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.
Hazelton Mountford welcomes Peter Sherwood to the team
Hazelton Mountford is delighted to share that Peter Sherwood has joined the senior leadership team, bringing more than 30 years of commercial insurance experience to the Independent Chartered Insurance Brokerage. Peter steps in as a Branch Director, where his deep...
Latest Article
Hazelton Mountford welcomes Peter Sherwood to the team
Hazelton Mountford is delighted to share that Peter Sherwood has joined the senior leadership team, bringing more than 30 years of commercial insurance experience to the Independent Chartered Insurance Brokerage. Peter steps in as a Branch Director, where his deep...
Member News
New Head of People at Hoople Group
Hoople Group is delighted to announce that Julie Bridgewater has been promoted to Head of People and joins the company’s Executive Management Team. Julie has over 20 years’ experience in HR, including investigation, complex casework, employee relations and developing...
Literature Expert to Give Insights on Messaging in Children’s Fiction
A free talk at The Hive will uncover the surprising moral and political messages woven into the children’s books we grew up loving. Professor Jean Webb, a University of Worcester expert in International Children’s Literature, will lead the session, titled “Not Just...
Patron & Strategic News
Holocaust Rescue Stories go on Display at The Hive as Speakers Urge Action Against Hatred
A month‑long exhibition honouring the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust opened in Worcester on Monday, accompanied by stark warnings about rising antisemitism and calls to confront hatred in modern society. Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue During the...
Leading Scholars to Share Cutting-Edge Ideas in Worcester Public Lectures
A new series of public lectures will bring leading academic experts to Worcester, offering fresh perspectives on some of the most fascinating questions in their fields. Launching in February, The Engine Room series, hosted by the University of Worcester, will invite...
Chamber News
CPTPP – Trade Deal Unlocks New Opportunities for UK Businesses:
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a modern and ambitious trade deal encompassing countries that collectively account for nearly 15% of global GDP. The agreement comes into effect on 15th December, enabling UK traders...
Business Challenges: How the Chamber Supports your Business.
Following the recent budget, businesses may encounter new challenges alongside ongoing pressures from the cost of living and energy crises. The Chamber provides support to help businesses grow and thrive. By conducting local research on key issues, from infrastructure...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: Aeromet International Limited – A Leading Supplier of Aluminium and Magnesium Castings for the Aerospace and Defence Industries. Behind The Smile – They offer support for those experiencing poor mental health and...
Welcome New Members
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: Aeromet International Limited – A Leading Supplier of Aluminium and Magnesium Castings for the Aerospace and Defence Industries. Behind The Smile – They offer support for those experiencing poor mental health and...
Policy News
US Trade Deal Provides Welcome Relief
Reacting to news of a trade deal in principle with the US, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This deal will be met with a huge sigh of relief by many British businesses. “The reduction in the 25% tariffs on most of our automotive exports and the...
Rate Cut Provides Shock Absorber for Business
Responding to the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates to 4.25%, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 4.25% will help absorb some of the shocks that businesses are facing on...
Skills News
Three Major FE Colleges “connect” to deliver the Government’s Skills Accelerator Programme
The three major FE Colleges in Worcestershire, Heart of Worcestershire College, Warwickshire College Group and Kidderminster College, have been successful in securing government funding to work collaboratively as part of the government’s Skills Accelerator Programme....
Local Employers invited to share their views on Recruitment Incentives
Worcestershire employers are being made aware of a survey to help gather views on national recruitment incentives. To support employers during the COVID pandemic, the Government introduced a new incentive payment for businesses that hired a new apprentice. Gov are now...
Charity News
KEMP Hospice to Offer Boutique Shopping Experience in New Hagley Store
A stylish new charity shop with a boutique feel is set to open its doors in the heart of Hagley, bringing with it a carefully curated collection of ladies clothing, formal wear, prom outfits, and accessories. This Summer, KEMP Hospice will be opening ‘The Boutique by...
One year on – how a charity superstore in Herefordshire has been embraced by their local community
In May 2024, St Michael’s Hospice opened the doors at its brand-new charity superstore in Whitestone Business Park, Hereford. Hundreds flocked to its grand opening and have continued to show their support throughout its first year, with over 160,000 visitors spending...
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
Class 25 Set to Make Rare Appearance at the Autumn Diesel Bash
The Severn Valley Railway is pleased to announce that subject to availability, Class 25 no. D7628 will appear at its Autumn Diesel Bash taking place between 3 and 6 October. The locomotive is owned by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) and can usually be found...
Severn Valley Railway is Finalist in Three Categories for Visit Worcestershire Awards
Staff and volunteers at the Severn Valley Railway have a lot to smile about right now, as the leading heritage line has been selected as a finalist in three separate categories for the 2024/2025 Visit Worcestershire Awards. The railway is in the running to scoop the...
Herefordshire News
NEW SPONSORSHIP FOR LEDBURY RFC WILL BOOST COMMUNITY SPORT AND SUPPORT.
Ledbury-based high tech coatings application company Cleftbridge Limited has agreed a financial deal with Ledbury Rugby Football Club for the next three years, as a lead sponsorship partner. The money will help to support a grassroots rugby club that celebrates its...
SILVER CHARITY DONATIONS
1ST OF A DOZEN CHARITIES RECEIVES GENEROUS DONATION FROM HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESS Discover Parks in North Herefordshire has presented ‘Kellys Heroes’ with its first donation of 2024 as it celebrates its Silver year of success at Pearl Lake in Shobdon. Park owners Glenn...
All Latest News
Empowering Local Employers with AI & Automation: Free Apprenticeship Insights Webinar Announced for 13th February
Local employers are invited to join a high‑value, free online event designed to help organisations understand and embrace the fast‑evolving world of artificial intelligence and automation. Coinciding with National Apprentiecship Week 2026, the AI & Automation...
Exploring God’s Presence in Jewish Responses to the Holocaust
An academic from the University of Worcester will examine how Jewish thinkers have understood God’s presence before, during and after the Holocaust in a free event at The Hive. Dr Luke Devine, Head of History and Sociology at the University of Worcester, will deliver...
New partner joins to bolster law firm’s agriculture and rural affairs team
Law firm mfg Solicitors has strengthened its nationally-recognised Agriculture and Rural Affairs department with appointment of a new partner. Experienced solicitor Neil Harrison has rejoined the firm after over 12 years working as an internal legal counsel in the...
Why flexible outsourcing can make more sense
In 2026, major changes to UK employment law will reshape how businesses hire, manage staff and plan for the future. The new Employment Rights Bill and related reforms will introduce day-one rights for some employees, strengthen protections and increase potential...
Business School’s Recognition for its Support of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
The University of Worcester’s Business School’s work to support local businesses has helped it to secure re-accreditation of its Small Business Charter. The national accreditation is awarded to business schools which demonstrate excellence and impact in supporting...
Full-on family fun as the Severn Valley Railway reopens for the 2026 season
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is set to welcome families back for the start of its 2026 season on Saturday 14 February, for the half-term break, with heritage trains, hands-on activities and plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. Running between...
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