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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.
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.
Ann Muddiman retires after 33 years at SME Solicitors
Ann Muddiman marked her last day at SME Solicitors on 29 May. Ann began her career in 1979 and has worked at several firms across the West Midlands. She later joined John Stallard & Co. in March 1993 and, after the merger with March & Edwards in 2011, joined...
Latest Article
Ann Muddiman retires after 33 years at SME Solicitors
Ann Muddiman marked her last day at SME Solicitors on 29 May. Ann began her career in 1979 and has worked at several firms across the West Midlands. She later joined John Stallard & Co. in March 1993 and, after the merger with March & Edwards in 2011, joined...
Member News
Hoople mark 6 months of good deeds
2026 marked Hoople’s 15th birthday. To celebrate this important milestone, the company decided to complete 15 “Good Deeds” throughout the year as a way of giving back to the community that has supported them along the way. At the half-way point, Hoople have been...
Roxel UK Highly Commended in Employer of the Year Category at Chamber Business Awards
Roxel UK is delighted to announce it has been recognised as Highly Commended in the Employer of the Year category at the 2026 Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. With hundreds of entries submitted annually, this recognition highlights...
Patron & Strategic News
Wyevale Nurseries to exhibit at HTA National Plant Show 2026
LEADING UK commercial grower Wyevale Nurseries will be exhibiting at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) National Plant Show, taking place on June 17–18 at NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (June 2026). The Hereford-based business will be showcasing its latest...
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Farmers Needed for New Arthritis Study
Researchers at the University of Worcester are appealing for people from farming backgrounds with experience of arthritis to take part in groundbreaking research into the condition. The University is currently carrying out one of the first studies to directly ask...
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
Welcome new Members – February
A very warm welcome to our new Members A C Event Catering – A C Event Catering provide a number of catering services to venues and events across the Midlands. They offer full and managed catering services, as well as providing catering and bar services for...
Welcome new Members – February
A very warm welcome to our new Members A C Event Catering – A C Event Catering provide a number of catering services to venues and events across the Midlands. They offer full and managed catering services, as well as providing catering and bar services for...
Policy News
Cost Pressures Continue to Hit Labour Market
Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ongoing impact of business cost pressures, most notably from the national insurance hike,...
Inflation Heaping More Pressure On Firms
Reacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on...
Skills News
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...
Use Skills Bootcamps to Retain and Reskill your Workforce
Local training provider The Development Manager (TDM), has a pool of talented individuals looking for employers to interview them and help them to start a Tech & Digital role in the region as an apprentice. These work-ready individuals are currently completing...
Charity News
Introducing Herefordshire Reuse and Recycling Organisation (HRRO)
Herefordshire Reuse and Recycling Organisation (HRRO) is a local charity working to reduce waste, support households in need, and keep reusable goods and materials in circulation across the county. We joined the Herefordshire Chamber of Commerce with a clear purpose:...
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,...
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...
BCC News
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...
Worcestershire News
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...
Severn Valley Railway Shortlisted for Four Heritage Railway Awards
The Severn Valley Railway has been shortlisted in four categories for the prestigious Heritage Railway Association awards for 2025, which recognise excellence and innovation across the heritage rail sector. SVR-based locomotive, Stanier Mogul No 13268 is in the...
Herefordshire News
DISCOVER PARKS SUPPORT WEST MIDLANDS REFUGE
A Herefordshire holiday park has donated another thousand pounds, this time to a Wolverhampton charity that provides practical and emotional support to women and children facing domestic abuse. ‘The Haven’, was nominated to receive the donation by a holiday home owner...
Grant Gives Engineering Firm a Record-breaking Boost
A specialist engineering firm has enjoyed a record-breaking year after investing in new machinery, with the help of a grant from Herefordshire Council’s Business Enterprise Fund. KGD Enterprises, which is based at Rotherwas in Hereford, makes high-quality packaged...
All Latest News
BCRS Business Loans passes £5m in Midlands Engine Investment Fund II lending
Community lender BCRS Business Loans has passed £5 million in lending for the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch, creating 237 new jobs across the West Midlands. BCRS Business Loans has supported 82 businesses by delivering...
Keeping Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working: Why Workforce Health Matters
Businesses across Herefordshire & Worcestershire are being invited to the ‘Keep Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working’ conference to learn more about the workplace wellbeing support available. The UK labour market is rapidly changing with more than a fifth of...
Apprenticeship Support Events for Worcestershire Employers
Small or medium‑sized employers based in Malvern Hills and Wychavon Districts are being encouraged to attend two upcoming events designed to simplify the latest apprenticeship funding and support available to local businesses. With a range of new financial incentives...
More Help Needed on Business Costs
Responding to measures announced by the Chancellor this lunchtime, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of...
Three things your website should be doing
Many small business websites look the part. They have a homepage, a services page, maybe some photos. They load when you type in the address. Job done, right? Not quite. Looking functional and actually working for your business are two very different things. Here are...
While High Streets Struggle, This Business Is Thriving
As household names disappear from high streets, one Worcester business is quietly thriving. The difference? While the location of their work has changed, their values haven’t. Cleaning Technique, a commercial cleaning company celebrating its 40th anniversary,...
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