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.
Rate Cut Will Help Firms in Choppy Waters
Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome the decision to cut the base rate to 4%, marking a further move away from a prolonged period of...
Latest Article
Rate Cut Will Help Firms in Choppy Waters
Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome the decision to cut the base rate to 4%, marking a further move away from a prolonged period of...
Member News
OCM promotes Steve Turberfield to Head of Corporate Accounts
OCM is proud to announce the promotion of Steve Turberfield to the role of Head of Corporate Accounts. Steve began his career at OCM in November 2001 as an IT Technician, before stepping into the role of Corporate Account Manager just a year later — a position he held...
Worcester Ready for Clearing
As A-Level Results Day approaches, the University of Worcester is expecting to be inundated with calls as people look for places on courses through Clearing. Clearing at universities is the process where students are matched with available places on courses. Last year...
Patron & Strategic News
University a Finalist in National Sustainability Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for a national sustainability award, recognising its efforts to encourage biodiversity and support nature on campus. It has been named a finalist in the Nature Positive category of the Green Gown Awards for improving...
National Podcast Explores the Story Behind the Hive
The Hive, Worcester’s iconic library, was the subject of discussion on a national podcast examining the importance of libraries and librarians. Campus, the podcast from Times Higher Education, explores the most pressing issues in global high education. In this...
Chamber News
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...
FREE Fully Funded Training Now Available Through Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce an exciting new opportunity for businesses and individuals, made possible through our partnership with Heart of Worcestershire College. Until 31 July 2025, the majority of our training...
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
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...
Bromsgrove District Local Plan – Draft Development Strategy Consultation 30th June – 22nd September
Regulation 18 of the Town and Country (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 Bromsgrove District Council is in the process of reviewing and replacing the Bromsgrove District Plan (adopted January 2017), which will set out where new housing, employment and other...
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
Warm Welcome for New Boutique Charity Shop in Hagley
The sun shone on Hagley this morning as the newest addition to the high street officially opened its doors. The grand opening of The Boutique by KEMP Hospice took place on Thursday 3rd July at 10am, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a warm welcome from staff,...
It’s a Knockout! Successfully Raises Funds for Kaleidoscope Plus Group
On Wednesday 11 June 2025, businesses from across the region came together for the inaugural Kaleidoscope Plus Group It’s a Knockout! corporate teambuilding day. Hosted on the Pageant Field at Warwick Castle, overlooking the banks of the River Avon, the entertaining...
Government Must Harness Retail Investor Optimism
Over half of retail investors (53%) are optimistic about their investments over the next twelve months (compared to 42% in May) 40% of investors expect to increase the amount of money they invest over the next twelve months Younger investors are most confident, with...
BCC News
Government Must Harness Retail Investor Optimism
Over half of retail investors (53%) are optimistic about their investments over the next twelve months (compared to 42% in May) 40% of investors expect to increase the amount of money they invest over the next twelve months Younger investors are most confident, with...
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
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...
Unlocking Marketing Potential with Mailchimp and Salesforce
At Coacto, we specialise in implementing solutions that empower businesses to streamline processes and maximise the power of Salesforce. As a Salesforce implementation partner, we bring together best-in-class tools to enhance customer relationship management (CRM) and...
All Latest News
ONE welcomes Joel Pearson to the Board
Multi-disciplinary design company, ONE Creative environments (ONE), has announced the appointment of Joel Pearson to their Board of Directors. ONE, which has a Worcester HQ and offices in Birmingham, London and Cardiff is currently celebrating 50 years in business....
Local Design Agency Partner with Award-winning Manufacturer on Revolutionary Prosthetic Technology
A Herefordshire and Worcestershire-based product design agency has successfully collaborated with Blatchford, a leading prosthetic technology manufacturer, to develop Avior – an innovative microprocessor-controlled knee transforming mobility for amputees worldwide....
SME Exporters Hit By New US Customs Charges
Responding to President Trump’s decision to charge import duties for low value goods entering the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This development has been coming for several months but is still a major blow to UK exporters to the US. Smaller firms...
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...
University a Finalist in National Sustainability Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for a national sustainability award, recognising its efforts to encourage biodiversity and support nature on campus. It has been named a finalist in the Nature Positive category of the Green Gown Awards for improving...
National Podcast Explores the Story Behind the Hive
The Hive, Worcester’s iconic library, was the subject of discussion on a national podcast examining the importance of libraries and librarians. Campus, the podcast from Times Higher Education, explores the most pressing issues in global high education. In this...
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