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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.
University of Worcester Shortlisted for Two WhatUni Student Choice Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for two awards in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026: Career Prospects and Halls and Student Accommodation. The shortlistings reflect the University’s strong commitment to providing an outstanding student...
Latest Article
University of Worcester Shortlisted for Two WhatUni Student Choice Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for two awards in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026: Career Prospects and Halls and Student Accommodation. The shortlistings reflect the University’s strong commitment to providing an outstanding student...
Member News
Smart Accountancy Solutions joins with Ballards to strengthen Worcestershire team and SME offering
Left to right: James Syree and Mark Smith Ballards, one of the Midlands fastest growing independent business advisory, consultancy and accountancy firms, has further strengthened its presence in Worcester and the wider Worcestershire region as Smart Accountancy...
Wickens Showcases Engineering Expertise with New Video Highlighting Storage Solutions in Action
Wickens Engineering has launched a new video offering a behind-the-scenes look at its specialist storage solutions, giving customers and industry professionals a clear view of the quality, scale and precision that underpin its work. The video, now available on the...
Patron & Strategic News
Award wins for ONE’s innovative digital twin approach
ONE Creative environments (ONE), a multi-disciplinary design company that prioritises innovation, has celebrated two national award wins last month (March 2026). ONE, which has a Worcester HQ and offices in Birmingham, London and Cardiff received the awards for their...
Are Your Workplace Policies Still Fit for Purpose in 2026?
For many businesses, policies are something that get written, filed away, and only revisited when there’s an issue. But in reality, policies should be living, working documents that actively support both your people and your business. With ongoing changes in...
Chamber News
Former England Rugby Star to Host Chamber Networking Dinner
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce an exclusive networking dinner featuring former England rugby union star, Simon Shaw MBE. Held on 30 April 2026 at the elegant Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel in Kidderminster, this evening...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber launches Business Manifesto 2026/27 at the Annual Economic Conference
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has launched its Business Manifesto 2026/27 at the Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference, setting out the organisation’s priorities for the year ahead and highlighting the key issues facing businesses across...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | January
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout January: Hereford Voice — local news and community interest site covering events and stories in Herefordshire. Pure Staff — recruitment and staffing agency specialising in placing temporary and permanent...
Welcome New Members | January
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout January: Hereford Voice — local news and community interest site covering events and stories in Herefordshire. Pure Staff — recruitment and staffing agency specialising in placing temporary and permanent...
Policy News
BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business...
Rates Held As Inflation Risks Rise
Reacting to the latest interest rate decision, by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The geopolitical kaleidoscope has been dramatically shaken since the Bank last met to set the interest rate. Today’s...
Skills News
New Course Explores Impact of Climate Change on Policing
The University of Worcester, West Mercia Police and e-learning company Indegu Ltd have joined forces to develop an awareness course for police staff on how climate change could impact policing in the future. The online programme is designed to educate on climate...
Initial Wave of Innovators Join Business Support Programme with Worcestershire’s First AI Testbed Facilities
A bold new chapter in Worcestershire’s innovation landscape begins as 15 early-stage technology businesses commence BetaDen’s newly opened incubator programme at the Old Court in Kidderminster. BetaDen is Worcestershire’s provider of support programmes for innovative...
Charity News
A kind collaboration – Dandelion Video Production and Primrose Hospice
Primrose Hospice is the latest charity to collaborate with Dandelion Video Production through their Chamber of Commerce charity pledge. The video, which follows the journey of a piece of pre-loved furniture through the donation process, and the impact it can make,...
Orchard Trust Offers New Supported Farm Placements
Lydbrook, Gloucestershire – Orchard Trust is delighted to announce it has secured funding from The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation to support the development of their new Supported Farm Placements Programme: specialised Animal Care and Gardening Placements based at...
Calm Before The Inflation Storm
Responding to the latest inflation data, published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “For businesses across the UK, today’s inflation data represents the calm before the...
BCC News
Calm Before The Inflation Storm
Responding to the latest inflation data, published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “For businesses across the UK, today’s inflation data represents the calm before the...
Worcestershire News
Government-backed Help to Grow Programme Helps Spark 50% Retail Growth for Local Business
The University of Worcester has announced it will be delivering the Help to Grow Management Course for a further 3 years. The part-government-funded initiative is designed for senior leaders to boost business performance and leadership skills. Run by Worcester...
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...
Herefordshire News
Celebrating excellence in apprenticeships
We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the first-ever Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards. Hosted by Herefordshire Growth Hub in partnership with Herefordshire Council and local training organisations, these awards will recognise and celebrate:...
Visit Herefordshire PR and Reel Creation Tender – Open
Herefordshire County BID Ltd (HCBID) is seeking to engage the services of a specialist agency with proven expertise in the strategic delivery of PR in the visitor economy. Project Scope: HCBID is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced businesses to provide...
All Latest News
Menopause in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Be Aware of in 2026
Awareness of menopause in the workplace has grown significantly in recent years, and with that has come increased expectations on employers. For many businesses, this is still a relatively new area to navigate. However, it is becoming increasingly important from both...
Local Expertise Meets New Connections: West Mercia Air Conditioning Joins the Chamber
West Mercia Air Conditioning is proud to be a member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Having joined the Chamber in recent weeks, we are already enjoying being part of a thriving local business network. While we are relatively new to the...
Shakespeare Circle Launches in Worcester After Hit Hive Events
A new group is launching in Worcester to help people explore the works of William Shakespeare through play, interaction and discussion. The Shakespeare Circle at The Hive launches on 21 April, 6.30pm-8pm aligning with the celebrations of the playwright’s birthday...
All aboard for a day of storytelling and steam at the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is delighted to announce a special partnership event with Bewdley Festival’s Step into Stories, taking place on Saturday 25 April, offering families a unique day out that combines imaginative storytelling with a journey on a heritage...
Top Insurance Employer Award for Sutcliffe & Co for fourth year running
Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers are celebrating being named a ‘Top Insurance Employer 2026’ by Insurance Business UK (IBUK) Magazine for the fourth year in a row. These established awards highlight excellence within the insurance industry, naming standout...
ATWELL INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCED AS FINALIST IN CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2026
Worcestershire-based Atwell International Ltd has been named a finalist in the 2026 Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, shortlisted in the Excellence in Innovation category. These prestigious awards celebrate the very best of business...
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