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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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Clean Energy Deal A Welcome First Step
Reacting to the announcement of a new clean energy deal with the EU, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “It is essential for the UK’s energy security and economic growth that we co-operate more closely with our European allies to realise the...
Latest Article
Clean Energy Deal A Welcome First Step
Reacting to the announcement of a new clean energy deal with the EU, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “It is essential for the UK’s energy security and economic growth that we co-operate more closely with our European allies to realise the...
Member News
Why do some people find it difficult to control their drinking?
Clever marketing has often linked alcohol to confidence and fun, conditioning many to view it as a shortcut to relaxation. For some, a couple of drinks may suffice, but for others, alcohol creates a cycle of craving that is hard to break—not due to weakness, but...
Dandelion Video Production supports Mental Health Charity, Herefordshire Mind
Herefordshire Mind has become the latest charity to receive professional video support through Dandelion Video Production’s Chamber of Commerce charity pledge. The mental health charity will use the video to raise awareness of the range of services they provide...
Patron & Strategic News
Entrepreneur Launches Sustainability App to Help Universities Go Green
A student has launched a brand-new sustainability app, after securing funding from her university. Carolina Furtado is currently completing her Master’s in Computer Sciences at the University of Worcester, having already graduated in Business and Finance, also from...
Business relief after Government U-turns on day-one unfair dismissal rights
Employment lawyers have reacted positively to the Government’s U-turn on day-one unfair dismissal rights – but urged businesses to seek expert guidance to prepare for wide-ranging workplace reforms. Labour had made a controversial manifesto commitment to offer all...
Chamber News
Increased Export Volatility Ahead Of Tariffs
Only a fifth (21%) of SME exporters saw increased overseas sales in Q1 of 2025 More than a quarter (27%) said their exports had declined with over half (53%) seeing no change Advanced orders fared no better, as 20% saw these rise while 28% reported a decline The Trade...
Local Chamber of Commerce Offers Support to Businesses Navigating U.S. Tariff Changes
As U.S. trade policies and tariffs continue to shift, many businesses are facing new challenges and uncertainty. In response, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is continuing to provide crucial guidance, up-to-date insights, and expert support...
Our Latest Member
Penguin Office Supplies Ltd Expands with a Record-Breaking Sales Year
Following a remarkable year of record-breaking sales, family business Penguin Office Supplies are expanding as part of their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to the Penguin customer family. The expansion has been fuelled by the redevelopment of...
Penguin Office Supplies Ltd Expands with a Record-Breaking Sales Year
Following a remarkable year of record-breaking sales, family business Penguin Office Supplies are expanding as part of their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to the Penguin customer family. The expansion has been fuelled by the redevelopment of...
Policy News
UK Government Strategic Defence Review 2025 Briefing by British Chambers of Commerce – June 2025
The Strategic Defence Review, chaired by former Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson of Port Ellen alongside General Sir Richard Barrons and Dr Fiona Hill, was launched by the Prime Minister in Glasgow on 2 June. It sets out 62 recommendations...
Infrastructure Strategy Must Become Reality
Responding to the publication of the Government’s Infrastructure Strategy, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy, said: “A 10-year strategy for infrastructure will give businesses and supply chains much needed clarity and certainty to plan. Crucially it will...
Skills News
NEOPERL UK focus on staff training
Over a third of the 160 staff at Neoperl UK in Malvern, took part in personal development training during 2022 and that figure is set to increase with a new learning focus for 2023. The manufacturing business requires a broad selection of skills across their employee...
National Apprenticeships Week 2023 – Skills for Life
The theme for #NAW2023 is “Skills for Life” encouraging employers and learners to reflect on how apprenticeships can drive development in careers, future-ready skills and the talented workforce needed across the UK. Whilst this is a laudable focus for this year’s...
Charity News
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Expands Podcast Platform to Support Young People with Cancer
‘Young Me vs the Big C’ Podcast Relaunches on Spotify, Amazon and Apple Podcasts’ The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has relaunched its podcast, Young Me vs the Big C, now available on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. This exciting step makes the podcast...
Support Local, Give Local – Herefordshire Businesses Come Together to Support New Charitable Fund
Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) has launched ‘Business for Good’ – an innovative new charitable fund which is bringing businesses together to drive real change across the county of Herefordshire. Bridie Sullivan, Chief Executive, explains,...
Budget Must Kickstart Sluggish Economy
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...
BCC News
Budget Must Kickstart Sluggish Economy
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...
Worcestershire News
Marking the start of Railway 200 at the Severn Valley Railway
Around 100 heritage railway volunteers from across the UK came together at the Severn Valley Railway on Sunday 5 January, to launch Railway 200, a celebration of the 200th anniversary of modern railways. Representatives from 15 UK heritage lines and locomotive owning...
Worcester City Plan Consultation
Residents, local businesses and other stakeholders are being asked for their views on a new plan that sets out the City Council’s ambitions for Worcester over the next five years. The draft City Plan 2025-2030 envisions Worcester as an ambitious, vibrant and welcoming...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire Council Approves Four-year Council Plan
The Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-28 sets out council priorities for the next four years and a commitment to delivering the best for Herefordshire Full Council has today (24 May 2024) approved the Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-28, which sets out how the council...
Celtic Marches Updates 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...
All Latest News
Finding Your Voice: Why Speaking Skills Matter More Than Ever
They say that people have a greater fear of speaking in public than they do of death. And while this is not actually true – the research results are used with a large degree of poetic licence – for many, speaking in public still feels edgy and risky. If...
REHAU Celebrates Two Major Award Wins at 2025 National Fenestration Awards
REHAU UK is proud to announce that it has won two major awards at the prestigious National Fenestration Awards (NFAs) this year, recognising its continuing innovation, product quality and outstanding service that it delivers to customers year after year. The 2025...
Upskilling Through Apprenticeships at SME Solicitors
Over the last year, SME Solicitors has been upskilling team members through apprenticeship and skills bootcamp courses. Jack Stirzaker, who is undertaking a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing with The Development Manager, discusses his experience. I...
SME Solicitors supports Workplace Wellbeing with new Mental Health First Aider
In September, Jessica Aldersey, SME Solicitors’ Office Manager, dedicated two working days to completing a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course with Garrett Learning. This comprehensive training has equipped Jess with valuable skills that will benefit both herself...
SME Solicitors’ Private Client team wins ‘Team of the Year’
SME Solicitors, based in Worcester, is delighted to announce that its Private Client team was awarded ‘Private Client Team of the Year’ at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2025. The team was recognised for its exceptional client service and community...
Charity Quiz raises over £1,700 for Redgate Sports
SME Solicitors’ 13th Annual Charity Quiz, hosted on 13 November at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, raised £1,789.78 for Redgate Sports, a local charity dedicated to creating sports opportunities for young people. Since its official launch in June 2024,...
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