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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.
Fears Over Low Value Imports Reform
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that removing the UK’s tariff exemption for low value imports could risk pushing up prices, harming small businesses and reducing trade intensity. The government is considering the move after the US removed its ‘de...
Latest Article
Fears Over Low Value Imports Reform
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that removing the UK’s tariff exemption for low value imports could risk pushing up prices, harming small businesses and reducing trade intensity. The government is considering the move after the US removed its ‘de...
Member News
Ministerial visit to Kidderminster sites shines spotlight on apprentices
Specsavers Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D) welcomed Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, to Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) during National Apprenticeship Week on Friday 13 February. During the visit, Minister Smith met more than...
HydroShunter launched at Kidderminster as UK’s first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive enters the market Date: 26 February 2026
Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions and the Severn Valley Railway today (Thursday 26 February) marked a major milestone in railway decarbonisation with the official launch to market of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered railway shunting locomotive, unveiled at the...
Patron & Strategic News
University Lecturer Co‑Edits New Anthology Supporting Carers
A University of Worcester lecturer has co-edited a new anthology exploring the realities of caregiving, with all proceeds being donated to a vital local charity. Craft of Care, collated and edited by Dr Charley Barnes from the University of Worcester alongside fellow...
University Research Backs Innovative Prison Scheme to Break Cycle of Reoffending
Experts from the University of Worcester have been working with men recently released from prison to evaluate the impact of an innovative rehabilitation programme centred around fitness. Their report on the pilot scheme could help make the case for rolling the...
Chamber News
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Announces NEW Strategic Digital Training Partnership with Make Strides
Empowering Local Businesses with ‘Leadership Thinking’. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Make Strides, a digital-first learning and development company specialising in both early-career and...
New Skills Boost Funding Offers Up to £6,000 for Chamber Training
Businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire can now access up to £6,000 in grant funding to support staff training, thanks to the return of the Skills Boost 2025–26 programme. Delivered in partnership with Worcestershire Growth Hub, the initiative aims to help...
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
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
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...
Holme Lacy College students tour Wyevale Nurseries
Twenty students from Holme Lacy College in Herefordshire were given a tour this week (Tuesday, April 18, 2023) of one of the UK’s leading nurseries. The forestry and arboriculture apprentices visited the container shrub and tree production sites at Wyevale Nurseries...
Charity News
KEMP Hospice Santa Fun Run Returns with a New Festive Home in Wolverley
The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by taking part in the jolliest jog of the year: the return of KEMP Hospice’s much-loved Santa Fun Run, launching this year from a brand-new location. On Sunday 7th December 2025,...
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s 2025 Christmas Range Takes Off
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has announced the launch of its 2025 seasonal merchandise collection, which is already proving to be a hit amongst supporters. This year’s festive range features new additions of a star shaped key ring, a tea towel and shopping bag...
Tariff fatigue has set in among UK businesses
New polling on the initial reaction to the Greenland tariff threat David Bharier, Head of Research, British Chambers of Commerce Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose tariffs on UK goods over Greenland has landed with less shock than exhaustion. New polling by the...
BCC News
Tariff fatigue has set in among UK businesses
New polling on the initial reaction to the Greenland tariff threat David Bharier, Head of Research, British Chambers of Commerce Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose tariffs on UK goods over Greenland has landed with less shock than exhaustion. New polling by the...
Worcestershire News
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...
SVR Moves Towards a Solution for its Serious Landslip
The Severn Valley Railway is working closely with structural and geotechnical experts to narrow down repair options for the significant landslip it has recently suffered. External experts met yesterday [12 February] with the SVR’s consulting engineer to review the...
Herefordshire News
Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2024/2025
It’s an exciting time for Herefordshire and its tourism industry. We pride ourselves in just how very special our county is and in all corners there are brilliant businesses offering visitors superb experiences, accommodation and food & drink. The Herefordshire...
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...
All Latest News
BCRS Business Loans passes £10m milestone for CIEF investment in jobs and growth
Community business finance provider BCRS Business Loans has lent more than £10m to generate job creation and economic growth through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). The Wolverhampton-based lender has delivered £10.3m in loans to 121 companies,...
ONE attends reception at Falkland House
ONE Creative environments’ (ONE’s) Chairman was delighted to attend a reception at Falkland House in London (12/2/2026). The reception hosted by Richard Hyslop, the Falkland Islands Government’s Representative to the UK and Europe, was attended by Dame Harriett...
Celebrating Apprenticeships: How TDM and Jess Gladston Champion Lifelong Learning
As we mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of apprenticeships — both for individuals and for businesses. Our patron member, The Development Manager (TDM), has been at the forefront of this movement,...
Kidderminster College Receives FE First Award
Kidderminster College is celebrating after winning two prestigious accolades at the College Marketing Network’s FE First Awards 2026, recognising excellence, innovation and impact across further education marketing. Kidderminster College was awarded gold in the...
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines | February
The countdown to reopening is almost at zero! Tomorrow evening (Friday 13 February) sees the first of the Boogie Lights Express trains, and on Saturday, the Railway is open for half-term services. It’s very exciting to be on the cusp of the 2026 season, one which...
Ballards accelerates corporate finance growth with senior Transaction Advisory appointment
Ballards, one of the Midlands most forward-looking business advisory and consultancy groups, has further strengthened its corporate finance service with the appointment of Rob Burns as Transaction Advisory Services Director, further expanding its Birmingham team and...
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