than 10,600 active businesses and a...
Sherlock Holmes Under the Lens in Free Talk at The Hive
A free talk at The Hive will explore the fascinating thinking behind the creation of the most famous fictional detective of all time. Dr Sharon Young, Course Leader for MA English at the University of Worcester will deliver the talk, titled In Search of a Hero:...
Last Chance to See Moving Holocaust Exhibit at The Hive
It’s your last chance to see a powerful exhibition telling moving stories of rescue from the Holocaust at The Hive in Worcester before it moves on. Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue During the Holocaust, presents stories of rescue in fourteen European...
Botany Bay wins National Award!
The team at Redditch garden centre Botany Bay Nurseries are immensely proud to be winners at a prestigious awards. Botany Bay won the Bronze Award for the GTN Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion in their Greatest Christmas Awards 2025. This family-run garden...
Prisons Minister Delivers Annual High Sheriff’s Lecture
Lord Timpson OBE, Prisons Minister and former Chief Executive of the Timpson Group, delivered this year’s High Sheriff’s Lecture at the University of Worcester to a packed audience of students, staff, legal professionals and High Sheriffs from across the region....
Online retailer ready for growth after receiving BCRS Business Loans funds
An online retailer is preparing for growth thanks to funding from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF) delivered by BCRS Business Loans. Vabe Wholesale Ltd, based at Middlemore Industrial Estate, West Bromwich, is using £50,000 in investment secured from...
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