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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.
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Hands On At Work partners with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity to support NHS staff wellbeing
Massage therapy initiative launches across three hospital sites during National Stress Awareness Month Hands On At Work has announced a new 12-month partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, designed to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of NHS...
Latest Article
Hands On At Work partners with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity to support NHS staff wellbeing
Massage therapy initiative launches across three hospital sites during National Stress Awareness Month Hands On At Work has announced a new 12-month partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, designed to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of NHS...
Member News
Ballards LLP announces leadership transition for its Next-Gen Board
Pictured L-R: Megan Healey Audit & Accounts Manager, Ballards LLP and Gina Gardner Associate Director, Ballards LLP. Worcester-based professional services firm Ballards LLP is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its pioneering Next-Gen Board...
Worcester law firm raises over £2,500 for local hospice
Worcester law firm mfg Solicitors has raised a total of £2,579 for local charity St Richard’s Hospice. Staff at The Tything-based firm raised £1,579 over the past year through a number of activities and events, including a karaoke evening and a 10km run. A further...
Patron & Strategic News
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...
Students’ Film Shortlisted for Festival Award
A film made by students at the University of Worcester has been shortlisted for an award at the Stratford Film Festival. Ben Monk and Joshua Prior’s film Celestial Intersect, created as part of their studies, is a finalist in the Best Feature category. Winners will be...
Chamber News
‘LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION’ Wild Edric Media & Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber Of Commerce has appointed a local production company as their Video Partner for the upcoming Chamber Expo, in a drive to create engaging video content to promote the Chamber and it’s services, as well as providing a spotlight...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Local Excellence at 2025 Business Awards
On 12 June 2025, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its prestigious Annual Business Awards at the University Arena in Worcester. The event, generously sponsored by Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council, brought...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members
Warm welcome to our newest Members! C5 Leadership Ltd – Leadership Development Consultancy, Executive (1-2-1) and Team Coach Country & Classic Properties Ltd – Estate Agents Specialising in Period & Character Properties Coventry, Warwickshire and...

Welcome new Members
Warm welcome to our newest Members! C5 Leadership Ltd – Leadership Development Consultancy, Executive (1-2-1) and Team Coach Country & Classic Properties Ltd – Estate Agents Specialising in Period & Character Properties Coventry, Warwickshire and...
Policy News
Business Still Sceptical On Employment Rights Bill
One third (33%) of businesses, in a BCC survey, think the current trade union proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would have a negative impact Only 2% of these firms think these proposals would be positive 79% of firms don’t feel the impact of new government...
Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact
Recruitment remains static with 55% of firms attempting to hire staff in the last three months (compared with 54% in Q1) Hiring remains challenging despite some respite, with 73% of firms reporting difficulties in Q2 (76% in Q1) Transport and logistics (80%) and...
Skills News
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...
NMITE hosts events to boost local employment skills
NMITE hosts two events in June on employment skills for the modern workforce and pathways into business NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering) is hosting two events in June, both highlighting employment and training pathways into business and...
Charity News
Support Local, Give Local – Herefordshire Businesses Come Together to Support New Charitable Fund
Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) has launched ‘Business for Good’ – an innovative new charitable fund which is bringing businesses together to drive real change across the county of Herefordshire. Bridie Sullivan, Chief Executive, explains,...
ISO Quality Services Ltd Raises £6,800 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity at Annual Golf Day
In celebration of their 25th anniversary, ISO Quality Services is proud to announce the success of their annual Charity Golf Day, which raised an impressive £6,800 in support of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity – a life saving emergency service they’ve proudly supported...

Small Business Plan ‘Important Step Forward’
Responding to the launch of the Government’s Small Business Plan, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “This is a much-needed step forward in recognition and support for SMEs, which are the backbone of the UK economy. Late payments, access to finance and...
BCC News
Small Business Plan ‘Important Step Forward’
Responding to the launch of the Government’s Small Business Plan, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “This is a much-needed step forward in recognition and support for SMEs, which are the backbone of the UK economy. Late payments, access to finance and...
Worcestershire News
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...
Businesses called to the crease as Worcester Street Sixes returns this July
Worcestershire businesses are being urged to bat up for a day of sporting fun and community connection as Worcester Street Sixes returns to the heart of the city on Tuesday 15 July 2025, when the event will unfold across Cathedral Square and Worcester High Street....
Herefordshire News
Turning Risks into Opportunities: How Insurance Can Support Business Growth in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Running a business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire presents fantastic opportunities, but it also involves risks. Whether you’re a manufacturer in Malvern, a farm shop owner in Herefordshire, or a tech start-up in Worcester… growth often means taking on...
Paul Harris Tackles 100km Sahara Trek for Hope For Tomorrow
Paul Harris, founder and principal consultant at Coacto, recently traded the comforts of the office for the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert. His mission? To trek 100 kilometers and raise vital funds for Hope For Tomorrow, a charity that brings mobile cancer care...
All Latest News
Community Housing recognised as a 5 Star Employer
Wyre Forest based Community Housing has been recognised as a 5 Star Employer after receiving positive feedback from their employees through independent employee engagement experts WorkBuzz. In June 2025, WorkBuzz invited all employees at Community Housing to provide...
NCB No 49 to join No 11 in a rare Backworth pairing at the Severn Valley Railway
The rare and atmospheric pairing of two National Coal Board locomotives will take place at the Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala, between 18 to 21 September. The railway has confirmed that NCB No 49 will appear at the event, giving the opportunity to run an...
Leading Poverty Expert Praises Work to Tackle Social Mobility and Inclusion
One of the UK’s leading experts on poverty has praised efforts by the University of Worcester to tackle social mobility and inclusion. Joanna Mack is the pioneering author behind the groundbreaking ‘Breadline Britain’ series and has spent more than four decades...
Online plant business grows on the back of ART Business Loans funding
A fast growing plant business has created new jobs after securing funding from ART Business Loans to support its expansion plans. Acqua Garden, based near Warmington in Warwickshire, has recruited two new employees with plans to further increase the headcount after...
Thorlux drives sustainability forward with greener delivery fleet
Redditch-based Thorlux Lighting is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental impact by investing in a new fleet of electric and biofuel-powered delivery vehicles. The upgraded fleet includes three trucks and three vans powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil...
You’ll Miss the Mess: What No One Tells You About Uni Goodbyes
If you’re preparing to watch your loved one head off to university this autumn, congratulations! It’s a time for celebration, but it’s absolutely normal to feel anxious about this big adjustment for you and your young person. Marianne Tay is a Principal Lecturer at...
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