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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.
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University Wins National EDI Award at Better Society Awards 2026
The University of Worcester has won a major national award recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed. The University was the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at last night’s 2026 Better Society Awards. The Awards...
Latest Article
University Wins National EDI Award at Better Society Awards 2026
The University of Worcester has won a major national award recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed. The University was the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at last night’s 2026 Better Society Awards. The Awards...
Member News
THE KEY SAFE COMPANY RECEIVES A KING’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE
The Key Safe Company has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation. The Key Safe Company is one of only 185 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026. Announced today (Wednesday 6 May), the Award...
Vet practice enjoys rapid growth after ART Business Loans backing
An independent vets practice has seen significant growth since securing a five-figure loan funding package from finance provider ART Business Loans. After receiving funds from ART Business Loans in 2022, The Market Town Vet now operates two centres, with a third on...
Patron & Strategic News
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...
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...
Chamber News
The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 is now Live
The Quarterly Economic Survey is among the largest business surveys in the UK, making it a key resource for the government to conduct case studies and access up-to-date statistics on businesses across the UK. The Survey consists of questions on several topics,...
Worcestershire businesses urged to ‘power up’ productivity and plug skills gaps with Skills Bootcamps
Businesses across Worcestershire are being urged to take advantage of Skills Bootcamps – flexible training programmes designed to upskill staff, fill skills gaps, and support long-term growth. Funded by the Department for Education and managed locally by...
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
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Release the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q3 2025
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q3 2025, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The Quarterly Economic Survey provides a detailed snapshot of business...
SMEs Key To Defence Industrial Strategy
Responding to the announcement of the Defence Industrial Strategy, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “Raising defence investment is not only vital for the UK’s national security in an age of higher geopolitical risk but also to boost growth, jobs, exports and...
Skills News
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...
Why stay interviews are the perfect antidote to exit interviews.
Recruitment is still a significant challenge for many businesses and, with the average cost of replacing just one leaver at £30K, now’s the time to think about stay interviews. By incorporating light touch stay questions into your regular one to one conversations,...
Charity News
Youngsters’ artwork features in campaign encouraging parents to spot signs and symptoms of childhood cancer
Drawings by children who have undergone cancer treatment are featuring in a charity awareness campaign encouraging parents to recognise the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. The artwork by youngsters who have received treatment, along with those from...
Five Years of Festive Support: Linden Homes Backs KEMP Hospice Christmas Tree Collection.
KEMP Hospice is delighted to announce that Linden Homes are once again generously supporting their annual Christmas Tree Collection – marking an incredible five years of support from the award-winning home builder. Linden Homes have generously donated £2,000 to KEMP...
Tariff Clouds Weigh on Exports as 2026 Begins
Commenting on the first trade data release of 2026 by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Goods exports trade with the EU and the rest of the world, excluding the United States of...
BCC News
Tariff Clouds Weigh on Exports as 2026 Begins
Commenting on the first trade data release of 2026 by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Goods exports trade with the EU and the rest of the world, excluding the United States of...
Worcestershire News
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...
Supporters Rally Round after the Severn Valley Railway Suffers Devastating Landslip
As investigations continue into a devastating landslip on its line, the Severn Valley Railway has released dramatic new images of the damage caused and has paid tribute to the hundreds of people who’ve already made donations to help it pay for remedial work. 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 backs Birmingham teenager to fight for Team England
A 15-year-old Muay Thai boxer from Birmingham has received sponsorship from BCRS Business Loans which will support him to compete for Team England in Thailand. Community lender BCRS Business Loans, based in Wolverhampton, has provided Louis Thompson with sponsorship...
FCA approval marks major milestone for Severn Valley Railway’s One Railway project
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has today announced that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has approved its application to convert Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc into a charitable community benefit society (CCBS), a key step in the organisation’s ambitious...
Worcester Students Win National Award for Video Game Built in Just 32 Hours
Students from the University of Worcester have won a national award for a video game they designed from scratch in a race against the clock. The third year Game Art students were taking part in the Ukie Student Game Jam, going head-to-head with teams from universities...
Skills Planning Vital To Tackle Gen Z Drift
A new report on a pioneering scheme for business-led skills planning in England has identified a pressing need to better engage Generation Z with the workplace. The analysis of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) found they have engaged thousands of people and...
May 2026 Cohort: TDM Unveils AI & Automation Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship for Local Employers
Time to turn your AI ambitions into action. As artificial intelligence and automation rapidly reshape the way organisations operate, many local businesses are asking the same question: Where do we start? Or if they have started – How can we scale this? The...
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Would you know what to do?
Someone collapses in your workplace. They are not breathing. People step back. Because they are afraid of getting it wrong. This is the moment that decides everything. And the biggest mistake is not bad CPR. It is no CPR. When someone is in cardiac arrest, they are...
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