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.
MYTH: “AEDs are too complicated for the public to use.”
TRUTH: They’re designed to guide you—step-by-step—to help save a life. What are AEDs and where are they? You’ve likely seen them—those bright yellow, green, or white boxes on walls in train stations, airports, village halls, supermarkets, or even old phone...
Latest Article
MYTH: “AEDs are too complicated for the public to use.”
TRUTH: They’re designed to guide you—step-by-step—to help save a life. What are AEDs and where are they? You’ve likely seen them—those bright yellow, green, or white boxes on walls in train stations, airports, village halls, supermarkets, or even old phone...
Member News
Massive new superstore with thousands of bargains on Bescot retail park
A massive new Acorns superstore has opened its doors in Walsall – the charity’s first ever store on a retail park – featuring a huge range of furniture and a dedicated book reading area. Thousands of items have been stacked on the shelves including pre-loved clothes,...
SVR’s Boogie Lights Express is back, with an Early Bird ticket offer
Following its hugely popular debut last year, the Boogie Lights Express is set to return to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in 2026, running on Friday and Saturday evenings from 13 February to 14 March. The experience has received national recognition as a finalist in...
Patron & Strategic News
Fully Funded Suicide Prevention Training for Those Supporting Veterans
PAPYRUS has been awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to provide fully funded suicide prevention training for those working with or supporting veterans. The aim is to equip participants with skills to identify warning signs, intervene effectively, and...
Empowering Practitioners to Better Support Care Leavers
We have one more Training for Practitioners working with Care Leavers and their families in the community or at work! Wed 17th Dec – Caring for Care Leavers Training – 09.30-2.30pm – see enclosed leaflet for more...
Chamber News
Worcester to Welcome England Rugby Star at Free Event
A former England Rugby star is set to speak at a local networking event hosted by the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Simon Shaw, ex-England international and Wasps Rugby legend, is set to make an appearance at the Herefordshire &...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce work with Crosby Associates Media to relaunch 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
New podcast launches for International Women’s Day ‘Females in their Field’
Women living, working and running businesses in rural areas now have a podcast and support activities focusing on their wellbeing needs and the unique challenges and solutions found when delivering a rural enterprise. Jennifer Barnes and Carrie Orgee have been running...
New podcast launches for International Women’s Day ‘Females in their Field’
Women living, working and running businesses in rural areas now have a podcast and support activities focusing on their wellbeing needs and the unique challenges and solutions found when delivering a rural enterprise. Jennifer Barnes and Carrie Orgee have been running...
Policy News
Devolution Plans must Deliver on Local Economic Growth
After the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament today, Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome further devolution to...
Trade Strategy Must Support Smaller Exporters
Fewer than one fifth (18%) of micro-exporters (fewer than 10 employees) increased export orders in Q2, with 29% reporting a decrease. By comparison, 29% of large exporters (more than 250 staff) increased their export orders with a fifth (20%) reporting a drop. More...
Skills News
Workforce Planning (People and Skills)
With recruitment at an all-time high and the UK facing a skills shortage, staff retention is more important than ever. Not only is training an essential part of workforce planning, but the right training increases productivity and efficiency; improves employee...
Serco Restart Scheme: providing a free service in your area to fill job vacancies
ChamSerco Restart Scheme: providing a free service in your area to fill job vacancies The Restart Scheme is part of the Government’s wider ‘Plan for Jobs’ programmes to help long-term unemployed people develop their skills so they can find sustainable and meaningful...
Charity News
Bromsgrove law firm raises over £1,600 for local charity
Bromsgrove law firm mfg Solicitors has donated a total of £1,605.50 for local support charity the Rose & Daisy Foundation. Staff at the High Street firm raised £605.50 over the past year through a number of activities and events, including completing 10,318...
Purple Pathways : Brighter Futures for Children – West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC)
Purple Pathways: Brighter Futures for Children WMRSASC has been accepted into the UK’s biggest matched giving campaign – the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025. We’re raising vital funds for our Purple Pathways project, which provides specialist support to children and...
Inflation Eases – But Action Must Follow
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be hoping October’s inflation rate of 3.6% is further evidence that inflation may now be past its peak....
BCC News
Inflation Eases – But Action Must Follow
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be hoping October’s inflation rate of 3.6% is further evidence that inflation may now be past its peak....
Worcestershire News
National Apprenticeship Week success culminates with launch of 2025 Apprenticeships Awards
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Worcestershire County Council are pleased to announce the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. The announcement comes at the conclusion of National Apprenticeship Week, a successful week of promoting the...
Over 275,000 trees planted in the West Midlands over the last three years
Over 275,000 trees have been planted in the West Midlands as part of an ambitious three-year project to benefit the environment and local communities. The Heart of England Forest, in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council and...
Herefordshire News
Celtic Marches Redesigns Their Labels
Celtic Marches are a single-estate apple cider producer, nestled in a quiet corner of Herefordshire. All apples used in their ciders are taken from their 200 acre orchards on the family farm in Bishops Frome. Being a family run cider maker, they have full control from...
Herefordshire’s Two Farmers Headline at Greener Footprints Week Event
Businesses and organisations across Herefordshire are being invited to join a special networking breakfast event at The Shell Store at Skylon Park next Tuesday [11 June], hosted by Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Means Business and part of next week’s Greener...
All Latest News
BCC Economic Forecast: Budget Unlikely to Be Growth Game Changer
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests last month’s Budget is unlikely to kickstart the UK economy. The first forecast by a major business organisation since the Chancellor’s statement shows the UK’s growth outlook will remain...
Luctonians Celebrate Success At Club Awards
Luctonians Sports Club is proud to announce that it has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the UK Club Awards 2025, an event that celebrates excellence across clubs nationwide, from Legions to Sporting Clubs. On Wednesday, 26th November, several members of...
Final Call: Register now for TDM’s January Degree Apprenticeship Cohort. Funding available.
Time is running out! Employers and employees have until 15th December to express interest in joining TDM’s Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship January cohort. This is your chance to kick off the new year in the right way; invest in your...
Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye 2026 Announces Dates and Opens Exhibitor Opportunities for a “World of Different”
Hay-on-Wye, Wales — Hay Festival, the world-renowned celebration of literature, ideas, and creativity, will return to the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park from 21–31 May 2026, inviting audiences and exhibitors to experience eleven days of talks,...
Worcester City FC Expands Community Outreach with Free After School Football Sessions
Worcester City FC is continuing its commitment to supporting young people across the city through its growing Community Outreach Programme, proudly supported by CARS Service Centre. The initiative focuses on increasing access to physical activity and football for...
Julie Finch, CEO of Hay Festival, appointed Chair of Governors at Hereford College of Arts
Hereford College of Arts (HCA) has announced the appointment of Julie Finch, Chief Executive Officer of Hay Festival Foundation as its new Chair of the Board of Governors. Julie succeeds Mervyn Jones, who steps down after nine years of service. A respected cultural...
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