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.
Chest Pain
A young, fit member of your team grabs their chest. They say it is probably nothing. Everyone else hopes they are right. This is how dangerous myths delay life saving action. Too many people still believe heart problems only affect older or unfit individuals. Reality...
Latest Article
Chest Pain
A young, fit member of your team grabs their chest. They say it is probably nothing. Everyone else hopes they are right. This is how dangerous myths delay life saving action. Too many people still believe heart problems only affect older or unfit individuals. Reality...
Member News
Arena Team Goes the Distance for Diabetes Charity
Colleagues at the University of Worcester are preparing to take part in the Worcester City Runs next month in support of a diabetes charity with special significance to the team. Four colleagues from the University of Worcester Arena will be joined by a former member...
Worcestershire’s Tolkien Connection Explored at Special Hive Event
A Worcestershire academic will explore the region’s links to renowned fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien at a special event at The Hive. Dan Johnson, Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester and Malvern Hills Walking Guide, will be interviewed by journalist Stewart...
Patron & Strategic News
Celebrated Singer, Acclaimed Journalist, Historian and Sporting Stars to Receive University Honours Alongside Graduating Students
Celebrated singer-songwriter Toyah Willcox, acclaimed author and journalist Helen Lewis, internationally renowned historian Professor Dame Linda Colley, and sports stars Dawn Scott and Lark Atkin-Davies are among those who will be honoured by the University of...
Keeping Business Moving Through Technology
Technology is now at the centre of almost every organisation. Whether it’s protecting against cyber threats, enabling flexible working, maintaining reliable communications, or exploring the opportunities that artificial intelligence can bring, businesses need...
Chamber News
Welcome New Members | May 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout May: WHC Hire Services Ltd – A provider of tool, plant, and equipment hire services for construction and trade projects. WH Integrated Solutions Ltd – A facilities management company providing operational...
UK Steel Strategy
From 1st July, the government will be reducing the amount of steel that can be imported without tariffs, meaning that there will be 50% import tariffs on companies that exceed the 60% quota set by the government. There is some uncertainty over the reasoning behind...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | June 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout June: KSP Secure – Provides professional CCTV, intruder alarm, and security system installation services, delivering reliable, tailored protection for homes and businesses. Jespearl Services Ltd...
Welcome New Members | June 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout June: KSP Secure – Provides professional CCTV, intruder alarm, and security system installation services, delivering reliable, tailored protection for homes and businesses. Jespearl Services Ltd...
Policy News
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 2) is Now Live – Share Your Insights
The second 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 11 May to 1 June, QES 2 gives businesses the opportunity to share their experiences and...
Conflict Cuts Middle East Trade By One Fifth
New data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revealed a 20% drop in export activity to the Middle East as conflict escalated in March. The findings are based on the number of certificates of origin issued by Chambers of Commerce. These are a...
Skills News
Could you host a T Level industry placement?
We’re offering funding to support employers with the essential costs of hosting T Level industry placements starting now through to 31st March 2026. Whether you’re a large organisation or a small business, we can help: Construction Route – Support available for...
New Course Explores Impact of Climate Change on Policing
The University of Worcester, West Mercia Police and e-learning company Indegu Ltd have joined forces to develop an awareness course for police staff on how climate change could impact policing in the future. The online programme is designed to educate on climate...
Charity News
Businesses Hit It for Six as Worcester Street Sixes Takes Over the City Centre
Cathedral Square in the heart of Worcester was transformed into a vibrant cricket arena yesterday (Wednesday 15 July) as businesses from across Worcestershire came together for another successful Worcester Street Sixes, raising vital funds for Worcestershire Cricket...
Free Samaritans Suicide in the Media Advice Sessions
Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Suicide Prevention Programme has funded two online Suicide in the Media Advice Sessions delivered by Samaritans. The sessions are free for anyone living or working across Herefordshire or Worcestershire who might communicate publicly...
New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins
Reacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into...
BCC News
New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins
Reacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into...
Worcestershire 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...
Worcestershire County Cricket Foundations Street Sixes was raining with joy
On Tuesday the 15th of July, the Worcestershire County Cricket Foundation hosted its annual Street Sixes which took place on Cathedral Square and down the High Street, despite the weather the fun could not be dampened. The event was put in place to raise money for the...
Herefordshire News
Community generosity at Christmas helps Herefordshire families
As families across Herefordshire face increasing pressure, a series of quiet but meaningful acts of generosity by business and individuals are helping to support those most in need through local charity Vennture. With demand for emergency accommodation and family...
Mandatory certification requirements for professional rodenticide purchase came into force January 1, 2026 across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
PGM Pest Control is urging UK businesses, farmers, and pest control professionals to review their rodent management following major regulatory changes that came into force on 1 January 2026 under the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime. The updated rules mean that...
All Latest News
Love Gaming? Learn How to Turn it Into a Career at Event at The Hive
Anyone curious about breaking into the video games sector can hear directly from professionals working in the field at a free expert talk at The Hive. Beyond the Controller, taking place from 6.30-8pm on 17 September, will feature a panel discussion and Q&A with...
University Bids Farewell to ‘Lovely Sue’
A much-loved colleague of the University of Worcester has retired after 38 years of loyal and dedicated service. Sue Hudson, known as ‘Sue My Lovely’ to colleagues, students and visitors because of the friendly way she greets people, began her career at what was then...
Economic Priorities For Government: Productivity
The UK has a new Prime Minister who has promised to revive the nation’s economic fortunes. But he follows a succession of PMs who have pledged the same without ever managing to consistently deliver. At the British Chambers of Commerce, we think about little else than...
Defence Investment – A Challenge The UK Cannot Get Wrong
The Autumn Budget will contain a political hand grenade for the new Chancellor John Healey to defuse in the shape of the Defence Investment Plan. The initial announcement on defence spending at the end of June 2026, left several unresolved funding commitments to be...
Costs Crisis Hampering Hiring
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Although unemployment has held steady at 4.9%, this cannot hide the wider problems bedeviling the UK’s job market....
British Chambers of Commerce Calls for Budget Action to Cut Business Costs
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the Chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to reduce the rising costs faced by UK businesses. According to the BCC, increasing government-driven costs are damaging business confidence, limiting investment, and slowing...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here