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.
Steel Tariffs Risk Serious Damage To UK Manufacturers
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that changes to UK steel quotas and tariffs could add millions of pounds to manufacturers’ costs. In a letter to the Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, the BCC said the proposed regime risks creating ‘real financial and...
Latest Article
Steel Tariffs Risk Serious Damage To UK Manufacturers
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that changes to UK steel quotas and tariffs could add millions of pounds to manufacturers’ costs. In a letter to the Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, the BCC said the proposed regime risks creating ‘real financial and...
Member News
Family Lawyer Warns Divorce Could Cost You More Than Your Marriage in New Podcast Episode
Jill Roberts, Partner at Knights, features in the latest episode of Dandelion Video Production’s What Do You Do? podcast – setting the record straight about what most people think they know about family law. Roberts, who specialises in family law, argues...
Worcester Conference to Examine Rise of AI in Crime and Policing
Worcester’s annual Evidence-Based Policing Conference will examine both the challenges posed by criminals using emerging technologies such as AI, and the opportunities these tools offer to law enforcement. Into the Digital Age: The Increasing Use of Technology in...
Patron & Strategic News
HRH The Duke of Gloucester Officially Opens Duke’s Building at University of Worcester
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester has formally opened the Duke’s Building at the University of Worcester, a major new facility for health, wellbeing and sport education, named in honour of the University’s Chancellor. His Royal Highness unveiled a...
NMITE SECURES LANDMARK IET ACCREDITATION FOR ITS INTEGRATED ENGINEERING DEGREES
A first for Herefordshire which delivers even more value for NMITE’s Herefordshire “home-grown” engineers NMITE has secured accreditation from The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for its BEng and MEng Integrated Engineering degrees – an...
Chamber News
Improve Your Staff Recruitment and Retention with the Salary & Benefits Survey, in Partnership with Hewett Recruitment
Businesses are continuing to operate in an exceptionally tight labour market while navigating the ongoing cost of doing business crisis, further impacted by the National Insurance changes implemented this year. This competitive environment is putting pressure on...
Welcome New Members September
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout September. St Richard’s Hospice Foundation – Worcestershire charity providing palliative care. Spartan Fire Protection – Fire safety systems and compliance specialists. First Enterprise – Inclusive finance and...
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
Sluggish Economy Demands Strong Business Support
Reacting to the latest GDP data published this morning by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With a backdrop of weak business and investment confidence, sluggish Q3 growth of just 0.1% is unsurprising. “But the data...
Key Employment Law Updates: Autumn 2025
1. Fire and Rehire – Government Softens Proposed BanThe Employment Rights Bill continues to target “fire and rehire” tactics, where employers dismiss staff to impose new terms. Dismissals linked to restricted variations (e.g. reductions in pay, hours, pensions, or...
Skills News
Businesses Urged to Help Schools and Colleges Shape Futures
Businesses were today urged to help develop the skilled workforce of the future – by playing their part as Enterprise Advisers. The Marches Careers Hub says it wants to recruit more advisers from the region’s business community to help inspire the workforce of the...
OSPREY APPROACH LAUNCHES SECOND WEBINAR SERIES
Independent legal software provider Osprey Approach is delighted to announce the launch of its second webinar series, which aims to help SME law firms establish good business habits for long term success. Following positive feedback for Osprey’s first webinar series,...
Charity News
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust response to the release of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step...
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust response to Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step...
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
BCC News
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
Worcestershire News
Find out the secrets of the Severn Valley Railway!
The Severn Valley Railway is to throw open its doors on 5 and 6 April for its annual Open House Weekend. This is a rare chance for visitors to access many areas not usually open to the public. They’ll also be able to meet volunteers and discover what goes on behind...
Arts and Crafts at the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Gift Fayre
Dozens of local craftspeople will be offering their wares at the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Gift Fayre, which is taking place at The Engine House, Highley on the weekend of 15 and 16 March. Nestled amongst the full-size locomotives on display, a whole host of...
Herefordshire News
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...
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:...
All Latest News
BCRS Business Loans fuels growth with annual lending generating £53m economic impact
Community lender BCRS Business Loans is marking another year of success having generated more than £53 million in economic growth across the West Midlands, surrounding areas and Wales through funding to underserved small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According...
Worcestershire’s welcomes new High Sheriff
A former solicitor has been appointed as the new High Sheriff of Worcestershire. Maynard Burton was officially sworn in at a ceremony held at Worcester’s Shirehall on the 15 April. The 69 year-old retired solicitor, who was a partner and chairman at county law firm...
University Opens Doors to Community as Free Children and Families Festival Returns
After attracting more than 800 people last year, the University of Worcester’s Children and Families Festival is returning in May with double the capacity and an even wider range of free activities and support services for families. Tickets are now available for the...
Scrap specialist expands offer with skip firm purchase backed by community lenders
A scrap metal specialist has expanded its recycling offering to customers by purchasing a skip hire company backed with funding from two leading community finance providers. Family business Total Metal Recovery, based in Bromsgrove, has acquired neighbouring firm A-Z...
Iran Conflict Deepens Inflation Concerns
Responding to the latest inflation data, published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s 3.3% inflation figure for March is an early signal that the Iran conflict...
Wyevale Nurseries boosts ‘3-30-300 Rule’ – how many trees can you see from your window?
WYEVALE Nurseries in Hereford is launching an awareness campaign centred on the ‘3-30-300 Rule’ to highlight how urban trees and green infrastructure improve wellbeing, climate resilience and access to nature in conurbations (April 2026). The rule, first proposed by...
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