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.
Heritage trains to carry commuters as Bewdley rail link trial gets under way
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has joined forces with West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and West Midlands Railway to launch a unique eight-week trial that will test the feasibility of extending regular passenger rail services from Birmingham to Bewdley. Beginning...
Latest Article
Heritage trains to carry commuters as Bewdley rail link trial gets under way
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has joined forces with West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and West Midlands Railway to launch a unique eight-week trial that will test the feasibility of extending regular passenger rail services from Birmingham to Bewdley. Beginning...
Member News
Rare guest pannier tank 9681 confirmed for SVR Autumn Steam Gala
The Severn Valley Railway is delighted to announce the second guest locomotive confirmed for its Autumn Steam Gala, taking place from 17 to 20 September 2026, with BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681 set to make a rare visit away from its long-time home on the Dean Forest...
NMITE CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SNODHILL CASTLE
Construction students from Hereford’s New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) worked alongside the Snodhill Castle Preservation Trust (SCPT) this month as part of an innovative project aimed at enhancing one of Herefordshire’s most...
Patron & Strategic News
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...
NMITE’S EXPANDING ROLE IN LOCAL SKILLS TRAINING: AUTONOMOUS ROBOTICS COURSE NOW ON OFFER TO LOCAL HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES
With its MEng (Hons) Autonomous Robotics degree already attracting applications from students, NMITE has launched an Introduction to Robotic Operating Systems (ROS2) course designed for locally based companies whohave an involvement or interest in autonomous systems,...
Chamber News
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Release the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q3 2024
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has released the Quarterly Economic Survey Report for Q3 2024, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The Quarterly Economic Survey is a comprehensive analysis of economic data collected from a diverse range...
What would you ask your Local MP?
As a result of the General Election in July, many of the local constituencies have elected a new member of parliament and many residents have not yet had the chance to speak with their MP. Therefore, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce want to give...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members!
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: 2wish – 2wish provides immediate and ongoing bereavement support for families, individuals and professionals affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult. Agri Incineration Systems Limited...
Welcome new Members!
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: 2wish – 2wish provides immediate and ongoing bereavement support for families, individuals and professionals affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult. Agri Incineration Systems Limited...
Policy News
Toxic Mix As Businesses Prepare for Tax Rise
QES_infosheet_Q1_2025 59% of businesses say tax, including national insurance, is now a concern, the second highest level on record following a peak in the previous quarter Business confidence remains subdued, with less than half of firms (48%) expecting turnover to...
US Tariffs To Hit UK Economy
Reacting to news of a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US and higher tariffs for other countries, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint, and...
Skills News
College group calls for industry leaders to support skills agenda delivery
A leading college group is calling on industry leaders in key sectors to help it deliver on local, regional and national skills agendas. WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) is looking for individuals to join the advisory boards of each of its six colleges – and...
Herefordshire employment project holds celebration event to mark the National Lottery’s 25th birthday
An employment programme led by Charity Landau, that helps Herefordshire people into work is holding a celebration event on Wednesday 22nd September to showcase the various opportunities available and the achievements of participants who have been supported by the...
Charity News
Bromsgrove law firm raises over £1,600 for local charity
Bromsgrove law firm mfg Solicitors has donated a total of £1,605.50 for local support charity the Rose & Daisy Foundation. Staff at the High Street firm raised £605.50 over the past year through a number of activities and events, including completing 10,318...
Purple Pathways : Brighter Futures for Children – West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC)
Purple Pathways: Brighter Futures for Children WMRSASC has been accepted into the UK’s biggest matched giving campaign – the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025. We’re raising vital funds for our Purple Pathways project, which provides specialist support to children and...
Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced
Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “While a new 10 per cent US tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some...
BCC News
Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced
Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “While a new 10 per cent US tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some...
Worcestershire News
Spring Diesel Festival is a ‘smash hit’ with more than 5,000 Visitors at the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway is celebrating the success of its most recent rail enthusiast event, as it looks back on the four days of its Spring Diesel Festival. With visitor numbers significantly exceeding expectations, and a stunning line-up of diesel traction, the...
Musical Message at the Heart of Mural Created by University Students for the Worcester Community.
Students have created a 55-metre-long mural on a busy Worcester thoroughfare, completely transforming what was a graffiti scrawled wall in the city. The team spent days bringing the mural to life on the walkway between Hardwicke Close and Hylton Road next to the...
Herefordshire News
Marches Careers Hub Celebrates Year of Success
The Marches Careers Hub has enjoyed a year of success – with sustained improvements across the last 12 months, new figures show. The hub – which is delivered by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership for the Careers and Enterprise Company in partnership with...
Herefordshire to ‘charge ahead’ Thanks to Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding
Thirteen Midlands Councils have led a successful bid for £39.3mil to get more chargers onto our streets – including Herefordshire, which will receive £1.124m. The Midlands has come together to create two partnerships across the region to successfully submit a bid for...
All Latest News
Summer Heat, Global Reach: HSG Expands Advanced Cooling PPE Across Europe & the Middle East
Heat Stress Global (HSG) is continuing its international expansion this summer as demand grows for advanced workforce cooling adaptation solutions designed to protect workers operating in extreme heat. Specialising in cooling-enabled PPE and workwear systems, HSG...
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...
CXCS Wins Business of the Year at National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026
CXCS Wins Business of the Year at National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026 Herefordshire-based business support specialists CXCS are celebrating after being named Business of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026. The award was presented during...
From Day One to Distinction: Ben’s Apprenticeship Journey
Just over a year ago, Ben joined the team here at B Smith Packaging as an apprentice — and he’s come a long way in a short space of time. We’re delighted to say he’s now completed his Customer Service apprenticeship with a distinction, which is the highest grade...
Family Lawyer Warns Divorce Could Cost You More Than Your Marriage in New Podcast Episode
Jill Roberts, Partner at Knights, features in the latest episode of Dandelion Video Production’s What Do You Do? podcast – setting the record straight about what most people think they know about family law. Roberts, who specialises in family law, argues...
Worcester Conference to Examine Rise of AI in Crime and Policing
Worcester’s annual Evidence-Based Policing Conference will examine both the challenges posed by criminals using emerging technologies such as AI, and the opportunities these tools offer to law enforcement. Into the Digital Age: The Increasing Use of Technology in...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here