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.
Bespoke- Advice Builds on National Success with Local Apprenticeship and Wellbeing Awards
Worcester-based Chartered financial planning firm and certified B Corp, Bespoke- Advice Ltd, has added two more accolades to its growing list of honours, being named Small Apprentice Employer of the Year at the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards 2025, and Highly...
Latest Article
Bespoke- Advice Builds on National Success with Local Apprenticeship and Wellbeing Awards
Worcester-based Chartered financial planning firm and certified B Corp, Bespoke- Advice Ltd, has added two more accolades to its growing list of honours, being named Small Apprentice Employer of the Year at the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards 2025, and Highly...
Member News
Hazelton Mountford expands Worcester office space to drive specialist Property Division growth
Independent chartered insurance broker Hazelton Mountford has expanded across an additional floor at its Worcester headquarters, marking a significant step in the growth of its property division and the company’s expansion plans. The new space, located directly above...
Hazelton Mountford Welcomes Two New Apprentices Amid Exciting Growth
Hazelton Mountford is pleased to welcome Jumeirah and Emma as the company’s newest apprentices. Based at the Worcester office, they will gain hands-on experience across key areas of insurance and client services. Hazelton Mountford’s apprenticeship programme offers a...
Patron & Strategic News
Law firm lends helping hand for disabled people to become homeowners
A leading Worcestershire law firm is giving disabled people expert advice to get on the property ladder. The Government-backed HOLD (Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities) scheme is available to help disabled people become shared ownership homeowners....
Meet Joe McAlster: Driving Employer Engagement at Kidderminster College
Hi, I’m Joe McAlster and I am the new Business and Employer Engagement Manager at Kidderminster College. I’m really excited to be working here and have the opportunity to work with employers and other organisations within the Wyre Forest district and wider...
Chamber News
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Release the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q3 2025
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q3 2025, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The Quarterly Economic Survey provides a detailed snapshot of business...
Make Or Break Budget Must Deliver Growth
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to focus her second Budget on key growth drivers to lift the gloom that has settled over the economy. The BCC’s budget submission focuses on policies to encourage investment, strengthen the...
Our Latest Member
Meet JP Bookkeeping — Your New Virtual Finance Office
As a new member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (HWCC), JP Bookkeeping is excited to introduce its Virtual Finance Office service which manages the full finance function for businesses from start to end. Our strategic, outsourced Finance...
Meet JP Bookkeeping — Your New Virtual Finance Office
As a new member of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (HWCC), JP Bookkeeping is excited to introduce its Virtual Finance Office service which manages the full finance function for businesses from start to end. Our strategic, outsourced Finance...
Policy News
SMEs Key To Defence Industrial Strategy
Responding to the announcement of the Defence Industrial Strategy, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “Raising defence investment is not only vital for the UK’s national security in an age of higher geopolitical risk but also to boost growth, jobs, exports and...
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,...
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
Friends of Isaac’s Foodbank – Christmas Appeal
Reaching out to the powers of the Chamber of Commerce and my awesome network here! If you know Santa, or have any connections that know Santa, can you please share this in the hope the man in the red suit can come to my aid again this Christmas! I want to be sure that...
Act Now: Transform Rural Families and Strengthen Your Workforce
Herefordshire charity Vennture is urging local businesses to invest in families and schools to build a stronger, more resilient workforce. Across rural communities, unresolved parental conflict, isolation, and limited access to services quietly undermine children’s...
Unemployment Up As Wages Still Outpace Inflation
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: “There is little comfort in this data for businesses or the government. Employers are being squeezed...
BCC News
Unemployment Up As Wages Still Outpace Inflation
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: “There is little comfort in this data for businesses or the government. Employers are being squeezed...
Worcestershire News
Severn Valley Railway wins UK Enterprise award
The Severn Valley Railway has been named as Leading Railway Enthusiast Site in the 2025 SME UK Enterprise Awards. Awards coordinator Laura O’Carroll said: ‘SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are...
SVR confirms 35006 P&O S N Co and overnight running for its Autumn Steam Gala
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed the first guest for its Autumn Steam Gala will be 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S N Co, which will make its first-ever appearance at the heritage line during the four-day event from 18 to 21 September. And, in a special move...
Herefordshire News
Hereford Military History Festival
The Hereford Military History Festival has announced the next 10 events for its debut festival, which will take place from Friday 26th – Sunday 28th September 2025. Featuring internationally renowned writers and thinkers, including Philippe Sands, Clare...
Branding with Purpose: Wye Valley Brewery Leads the Conversation at The Marketing Meetup – Worcester
Last week, the Worcester marketing community came together for The Marketing Meetup, this was only the second event – this time sponsored by Nifty Communications and hosted at the co-working space Vinegar Works on Foregate Street. This impactful event brought together...
All Latest News
World-class! A landmark moment as Acorns new Chair of Trustees announced
It was a landmark moment at Birmingham’s most iconic store when a high-profile appointment at Acorns Children’s Hospice was officially announced – with a spectacular bang. Samantha Watson, Store Director at Selfridges Birmingham, was revealed as the charity’s new...
Crazi Jalfrezi Partners with The National Trust
Crazi Jalfrezi has joined forces with the National Trust for an exciting 17-day residency that brings together flavour, culture, and art in a truly memorable celebration. Marking the festive spirit of Diwali, this special partnership coincides with the arrival of...
Discover the Woman Behind Frankenstein in Worcester
With a new Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein now captivating audiences around the world, a special event at The Hive will look at the life of the woman behind one of the most famous horror stories ever written. Award-winning biographer Professor Fiona Sampson will...
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
On the surface, things are looking much quieter at the Railway, as we shut down for a few weeks, prior to the very busy festive season services, which start at the end of this month. We very much hope you’ll be able to join us for one of the exciting Christmas...
Recycle Your Christmas Tree with the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust
Worcestershire-based Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust will launch its 6th year of recycling Christmas trees on 15th November. For a voluntary donation, your tree will be taken away by the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust’s team of volunteers to local recycling...
University Experts Explain Why Jane Austen Still Has Us Hooked After 250 Years
As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of her birth, experts from the University of Worcester will explore our fascination with the author Jane Austen in a free event next month. The discussion, titled ‘Why are we obsessed with Jane Austen?’ will take place at The...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here