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.
BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business...
Latest Article
BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business...
Member News
John Truslove marketing 13 brand-new factory or warehouse units in Redditch
A new development of 13 factory or warehouse units in Warwickshire are on the market for rent or sale with commercial property agents John Truslove. The properties developed by RM Contractors are at Claybrook Business Park, on Washford Industrial Estate in Redditch, a...
Music Industry Documentary Puts Graduate in Contention for a Second Prestigious Award
A documentary about grassroots music venues has put a University of Worcester graduate in the running for a prestigious award. Aiden Holland is nominated in the Royal Television Society Midlands Student Awards in the Factual – Long Form category for his...
Patron & Strategic News
Celebrating 15 Years of Hoople Group
April 2026 marks Hoople’s 15th birthday. To celebrate this important milestone in the company’s journey, Hoople will be completing 15 “good deeds” throughout the year as a way of giving back to the community that has supported them along the way. Hoople colleagues...
Event at The Hive Honours Record-Breaking Pilot in Celebration of International Women’s Day
The extraordinary life and achievements of Sheila Scott OBE, one of Britain’s most accomplished aviators, will be celebrated at a free event at The Hive to mark International Women’s Day. Born in Worcester in 1922, Sheila Scott became a trailblazer in aviation,...
Chamber News
Have Your Say: Herefordshire Council Budget 2026/27 Consultation
Herefordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to take part in its Budget 2026/27 consultation, giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how council services are prioritised and where savings may need to be made. The consultation runs from...
Worcestershire celebrates outstanding success at Annual Apprenticeship Awards
Worcestershire celebrated its commitment to developing local talent and skills at the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards on Thursday 13 November. Now in their eleventh year of the Apprenticeships Awards, the 2025 celebrations continued to recognise the amazing...
Our Latest Member
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Policy News
Few Signs For Optimism In Labour Market
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS published this morning, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The latest data indicate businesses are still not feeling confident about taking on more staff or...
Inflation Waters Remain Choppy
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the Office for National Statistics, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s data is a stark reminder that the UK inflation waters remain choppy. “With CPI rising to 3.4%...
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
arrangeMY Managing Director Nick Scott wins Agency Leader of the Year at the beam Awards
arrangeMY is proud to announce that its Managing Director, Nick Scott, has been named Agency Leader of the Year at the inaugural beam Awards, held at The Belfry Hotel. The beam Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the business travel, meetings...
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust response to the release of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust warmly welcomes the publication of the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan, and we are particularly encouraged to see a dedicated section focusing on children and young people. This represents a significant and long-overdue step...
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
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...
Severn Valley Railway wins UK Enterprise award
The Severn Valley Railway has been named as Leading Railway Enthusiast Site in the 2025 SME UK Enterprise Awards. Awards coordinator Laura O’Carroll said: ‘SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are...
Herefordshire News
Hereford Military History Festival Honours Herefordshire History with Network of Local Partners and Community Support
HEREFORD, 19th August 2025 — The inaugural Hereford Military History Festival 2025 is a highly ambitious new addition to the UK’s cultural calendar, which aims to support the city’s local community, celebrate its culture and heritage, and honour its rich military...
McPhillips wins £10m bus station redevelopment contract
West Midlands-based construction company McPhillips has won a £10 million local authority contract to deliver a new and improved bus station. Herefordshire Council announced McPhillips as its official construction partner on the Hereford Transport Hub project, part of...
All Latest News
New Monthly Workshop Series Launches to Help Small Business Owners Accelerate Profit and Build Lasting Legacy
Profit Acceleration Workshops at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce HQ Explore 12 Proven Strategies for Strategic Business Growth A new monthly workshop series designed to transform how small business owners approach growth and profitability has...
Severn Valley Railway names four guest locos for Spring Diesel Festival
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has kicked off announcements for the line-up of guest locomotives at its eagerly anticipated Spring Diesel Festival. Four impressive visitors have been revealed for the event which takes place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May....
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber launches Business Manifesto 2026/27 at the Annual Economic Conference
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has launched its Business Manifesto 2026/27 at the Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference, setting out the organisation’s priorities for the year ahead and highlighting the key issues facing businesses across...
Celebrating 15 Years of Hoople Group
April 2026 marks Hoople’s 15th birthday. To celebrate this important milestone in the company’s journey, Hoople will be completing 15 “good deeds” throughout the year as a way of giving back to the community that has supported them along the way. Hoople colleagues...
PRIME MIX CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026 WITH GROWTH PLANS
Worcester-based full-service marketing agency Prime Mix Marketing Ltd is celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 by announcing ambitious growth plans for its female-led business. The agency’s recent expansion has been driven by the success of its Content...
Event at The Hive Honours Record-Breaking Pilot in Celebration of International Women’s Day
The extraordinary life and achievements of Sheila Scott OBE, one of Britain’s most accomplished aviators, will be celebrated at a free event at The Hive to mark International Women’s Day. Born in Worcester in 1922, Sheila Scott became a trailblazer in aviation,...
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