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.
Get Festival-Ready For OrchardFest
Our accessible music festival OrchardFest 2026 is just around the corner, and the official merchandise shop is now live! From comfy hoodies to classic T-shirts and stylish bucket hats, it’s a brilliant way to get into the festival spirit. Merchandise Deadline: Order...
Latest Article
Get Festival-Ready For OrchardFest
Our accessible music festival OrchardFest 2026 is just around the corner, and the official merchandise shop is now live! From comfy hoodies to classic T-shirts and stylish bucket hats, it’s a brilliant way to get into the festival spirit. Merchandise Deadline: Order...
Member News
Limelite HR: Lisa to Join as Guest Speaker and Workshop Facilitator
A bit of news to share. On Wednesday 8th July, Lisa is speaking at the Keep Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working Conference at The Abbey Hotel in Malvern, and she’s also hosting a workshop on returning to work. We’re really looking forward to it....
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Farmers Needed for New Arthritis Study
Researchers at the University of Worcester are appealing for people from farming backgrounds with experience of arthritis to take part in groundbreaking research into the condition. The University is currently carrying out one of the first studies to directly ask...
Patron & Strategic News
SUTCLIFFE & CO CROWNED SME OF THE YEAR AT SOUTH WEST BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AWARDS
Worcester based Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers, are celebrating being crowned ‘SME of the Year 2026’ at the coveted South West Business & Community Awards. Having been shortlisted in three categories, Employer of the Year, SME of the Year and Outstanding...
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...
Chamber News
New Construction & Trade Forum Series Launched to Support Industry Collaboration
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of its new Construction & Trade Forum series, designed to bring together professionals from across the sector to share knowledge, discuss key challenges, and explore...
Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q1 2026 Report Released
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q1 2026, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The QES is the UK’s largest independent business survey and provides a key...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | March 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout March: Mobile Care & Domestic Services Ltd — Provides in-home care and domestic support services to help individuals maintain independence and wellbeing in their own homes. Marlow’s Cleaning...
Welcome New Members | March 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout March: Mobile Care & Domestic Services Ltd — Provides in-home care and domestic support services to help individuals maintain independence and wellbeing in their own homes. Marlow’s Cleaning...
Policy News
Reading the Seismograph: What the BCC’s QES Dashboard can tell us about the looming economic shock
The latest results from the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2026 present a familiar picture1. Business confidence remains subdued. Investment intentions are weak. Cost pressures, though no longer accelerating, remain elevated. Firms...
Iran Conflict Deepens Inflation Concerns
Responding to the latest inflation data, published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s 3.3% inflation figure for March is an early signal that the Iran conflict is...
Skills News
Level 4 HNC and/or Level 5 HND in Leadership & Management
Designed to develop your knowledge of team leadership and management from a management perspective, this HTQ aims to enhance your skills to progress into employment across a wide range of industries. The purpose of the qualification is to develop students as...
Could you host a T Level industry placement?
We’re offering funding to support employers with the essential costs of hosting T Level industry placements starting now through to 31st March 2026. Whether you’re a large organisation or a small business, we can help: Construction Route – Support available for...
Charity News
Going the extra mile as law firm backs marathon runner’s charity effort
Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors has backed a local businesswoman by donating a four-figure sum to support her recent London Marathon effort. Through its mfg Charitable Foundation, the law firm has donated £1,000 to the Make a Wish Foundation via Sarah Cutler, a...
Help Drive Change: Support Young Drivers in Our Community
In July 2026, the Ely Memorial Fund is once again hosting its impactful Young Driver Experience at Hereford & Ludlow College – an initiative designed to equip local young people aged 14–17 with the essential skills and awareness they need to stay safe on the...
Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis
New research shows 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict, including energy price increases, shipping disruption and rises in raw material costs The manufacturing sector is seeing the biggest impact, with 68% of firms...
BCC News
Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis
New research shows 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict, including energy price increases, shipping disruption and rises in raw material costs The manufacturing sector is seeing the biggest impact, with 68% of firms...
Worcestershire News
Atwell International has been nominated for Elevator World’s Product of the Year
We’re so proud that Atwell International has been nominated for Elevator World’s Product of the Year, and public voting is still open! Cast your vote now: https://elevatorworld.com/contests/product-of-the-year/ If you haven’t had a chance to vote yet, we’d really...
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...
Herefordshire News
Free 30-minute parking to be extended to on-street parking in Hereford city centre
Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet has today (Thursday 5 Feb) agreed to extend its planned 30-minute free parking scheme to include on-street parking in Hereford city centre, responding to feedback from local businesses and residents. The decision builds on the Council’s...
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...
All Latest News
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester to visit Wyevale Nurseries
HER ROYAL Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester will visit Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford on July 13, where she will tour the nursery and meet members of the team (May 2026). Based at Kings Acre, Wyevale Nurseries is one of the UK’s leading wholesale horticultural...
McPhillips delivers positive impact at community farm
Three weeks of voluntary work by an award-winning construction firm has transformed a farm project in Hereford that works with and for the community. McPhillips, currently on site in the city delivering the new £10 million Hereford Transport Hub, is committed to...
US Tariffs Set To Continue
Reacting to the announcement of new US tariffs under section 301 of the Trade Act 1974, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is no surprise that the US is taking action, before its temporary section 122 measures...
Historic day for the SVR as the Severn Valley Railway Society is formally launched
The Severn Valley Railway has today [1 June 2026] reached a landmark moment in its history, with the successful conversion of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc into a Charitable Community Benefit Society (CCBS). The organisation is now known as the Severn Valley...
Raise the Roof campaign launched to complete the SVR’s Kidderminster Town station
The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust has launched a major new fundraising appeal to raise £1 million for the construction of a heritage platform canopy at Kidderminster Town station. The Raise the Roof campaign will help complete the original vision for the...
Crash Simulation Puts Worcester Students at the Heart of Emergency Response
Students from across the University of Worcester took part in a large-scale emergency simulation in the city, working alongside frontline blue light services to respond to a staged multi-vehicle collision. Policing, Medical and Paramedic Science students were involved...
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