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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.
Botany Bay wins National Award!
The team at Redditch garden centre Botany Bay Nurseries are immensely proud to be winners at a prestigious awards. Botany Bay won the Bronze Award for the GTN Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion in their Greatest Christmas Awards 2025. This family-run garden...
Latest Article
Botany Bay wins National Award!
The team at Redditch garden centre Botany Bay Nurseries are immensely proud to be winners at a prestigious awards. Botany Bay won the Bronze Award for the GTN Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion in their Greatest Christmas Awards 2025. This family-run garden...
Member News
University of Worcester to Host Conference on Global Divisions and Future Sustainability
The University of Worcester will host a special conference next month exploring the growing political, social, and economic divisions shaping the modern world, and how communities can work together toward a more sustainable future. The conference, titled ‘Divided...
Rowley Meadow Lodges Awarded Prestigious AA 5-Star Rating for 2026
This prestigious accolade recognises excellence in quality, comfort, hospitality and overall guest experience, placing Rowley Meadow Lodges among the very best self-catering destinations in the country. Set in a tranquil countryside location, in the heart of the...
Patron & Strategic News
Can University Side Become ‘Worcester’s Invincibles?’
The University of Worcester’s Women’s Football Team is guaranteed promotion after winning every game in their league and finishing with an extraordinary 100-goal difference. “It feels amazing,” said Captain, Annie Sime. “Promotion was a huge goal so achieving it means...
Sutcliffe & Co Triple Awards Finalist in South West Business & Community Awards
Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers are celebrating being finalists in three categories at the South West Business & Community Awards: Employer of the Year, SME of the Year, and Outstanding Contribution to the Community. This triple recognition reflects the...
Chamber News
Chamber Release Salary & Benefits Report 2026, In Partnership with Hewett Recruitment
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Salary & Benefits Report in partnership with Hewett Recruitment. This report is the region’s most comprehensive benchmarking resource for pay, benefits, and...
Have Your Say: Herefordshire Council Budget 2026/27 Consultation
Herefordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to take part in its Budget 2026/27 consultation, giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how council services are prioritised and where savings may need to be made. The consultation runs from...
Our Latest Member
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Policy News
Have Your Say: Herefordshire Council Budget 2026/27 Consultation
Herefordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to take part in its Budget 2026/27 consultation, giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how council services are prioritised and where savings may need to be made. The consultation runs from...
Autumn Budget 2025: Your detailed summary
Rachel Reeves’s second Budget boosts welfare spending paid for through stealth tax rises, and taxes on property, savings and dividends. Income tax rates remain unchanged, but frozen thresholds for a further three years and wealth-focused levies do the heavy lifting. ...
Skills News
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...
Trio complete training contracts at Worcestershire law firm
Three up and coming lawyers are celebrating after completing their training contracts with Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors. Solicitors Sufyaan Aslim, Lucy Palmer and Molly Wall have now been appointed into full-time positions at the law firm having completed...
Charity News
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,...
Community generosity at Christmas helps Herefordshire families
As families across Herefordshire face increasing pressure, a series of quiet but meaningful acts of generosity by business and individuals are helping to support those most in need through local charity Vennture. With demand for emergency accommodation and family...
Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth
Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent...
BCC News
Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth
Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent...
Worcestershire News
Main Line Rail Companies Pitch in at the Severn Valley Railway
Thanks to an ambitious and unique joint volunteering effort by many companies across the rail sector, the Severn Valley Railway has succeeded in re-laying track across its newly repaired Mor Brook bridge in Shropshire. This was achieved in record time and at zero...
A Vintage Transport Extravaganza at the SVR in August
A full weekend of heritage trains and classic vehicles awaits as the Severn Valley Railway’s much-loved Vintage Transport Extravaganza rolls in on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August. Just weeks after the railway proudly reopens its full 16.5-mile route from Kidderminster...
Herefordshire News
Baton of Hope Tour to Visit Hereford on 2nd October – Shining a Light on Suicide Prevention
The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope Tour, will arrive in Hereford on Wednesday 2nd October, bringing with it a powerful message of hope, support and community action. The Baton of Hope, a specially designed baton symbolising the...
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
All Latest News
Inflation Eases but Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
Chamber Hosts MPQ Sessions for Members Across the Region
On 6 February, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce members had the opportunity to meet with Jesse Norman MP and Ellie Chowns MP during the Chamber’s MPQ sessions. The event offered a valuable forum for businesses across the county to discuss key...
Are Ageing Systems Holding Your Business Back?
Outdated IT systems can quietly create big challenges for businesses — from slowing productivity and increasing costs to exposing organisations to greater cyber risk. As technology evolves, keeping systems fit for purpose is no longer optional; it’s essential. As a...
From Life-Saving Moment to London Marathon Finish Line: Local Dad Running for Worcestershire Maternity Services.
At Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, we are incredibly proud to champion local dad Ollie Betteridge, who is preparing to take on the 2026 London Marathon in support of our Hold the Moment – Maternity Appeal. Ollie aims to raise £3,000 in heartfelt gratitude for...
Students Collaborate with Renowned Artist on Creative Project Exploring ‘Place’
Students from the University of Worcester and Heart of Worcestershire College are working alongside internationally acclaimed artist Rob Draper on an exciting new arts project in the City. The project, part of the Local Voices Creative Choices initiative, led by...
DRPG expands film and content offering with acquisition of Liquona
Creative communications agency DRP Group has acquired south-east-based boutique production agency Liquona; a move designed to grow and strengthen the agency’s global film and animation offering while expanding its London and south-east presence through the newly...
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