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.
US Tariffs Set To Continue
Reacting to the announcement of new US tariffs under section 301 of the Trade Act 1974, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is no surprise that the US is taking action, before its temporary section 122 measures...
Latest Article
US Tariffs Set To Continue
Reacting to the announcement of new US tariffs under section 301 of the Trade Act 1974, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It is no surprise that the US is taking action, before its temporary section 122 measures...
Member News
Worcestershire based speaker coach celebrates shortlisting success at The Speaker Awards 2026
Dave James, a trailblazing speaker coach from Bromsgrove, has earned a coveted spot as a shortlistee for the TEDx of the Year category at the Speaker Awards 2026. Professional speakers play an essential role in shaping ideas, shifting perspectives, and driving...
Ballards raises £10,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association
Worcester based Ballards, together with sister companies Four Squared Recruitment, Cubed Tax and CreativeFolks, has raised £10,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association), the group’s chosen charity for 2025/26. The partnership was personal...
Patron & Strategic News
Growing law firm celebrates five newly qualified solicitors
Five up and coming solicitors are celebrating after successfully completing their training contracts with one of the region’s fastest growing law firms. Rachel Pick, Oscar McCracken, Lauren Collins, Emily Stancer and Sara Southall have now qualified as solicitors...
Colour run returns to Sandwell Valley for 10th Run for Joel
Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in the tenth annual Run for Joel; a colourful run through Sandwell Valley Country Park. Runners, walkers, and even dogs are invited to take part in either a 5km or 3km event which begins with runners covering...
Chamber News
“I had no idea what the result was going to be” – Dandelion Video Production’s Adam Hanslow-Smith takes a DISC assessment live on his own podcast
Most personality tests get dismissed as online quizzes with vague results. But when Adam Hanslow-Smith, founder of Dandelion Video Production, sat down with DISC Practitioner Dawn Hardman for the latest episode of the What Do You Do? podcast, he didn’t just...
Chamber Proud to Host Armed Forces Networking Breakfast
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be hosting its Armed Forces Networking Breakfast on 23rd April 2026, bringing together businesses, partners and members of the Armed Forces community for a morning of connection and...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | February
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout February: Advita Ortho UK Ltd – A medical technology and device company manufacturing and supplying innovative orthopedic implants and AI-enhanced surgical solutions. Elgar Energy Holdings Ltd –...
Welcome New Members | February
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout February: Advita Ortho UK Ltd – A medical technology and device company manufacturing and supplying innovative orthopedic implants and AI-enhanced surgical solutions. Elgar Energy Holdings Ltd –...
Policy News
Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q1 2026 Report Released
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q1 2026, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The QES is the UK’s largest independent business survey and provides a key...
Recruitment Challenging As New Employment Law Lands
Nearly three quarters of firms (71%) say they experienced hiring difficulties in Q1 of 2026, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The research, published as the first elements of the Employment Rights Act come into effect,...
Skills News
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...
Initial Wave of Innovators Join Business Support Programme with Worcestershire’s First AI Testbed Facilities
A bold new chapter in Worcestershire’s innovation landscape begins as 15 early-stage technology businesses commence BetaDen’s newly opened incubator programme at the Old Court in Kidderminster. BetaDen is Worcestershire’s provider of support programmes for innovative...
Charity News
PUUC Architecture is proud to be supporting our friends at Reach Community Project in Bewdley
We’re taking on the Malvern Hills Trek on Friday 18th September, starting at 9am —as it’s a public place and anyone is welcome to join us if you fancy this from 9am on the day! The more, the merrier. If you’d like to support this fantastic cause, you can donate here:...
KEMP Hospice runners raise over £22,000 at London Marathon 2026
Dedicated fundraisers successfully completed the iconic TCS London Marathon on Sunday, raising an incredible £22,276 including Gift Aid, in support of KEMP Hospice. Six runners took part raising funds for KEMP Hospice. In a particularly special year, for the first...
More Help Needed on Business Costs
Responding to measures announced by the Chancellor this lunchtime, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of...
BCC News
More Help Needed on Business Costs
Responding to measures announced by the Chancellor this lunchtime, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of...
Worcestershire News
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...
Main Line Rail Companies Pitch in at the Severn Valley Railway
Thanks to an ambitious and unique joint volunteering effort by many companies across the rail sector, the Severn Valley Railway has succeeded in re-laying track across its newly repaired Mor Brook bridge in Shropshire. This was achieved in record time and at zero...
Herefordshire News
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...
Celebrating excellence in apprenticeships
We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the first-ever Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards. Hosted by Herefordshire Growth Hub in partnership with Herefordshire Council and local training organisations, these awards will recognise and celebrate:...
All Latest News
University Cricketers Raise £1600 in Memory of Josh Baker
Cricketers at the University of Worcester have raised around £1,600 in memory of local cricketer Josh Baker. Through a series of matches with his former school and clubs, the University’s men’s and women’s cricket teams raised funds for the JB33 Foundation, which...
Second guest locomotive confirmed for SVR’s brand-new Summer Gala
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed a second visiting locomotive for its inaugural Summer Gala, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July. Joining the line-up is Neilson & Co No 2937, a fascinating industrial steam locomotive with a rich heritage...
Gulf Trade Deal ‘A Moment To Celebrate’
Responding to the news that a free trade agreement has been made with the six Arab states which comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council, William Bain, Head of Trade Policyat the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This deal is great news for the UK economy; it...
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...
ATA Carnets Go Digital from 1 June 2026
From 1 June 2026, ATA Carnets will begin transitioning from paper to a digital format across the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland. This marks the start of a global shift, with both paper and digital Carnets running side by side until 31 December 2027, allowing customs...
More Help Needed on Business Costs
Responding to measures announced by the Chancellor this lunchtime, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of...
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