Business Direction Online
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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.
Digital Transformation Will Make or Break Business in 2025
By Sean Devlin, IT and Digital Transformation Partner, Ballards LLP In an era where digital capability isn’t just about competitive advantage but about survival, how ready is your organisation for the challenges of 2025? As we navigate through this pivotal year,...
Latest Article
Digital Transformation Will Make or Break Business in 2025
By Sean Devlin, IT and Digital Transformation Partner, Ballards LLP In an era where digital capability isn’t just about competitive advantage but about survival, how ready is your organisation for the challenges of 2025? As we navigate through this pivotal year,...
Member News
University of Worcester in Top 10 UK Universities for Sustainability
The University of Worcester has been ranked among the top 10 most sustainable universities in the country. It was also awarded First Class Honours in the latest People & Planet national rankings for the 15th straight year. The University was ranked sixth out of...
GTAccess Shortlisted for Access Rental Company of the Year!
We’re thrilled to announce that GTAccess has been shortlisted for Access Rental Company of the Year at the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs). This recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our entire team. The IAPAs are among...
Patron & Strategic News
Education Minister Welcomes NMITE Kazakh Visit to the House of Commons
The UK Higher Education minister Baroness Jacqui Smith was on hand to welcome a visit by NMITE and a delegation of mining professionals from Kazakhstan this week in Parliament. The Kazakh delegation has been based at NMITE in Hereford for the last three months, after...
Leading Property Consultancy Predicts Increase in Commercial Property Auctions in 2025
A leading property consultancy is anticipating an increase in online auctions for commercial properties in 2025 after consistently seeing units in areas where stock is low achieve considerably above their guide price. Lauren Allcoat, Senior Associate at Fisher German,...
Chamber News
Prestigious Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards Celebrates Milestone Anniversary
Worcestershire Apprenticeships held its 10th annual awards evening on 28 November, honouring the very best in apprenticeships across the county. This year’s awards marked the 10th anniversary of Worcestershire Apprenticeships, with over a decade of supporting the...
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...
Our Latest Member
Penguin Office Supplies Ltd Expands with a Record-Breaking Sales Year
Following a remarkable year of record-breaking sales, family business Penguin Office Supplies are expanding as part of their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to the Penguin customer family. The expansion has been fuelled by the redevelopment of...
Penguin Office Supplies Ltd Expands with a Record-Breaking Sales Year
Following a remarkable year of record-breaking sales, family business Penguin Office Supplies are expanding as part of their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service to the Penguin customer family. The expansion has been fuelled by the redevelopment of...
Policy News
National Insurance Contributions Holiday for Veterans
Now that the dust has settled on the recent autumn budget announcement, and the implications of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions to 15% begins to dawn, especially for small businesses, how many of you are aware that there exists a National...
Get ahead of changes – Autumn Budget Guide 2024
Navigating the Autumn Budget: A Guide for Businesses The recent Autumn Budget has brought significant changes to the UK tax landscape. As a business owner, it’s crucial to understand how these changes may impact your operations and financial planning. Our...
Skills News
The Power of People-First Leadership.
Great businesses are both smart and healthy. You can invest in all of the technology, marketing, operational efficiencies you like, but the real measure of success is how willing your people are to engage in it. In fact, there is no shortage of smart leaders who know...
National success for the Serco Restart Scheme and One Stop
The Serco Restart Scheme has been working with One Stop, a retail convenience business with over 900 shops, since July 2022. Serco Restart Scheme Employer Engagement Coordinator, Hannah Monaghan, met Campbell Hutchison, People Partner for One Stop, via a mutual...
Charity News
Dancing for a Cause: SJL Ball Raises Vital Funds for Acorns
The annual SJL Foundation Charity Ball, held at the Bank House Hotel in Bransford, Worcester, was a resounding success, raising an incredible £32,107 on the night. The event brought together over 170 guests from SJL Insurance’s extensive network of staff, clients,...
Leading property consultancy ‘grows its dough’ in support of Worcester hospice
A leading property consultancy has turned £40 into more than £1,500 as part of a charity challenge to support a Worcester hospice. Fisher German’s Worcester and Hereford offices have taken part in the St. Richard’s Hospice ‘Grow Your Dough’ challenge and have raised a...
Customs Procedures Still Holding Back UK Exports
• Major survey of UK businesses finds customs procedures remain the top barrier to exporting (cited by 45% of companies) • 40% of firms say geo-political events have impacted their business over the last year • 37% of exporters anticipate an increase export business...
BCC News
Customs Procedures Still Holding Back UK Exports
• Major survey of UK businesses finds customs procedures remain the top barrier to exporting (cited by 45% of companies) • 40% of firms say geo-political events have impacted their business over the last year • 37% of exporters anticipate an increase export business...
Worcestershire News
Severn Valley Railway Unveils Plans for ‘bold’ Restructure
The Severn Valley Railway is seeking approval from its shareholders and members for a radical organisational restructure. It describes this as a ‘bold and essential move’, which will bring multiple benefits. The plan is to bring together the three separate companies...
Severn Valley Railway ‘whistle off’ will Mark the Start of Railway 200
On New Year’s Day, the Severn Valley Railway will join other UK heritage lines in a nationwide ‘whistle off’ to mark the start of Railway 200. Across the country, heritage locomotives will sound their whistles at 12 noon on 1 January 2025. This evocative rekindling of...
Herefordshire News
New Chief Executive aims to Create a Greener Future for Communities in Warwickshire and Worcestershire
The new Chief Executive of a leading woodland creation and conservation charity which is planting one of the largest forests in England is set to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change in communities across Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The Heart...
Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Biggest Business Exhibition Draws a Record Crowd
On Thursday 10th October 2024, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Hewett Recruitment, hosted their annual Business Expo at the University of Worcester Arena. This was the Chamber’s first Business Expo at the...
All Latest News
Brockencote Hall Lands Green Tourism Accolade Amid Net Zero Ambitions
A boutique Kidderminster hotel has landed a world-leading certification for its green credentials after a bumper year of sustainability successes – as it strives to become net zero by 2040. The four red star Brockencote Hall Hotel has been recognised by Green Tourism...
Enhancing Your Employee Brand in Difficult Economic Times
In today’s challenging economic landscape, businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are navigating complex workforce decisions while striving to maintain their reputation as responsible employers. Supporting employees through career transitions has...
Hereford River Carnival – how to get involved
• Hereford River Carnival is holding an open meeting to encourage people to get involved in the 2025 event. The drop-in open meeting will be held upstairs at De Koffie Pot between 1pm-5pm on Saturday 8th February. This will be a chance to meet the team, find out more...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Release the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q4 2024
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has released the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q4 2024, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The Quarterly Economic Survey is a comprehensive analysis of economic data collected from a diverse range...
Leading Property Consultancy Predicts Increase in Commercial Property Auctions in 2025
A leading property consultancy is anticipating an increase in online auctions for commercial properties in 2025 after consistently seeing units in areas where stock is low achieve considerably above their guide price. Lauren Allcoat, Senior Associate at Fisher German,...
Real World Consultancy Announces Launch of Sister Company, The Strategic Circle
Emma May Fishlock, MD and Founder of multi award-winning business, Real World Consultancy (RWC), is proud to announce the launch of The Strategic Circle, a groundbreaking initiative creating circles of Ambitious Leaders looking for strategy, community and success....
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