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.
Unlocking AI Potential: How the BCC AI Academy Is Helping Local Businesses Thrive
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword, but a business imperative, the BCC AI Academy is proving to be a game-changer for regional organisations. This is not just theoretical training; it’s a practical, hands-on programme...
Latest Article
Unlocking AI Potential: How the BCC AI Academy Is Helping Local Businesses Thrive
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword, but a business imperative, the BCC AI Academy is proving to be a game-changer for regional organisations. This is not just theoretical training; it’s a practical, hands-on programme...
Member 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...
Patron & Strategic News
L. G. Harris & Co. Ltd. Recognised with Royal Warrant of Appointment
L. G. Harris & Co. Ltd. has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III as Manufacturers of Paint Brushes and Painters’ Tools, continuing a proud association with the Royal Household that began in 1961 under Her Late Majesty Queen...
Worcester Law Graduate Becomes Partner Just Four Years After Graduation
After fulfilling her long-held dream of a career in law, a solicitor and University of Worcester graduate has been made partner at a law firm – just four years after graduating. Esme House reached this milestone with Worcestershire-based QualitySolicitors Parkinson...
Chamber News
Worcestershire Businesses Come Together for Festive Carols and Community Spirit
Local businesses, community leaders and partners will once again come together to celebrate the festive season at the 2025 Worcestershire Business & Community Carols and Networking Evening on Tuesday 9th December, hosted at All Saints Church, Deansway, Worcester...
Business Direction launches bold new look
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the brand-new, fully revamped Business Direction magazine — alongside the launch of its first dedicated website, marking a new era for the region’s leading business publication. The relaunch comes...
Our Latest Member
Meet OCM – Your local experts in sustainable IT asset management
As a proud new member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, OCM is excited to introduce their team to fellow businesses across the region. Based in Pershore, Jennine, Richard and co have been delivering secure, sustainable and reliable IT...
Meet OCM – Your local experts in sustainable IT asset management
As a proud new member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, OCM is excited to introduce their team to fellow businesses across the region. Based in Pershore, Jennine, Richard and co have been delivering secure, sustainable and reliable IT...
Policy News
Inflation Heaping More Pressure On Firms
Reacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on...
The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 is now Live
The Quarterly Economic Survey is among the largest business surveys in the UK, making it a key resource for the government to conduct case studies and access up-to-date statistics on businesses across the UK. The Survey consists of questions on several topics,...
Skills News
Make Strides – A Digital-First Learning and Development Company
Make Strides is a digital-first learning and development company, helping people and organisations grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence. We specialise in early careers and leadership development, offering bite-size, engaging and accredited digital programmes...
Apprenticeship Plans are ‘Mixed Bag’ for Business
Responding to the Government’s plans for apprenticeship reform in England, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Apprenticeships are high-quality, valued qualifications and businesses welcome the funding boost announced by...
Charity News
Hoople Training share life-saving techniques in Restart a Heart Month
‘Restart a Heart Month’ is a national campaign to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and to encourage people to learn CPR. Hoople Training proudly used their expertise to support the initiative by providing opportunities for the public to learn CPR, free of charge,...
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Celebrated as an Outstanding Workplace for Third Time
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is proud to announce that it has once again been recognised with the Outstanding Workplace Award by leading management consultancy People Insight, following an exceptional 93% employee engagement score in its latest annual Staff Survey....
Mayfield Report Can Help Renew UK’s Workforce
Responding to the publication of the ‘Keep Britain Working Review’ report, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The workplace health crisis is damaging for individuals, employers and the economy. So, this report is...
BCC News
Mayfield Report Can Help Renew UK’s Workforce
Responding to the publication of the ‘Keep Britain Working Review’ report, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The workplace health crisis is damaging for individuals, employers and the economy. So, this report is...
Worcestershire News
First stop: Severn Valley Railway, for the Railway 200 exhibition train
Railway 200’s travelling exhibition train arrived in style at the Severn Valley Railway today [Friday 27 June] for the very first leg of its UK-wide tour. The specially commissioned Inspiration train arrived at Kidderminster Town station, sporting its one-off livery,...
Shape Worcestershire: Help Shape the Future of Local Councils
A major consultation is underway to decide how Worcestershire’s local government could be reshaped. Shape Worcestershire invites all residents to share their views on how council services should be delivered in the future. What’s Changing? Currently, Worcestershire...
Herefordshire News
Winners of the Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2024 have been Announced
Industry experts selected the county’s winning tourism businesses in our very first Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards. We’re delighted to congratulate our winners and are super excited that they will be put forward to the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence...
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...
All Latest News
Sharon Baker of Kinder Accountants Wins Business Leader of the Year at the Herefordshire Means Business Awards 2025
Local business leader Sharon Baker, founder and director of Kinder Accountants, has been named Business Leader of the Year at the Herefordshire Means Business Awards 2025. The award recognises Sharon’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to putting...
September Trade Slump Rounds Off Weak Q3
Commenting on the latest ONS trade data, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: “September was a poor month for UK trade. Goods exports fell to the US, EU and the rest of the world. The impacts of the JLR cyber-attack were clearly felt in a slump in automotive...
Budget Must Kickstart Sluggish Economy
Reacting to the latest GDP data published this morning by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “With a backdrop of weak business and investment confidence, sluggish Q3 growth of just 0.1% is unsurprising. “But the...
University of Worcester Open Day to Welcome Career Changers
People are invited to explore how higher education could reshape their future at the University of Worcester’s Open Day. The event, on Saturday November 29 welcomes anyone curious about university life. From young people preparing to leave school to adults considering...
The Westmead Hotel Joins the Chamber of Commerce — A Proudly Independent, Family-Owned Business Strengthening Local Connections
The Westmead Hotel is delighted to announce its membership with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. As a proudly independent, family-owned business with over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, joining the Chamber marks an exciting...
Fix Digital Foundations to Unlock Growth
Ahead of the Budget, the President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the Government to prioritise fixing the UK’s digital foundations, to support growth, and capitalise on AI opportunities. In the foreword to a new...
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