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.
Upton Business Centre celebrates 30th Anniversary
The team at Upton Business Centre are marking an important milestone this year as they celebrate 30 years of providing modern business accommodation in Upton on Severn. The Centre, along with its sister site Link Business Centre based at Malvern Link, is owned and...
Latest Article
Upton Business Centre celebrates 30th Anniversary
The team at Upton Business Centre are marking an important milestone this year as they celebrate 30 years of providing modern business accommodation in Upton on Severn. The Centre, along with its sister site Link Business Centre based at Malvern Link, is owned and...
Member News
Will He Make it a Quadruple? Stourport’s ‘Digital Alchemist’ Secures Double National Nomination
STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN – Marc Jukes (known as ‘Storme’), founder of Your Digital Alchemist Ltd, has been officially named a double finalist at The UK Small Business Awards—and all eyes are now on whether he can secure a massive quadruple nomination. Just six months after...
Marches HR continues growth with second team appointment
The Herefordshire-based, independent HR consultancy supporting small businesses and charities has welcomed Annette to the team as HR Advisor. Annette’s appointment builds on the business’ recent growth and reflects increasing demand for practical, personal HR support...
Patron & Strategic News
mfg Solicitors strengthens Private Client team with new appointment
Law firm mfg Solicitors has appointed a senior associate to its Private Client team in Worcester. The Tything-based firm has announced specialist solicitor Claire Pope has joined the team, supporting clients on a wide range of matters, including the drafting of wills,...
Law firm offers expert advice to deal with illegal squatters
The county’s landowners and landlords are being given expert legal advice to deal with trespassers and squatters. Kevin Morgan, a partner and civil litigation expert from Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors, said there has been a surge in illegal occupation across...
Chamber News
Celebrating Apprenticeships: How TDM and Jess Gladston Champion Lifelong Learning
As we mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of apprenticeships — both for individuals and for businesses. Our patron member, The Development Manager (TDM), has been at the forefront of this movement,...
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) 1 is Now Open – Have Your Say
The first 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 9 January to 2 March, QES 1 provides businesses with the opportunity to share their...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | November
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout November Lucy Labels – A sticker and labelling business offering custom labels. Barclays Greater Birmingham and The Three Counties Corporate – Barclays’ regional corporate banking services for businesses....
Welcome New Members | November
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout November Lucy Labels – A sticker and labelling business offering custom labels. Barclays Greater Birmingham and The Three Counties Corporate – Barclays’ regional corporate banking services for businesses....
Policy News
Inflation Eases But Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
New Tariff Rate A Further Blow To Business
Reacting to the decision by the US President to raise his new tariffs under section 122 of the Trade Act 1974 to 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The 40,000 UK companies exporting goods to the US will be dismayed at this latest turn...
Skills News
Trio complete training contracts at Worcestershire law firm
Three up and coming lawyers are celebrating after completing their training contracts with Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors. Solicitors Sufyaan Aslim, Lucy Palmer and Molly Wall have now been appointed into full-time positions at the law firm having completed...
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...
Charity News
Doors Open at Brand-New Ludlow Charity Warehouse
Shoppers were welcomed through the doors at St Michael’s Hospice’s new charity shop, Ludlow Home & Living. The ribbon was cut by shop manager, Giles Kember, and Ludlow’s Mayor, Councillor Di Lyle, before customers were invited inside to explore the transformed...
KEMP Hospice rated ‘Good’ in all areas following CQC inspection
KEMP Hospice is proud to announce it has received a ‘Good’ rating in all areas following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The report, published on 16 February 2026, highlighted overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients following a...
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
BCC News
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
Worcestershire News
A Vintage Transport Extravaganza at the SVR in August
A full weekend of heritage trains and classic vehicles awaits as the Severn Valley Railway’s much-loved Vintage Transport Extravaganza rolls in on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August. Just weeks after the railway proudly reopens its full 16.5-mile route from Kidderminster...
Weekend rolls into the Severn Valley Railway for a must-see LEGO event
LEGO fans are in for a treat as Brick Weekend arrives at the Severn Valley Railway’s Engine House Visitor Centre for two fun-filled days on Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 August. Hosted in partnership with the LEGO UK Railway (LUKR) club, this special event will showcase...
Herefordshire News
Baton of Hope Tour to Visit Hereford on 2nd October – Shining a Light on Suicide Prevention
The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope Tour, will arrive in Hereford on Wednesday 2nd October, bringing with it a powerful message of hope, support and community action. The Baton of Hope, a specially designed baton symbolising the...
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
All Latest News
Marathon Efforts Step Up as University Fundraising Total Exceeds £80K
The University of Worcester’s fundraising drive has surged beyond the £80,000 mark, as two colleagues enter the final stages of training for next month’s London Marathon in support of students facing financial hardship. Chris Garratt, Deputy Chief Information Officer...
March – Herefordshire Area Council Meeting Notes
Construction Sector: Recent data from the S&P Global UK Construction PMI highlights a difficult start to 2026 for the industry, with the index falling to 44.5 in February, well below the 50 mark that signals contraction, driven by weak demand, fewer new projects,...
University of Worcester Netball Crowned National Trophy Champions
The University of Worcester’s Netball team is celebrating a landmark achievement, after winning their National Trophy Final and securing their place as champions. Their victory marks an extraordinary moment for the squad, who reached the final for the first time in a...
True Crime Talks at The Hive to Uncover Worcestershire’s Most Intriguing Historic Cases
A new series of true crime talks at The Hive will shine a light on some of Worcestershire’s most fascinating, and often overlooked, historic cases, using real evidence preserved in the county’s archive collections. The first talk, now sold out, focusses on the famous...
Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park launched to support business growth and investment in Herefordshire
A major new employment site designed to support business growth and attract investment to the county has been officially launched. Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park was launched at a meeting of the Herefordshire High Growth Business Forum on 25 March, bringing together...
Severn Valley Railway honoured for resilience at Worcestershire tourism awards
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has been recognised with a special honour for outstanding resilience at the Visit Worcestershire 2025/26 Awards for Tourism. Judges created the award to shine a light on a business that has demonstrated exceptional strength,...
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