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.
The Hive to Host Exclusive First Look at New Historical Novel
The life and legacy of the Worcestershire surgeon who revolutionised medical sterilisation through the use of iodine is being brought to life in a new historical novel, with a special soft-launch event at The Hive. Born in 1860, Lionel Stretton served as a surgeon in...
Latest Article
The Hive to Host Exclusive First Look at New Historical Novel
The life and legacy of the Worcestershire surgeon who revolutionised medical sterilisation through the use of iodine is being brought to life in a new historical novel, with a special soft-launch event at The Hive. Born in 1860, Lionel Stretton served as a surgeon in...
Member News
Had a Baby in Worcestershire? Researchers Want Your Story
Historians at the University of Worcester are calling on mothers across Worcestershire to share their experiences of giving birth, as part of a major research project exploring how childbirth has changed in the region over the decades. The research is being undertaken...
Talbots Law Named Conveyancing Firm of the Year at the British Conveyancing Awards 2026
Employee-owned law firm Talbots Law has been named Conveyancing Firm of the Year – Midlands & Wales at the British Conveyancing Awards 2026, held in Manchester. The award recognises excellence in residential conveyancing and highlights the achievements of...
Patron & Strategic News
People urged to seek will-writing advice from trusted lawyers to avoid costly complications
A leading county law firm is urging people to seek professional advice to write a Will, ensuring they don’t leave behind significant complications and distress for loved ones. Jack Robinson, a senior associate in the Private Client team at Worcestershire mfg...
New Head of People at Hoople Group
Hoople Group is delighted to announce that Julie Bridgewater has been promoted to Head of People and joins the company’s Executive Management Team. Julie has over 20 years’ experience in HR, including investigation, complex casework, employee relations and developing...
Chamber News
Welcome New Members August
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout July. ActionCOACH Worcester – The help you need to grow your business. Agility Fleet – Agility Fleet is a national provider of vehicle funding and fleet management, specialising in the SME market....
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....
Our Latest Member
Pineapple Recruitment Marks Second Anniversary with Worcester Office Move
A growing Worcester recruitment firm which provides talent for the catering and hospitality sectors has relocated to new headquarters in the city as it marks its second birthday. Pineapple Recruitment has moved its eight-strong team to the Painting House on Severn...
Pineapple Recruitment Marks Second Anniversary with Worcester Office Move
A growing Worcester recruitment firm which provides talent for the catering and hospitality sectors has relocated to new headquarters in the city as it marks its second birthday. Pineapple Recruitment has moved its eight-strong team to the Painting House on Severn...
Policy News
Office Return Varies Across Sectors
41% of businesses have required staff to spend more time working on site over the past year One in ten (9%) relevant firms say employees have quit because of the requirement to return to onsite working Nearly half of surveyed businesses (48%) expect all working days...
SME Exporters Hit By New US Customs Charges
Responding to President Trump’s decision to charge import duties for low value goods entering the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This development has been coming for several months but is still a major blow to UK exporters to the US. Smaller firms...
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
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...
New Plan Needed As Fresh Tariff Pain Hits
The British Chambers of Commerce is urging the government to adopt its six-point plan to support UK exporters as the US President’s new 15 per cent tariff kicks in. Thousands of British businesses are expected to be worse off as they see the tariff paid on their...
BCC News
New Plan Needed As Fresh Tariff Pain Hits
The British Chambers of Commerce is urging the government to adopt its six-point plan to support UK exporters as the US President’s new 15 per cent tariff kicks in. Thousands of British businesses are expected to be worse off as they see the tariff paid on their...
Worcestershire News
Worcestershire Community Foundation Distributes £187,000 to Local Causes
One of the county’s largest charitable grant makers has distributed £187,000 in funding to 31 local groups and organisations across Worcestershire. The six-figure support came from Worcestershire Community Foundation through the Strengthening Worcestershire Fund which...
Social Media Legend Francis Bourgeois Backs SVR Landslip Appeal
The famous trainspotter Francis Bourgeois is highlighting the plight of the Severn Valley Railway, as it faces a substantial repair bill following its devastating recent landslip, just over two weeks ago. Francis visited the site of the landslip, between Hampton Loade...
Herefordshire News
Golden Chance to Study Engineering: NMITE Offers over 30 Scholarships and Support for Students: APPLY NOW
NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering) today shares a reminder of the upcoming application deadline, 23rd August 2024, for the prestigious Motorola Solutions Foundation Scholarship as well as offering the Life Changer bursary initiative for local...
Hereford Care Homes Participate in Heartfelt Memory Walk Honouring Beloved Past Residents and Raise Funds for St Michael’s Hospice
Hampton Grange and Gwen Walford Care Homes proudly took part in a Memory Walk to honour the cherished memories of past residents Joe and Tom while raising vital funds for St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford. The event, held at the picturesque Queenswood Arboretum...
All Latest News
We’re recruiting a Chief Executive Officer — Maggs Day Centre (Worcester)
Maggs Day Centre is looking for an exceptional CEO to lead our Worcestershire charity into its next phase of impact, sustainability and strategic growth- Salary: £65,000 + benefits | Full time (flexible considered) We support people experiencing homelessness and...
![Added Value Enterprises [AVE] accelerates growth by 225% following sector expansion](https://hwchamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Darren-Iley-AVE-800x500.jpg)
Added Value Enterprises [AVE] accelerates growth by 225% following sector expansion
Procurement and consultancy specialists, Added Value Enterprises [AVE], have scaled growth by an impressive 225% over the last 12 months following its increased service offering and successful expansion into the hospitality and care sectors. Established in 2021, AVE...
Doors Open at Brand-New Ludlow Charity Warehouse
Shoppers were welcomed through the doors at St Michael’s Hospice’s new charity shop, Ludlow Home & Living. The ribbon was cut by shop manager, Giles Kember, and Ludlow’s Mayor, Councillor Di Lyle, before customers were invited inside to explore the transformed...
URGENT Briefing Webinar: What Does the Middle East Conflict Mean for Your Business?
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is already having significant consequences for global energy markets, supply chains, insurance costs and wider commercial risk environments. As the situation continues to evolve, UK businesses need timely, reliable...
From Worcestershire to Düsseldorf: VKF Renzel at EuroShop 2026
EuroShop 2026 was an incredible stage for VKF Renzel to showcase what we do best. Returning to the world’s leading retail trade fair, we were proud to present our latest solutions for entrance areas, POS displays, ESL fixings, shelf optimisation, digital signage, and...
From GCSE Resits to PhD, Worcester Lecturer Champions Diverse Learners
A mother of two who once believed she ‘wasn’t good enough’ for university is now graduating with a PhD that explores how to empower silenced learners. Anastasia Kennett studied for her undergraduate degree in Special Educational Disabilities at the University of...
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