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.
EU Steel Quotas – The Final Jigsaw Piece
Reacting to today’s EU announcement on new steel quotas for UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Today’s announcement on EU quotas is the final piece of the jigsaw to reveal the new landscape for the UK’s steel producers and users going...
Latest Article
EU Steel Quotas – The Final Jigsaw Piece
Reacting to today’s EU announcement on new steel quotas for UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Today’s announcement on EU quotas is the final piece of the jigsaw to reveal the new landscape for the UK’s steel producers and users going...
Member News
Metres Direct moving to bigger base in Redditch, aided by John Truslove
Skirting board specialists Metres Direct are doubling the size of their operation after commercial property agency John Truslove helped them secure new premises on Redditch’s Lakeside Industrial Estate. Metres Direct owner Joe Phillips worked with Ben Truslove at...
Lecturer Putting in the Miles as She Gets Behind International Dementia Walk
A University of Worcester expert on living well with dementia is putting in the miles alongside fellow experts and campaigners to promote a better understanding of the condition and drive change. Dr Shirley Evans, Director of the University’s Association for Dementia...
Patron & Strategic News
Still Time to Nominate Outstanding Graduates as Entries Continue to Impress
There’s still time to nominate exceptional graduates for the University of Worcester’s first-ever Alumni Awards, as entries continue to highlight the remarkable impact of its alumni. The awards, spanning 10 categories, will celebrate graduates who are making a...
Promotions across Private Client and Family teams at SME Solicitors
At the beginning of April, SME Solicitors announced several leadership and role changes across the firm. Amanda Piper has become Head of Court of Protection, Probate & Trusts within the Private Client team. Amanda joined the firm in June 2021 and brings more than...
Chamber News
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 2) is Now Live – Share Your Insights
The second Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of the year is now open, and the Chamber is encouraging businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to take part. Running from 11 May to 1 June, QES 2 gives businesses the opportunity to share their experiences and...
Women’s Business Conference 2026 Returns with Inspiring Speaker Line-Up and Powerful Stories of Leadership and Resilience
The Women’s Business Conference returns in 2026 as one of the Chamber’s flagship events, bringing together professionals from across the region to celebrate, connect, and empower women in business. Proudly sponsored by mfg Legal Services Limited, the conference...
Our Latest Member
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...
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...
Policy News
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 2) is Now Live – Share Your Insights
The second Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of the year is now open, and the Chamber is encouraging businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to take part. Running from 11 May to 1 June, QES 2 gives businesses the opportunity to share their experiences and...
Conflict Cuts Middle East Trade By One Fifth
New data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revealed a 20% drop in export activity to the Middle East as conflict escalated in March. The findings are based on the number of certificates of origin issued by Chambers of Commerce. These are a...
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
SME Solicitors chooses Sensory Matters Worcestershire as its charity for 2026
SME Solicitors has chosen Sensory Matters Worcestershire (formerly Sight Concern) as its chosen charity for 2026. Launched in October 2023, Sensory Matters Worcestershire provides information, advice and specialist support to people across Worcestershire living with...
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...
Brexit Burden Must Be Cut
As Brexit approaches its 10th anniversary, the British Chambers of Commerce says the government must set out a clear plan to ease the burdens it has placed on business. BCC research shows over half of UK exporters (54%) think the current trade deal with the EU is...
BCC News
Brexit Burden Must Be Cut
As Brexit approaches its 10th anniversary, the British Chambers of Commerce says the government must set out a clear plan to ease the burdens it has placed on business. BCC research shows over half of UK exporters (54%) think the current trade deal with the EU is...
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
Photography students set to capture Hereford’s new transport hub in pictures
Construction of Hereford’s new £10 million transport hub is being captured in pictures thanks to a group of Hereford photography students. Contractor McPhillips has partnered with Hereford College of Arts to give a group of BA Photography students regular access to...
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...
All Latest News
Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q2 2026 Report Released
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q2 2026, supported by Worcestershire County Council. Based on responses from 226 organisations, the survey provides a snapshot...
Could You Be the Next Chair of the Herefordshire Area Council?
We’re looking for an ambitious and passionate business leader to become the next Chair of the Herefordshire Area Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to represent the voice of business across the county, working alongside senior leaders from a wide range of...
Joint Area Council Meeting
LOGISTICS SECTOR UPDATE: Fuel from a national average low of £1.03 in January bulk fuel peaked at £1.54 in April and has slowly dropped and is now at £1.29 and there is less volatility and supply is more assured. ABE uses about 1m litres a year so every penny...
Promotions across Private Client and Family teams at SME Solicitors
At the beginning of April, SME Solicitors announced several leadership and role changes across the firm. Amanda Piper has become Head of Court of Protection, Probate & Trusts within the Private Client team. Amanda joined the firm in June 2021 and brings more than...
Growing Private Client and Residential Property teams at SME Solicitors
The SME Solicitors team has grown a lot in the last few months. We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Cerri, Sandie Hutchings, Kim Bradley and Jordan Oakes to the team. Lauren Cerri, Solicitor in our Private Client team, joined us in February this year having previously...
Ann Muddiman retires after 33 years at SME Solicitors
Ann Muddiman marked her last day at SME Solicitors on 29 May. Ann began her career in 1979 and has worked at several firms across the West Midlands. She later joined John Stallard & Co. in March 1993 and, after the merger with March & Edwards in 2011, joined...
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