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.
Rate Cut Christmas Cheer for Business
Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 3.75%, is a much-needed Christmas gift for businesses across the UK. However, unwrapping growth...
Latest Article
Rate Cut Christmas Cheer for Business
Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 3.75%, is a much-needed Christmas gift for businesses across the UK. However, unwrapping growth...
Member News
Self-employed or employed? Why UK businesses need to get it right
Many UK small businesses rely on freelancers, associates and contractors. Most are not trying to break the rules. But misclassifying someone who is actually a worker or employee can quietly turn into a serious legal and financial problem. The key issue is this. UK law...
Time is running out to book the SVR’s Santa Steam Specials
With Christmas fast approaching, families are being urged to book quickly as only four days are left when they can enjoy the Severn Valley Railway’s much-loved Santa Steam Specials. The last available dates are 20, 21, 23 and 24 December, with spaces now very limited...
Patron & Strategic News
Island Windows Partners with REHAU Recycling to Bring Window Recycling to the Isle of Wight
Island Windows Partners with REHAU Recycling to Bring Window Recycling to the Isle of Wight Island Windows has teamed up with REHAU Recycling at PVCR to recycle old polymer frames and reduce landfill waste, marking a major sustainability milestone for the Isle of...
Speller Metcalfe: Building Excellence Across Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Speller Metcalfe is a leading regional construction company with deep roots in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and a proud heritage spanning 30 years. Established in 1995, the business has grown into an award-winning contractor delivering complex, high-quality...
Chamber News
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...
Our Latest Member
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Policy News
Autumn Budget 2025: Your detailed summary
Rachel Reeves’s second Budget boosts welfare spending paid for through stealth tax rises, and taxes on property, savings and dividends. Income tax rates remain unchanged, but frozen thresholds for a further three years and wealth-focused levies do the heavy lifting. ...
Autumn Budget 2025: Chamber Response
Commenting on the Budget Statement, Robert Elliot, Director of Business Development & Policy, said: “For months we have been concerned that this Budget might repeat the chaos businesses faced in October 2024. While this statement is more stable, several measures...
Skills News
Top 100 recognition for Apprenticeship programme
Bishop Fleming has ranked 11th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025, its highest-ever position for its highly impressive apprenticeship programme. It is ahead of national professional services firms, including KPMG, EY, BDO, Mazars, and Azets. The...
Level 4 HNC and/or Level 5 HND in Leadership & Management
Designed to develop your knowledge of team leadership and management from a management perspective, this HTQ aims to enhance your skills to progress into employment across a wide range of industries. The purpose of the qualification is to develop students as...
Charity News
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...
Supporting Care Leavers and Families: Join Our December Zoom Sessions
We have 2 Peer Support Zoom Sessions for Care Leavers and their families of all ages in Dec! This Wed 10th – New Horizons – 1.30-3pm – See enclosed leaflet for more info. Monday 15th – Information on Accessing Records – 10 am -12 midday...
Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now...
BCC News
Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now...
Worcestershire News
Worcestershire County Cricket Foundations Street Sixes was raining with joy
On Tuesday the 15th of July, the Worcestershire County Cricket Foundation hosted its annual Street Sixes which took place on Cathedral Square and down the High Street, despite the weather the fun could not be dampened. The event was put in place to raise money for the...
Main Line Rail Companies Pitch in at the Severn Valley Railway
Thanks to an ambitious and unique joint volunteering effort by many companies across the rail sector, the Severn Valley Railway has succeeded in re-laying track across its newly repaired Mor Brook bridge in Shropshire. This was achieved in record time and at zero...
Herefordshire News
Baton of Hope Tour to Visit Hereford on 2nd October – Shining a Light on Suicide Prevention
The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope Tour, will arrive in Hereford on Wednesday 2nd October, bringing with it a powerful message of hope, support and community action. The Baton of Hope, a specially designed baton symbolising the...
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
All Latest News
Time is running out to book the SVR’s Santa Steam Specials
With Christmas fast approaching, families are being urged to book quickly as only four days are left when they can enjoy the Severn Valley Railway’s much-loved Santa Steam Specials. The last available dates are 20, 21, 23 and 24 December, with spaces now very limited...
DRPG Hosts ‘Make A Moment’ Charity Christmas Event as 45th CSR Project
As part of its 45th anniversary year, creative communications group DRPG has completed its 45th CSR project, marking a continued commitment to social impact beyond its core business. The milestone was marked this weekend with a Christmas celebration for Worcestershire...
THE THINGS YOU BUY AND HOPE NOT TO USE
Businesses spend an average of £1,000 every year servicing and maintaining fire safety equipment. Some companies spend tens of thousands—one recently spent £38,000—to keep fire alarms and extinguishers in working order. There are about 16,000 business-related fires...
Aerial platform company Socage opens new UK arm near Droitwich, aided by John Truslove
The new UK operation of Italian aerial platform and spider lift manufacturer Socage will be based in Worcestershire after working with commercial property agency John Truslove. Socage UK, the recently formed distribution and servicing arm of the business, will open...
Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation
Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now...
Island Windows Partners with REHAU Recycling to Bring Window Recycling to the Isle of Wight
Island Windows Partners with REHAU Recycling to Bring Window Recycling to the Isle of Wight Island Windows has teamed up with REHAU Recycling at PVCR to recycle old polymer frames and reduce landfill waste, marking a major sustainability milestone for the Isle of...
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