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.

Updating the Modern Staff Handbook: A Forward Thinking Guide for SMEs
In today’s fast-paced business world, a staff handbook should be more than a list of rules; it’s a living guide that communicates how your business operates, sets expectations, and reflects company culture. For SMEs, it’s about making it practical, accessible, and...
Latest Article
Updating the Modern Staff Handbook: A Forward Thinking Guide for SMEs
In today’s fast-paced business world, a staff handbook should be more than a list of rules; it’s a living guide that communicates how your business operates, sets expectations, and reflects company culture. For SMEs, it’s about making it practical, accessible, and...
Member News
Record-breaking number of finalists confirmed for Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards
A record 38 finalists have been announced for the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. The finalists are from across 10 categories recognising apprentices, employers, training providers, mentors and schools, celebrating every aspect of the apprenticeship...
National Supported Lodgings Week: Could You Open Your Door to Change a Young Life?
This November (9th–16th) marks National Supported Lodgings Week, celebrating the incredible role ordinary people play in providing safe and supportive homes for young people who might otherwise face homelessness. Through St Basils Supported Lodgings scheme,...
Patron & Strategic News
University Academic to Give Insights in Historical Fiction Discussion
Two writing experts will be sharing their insights on how to turn historical facts into fiction at a special event this week. University of Worcester Lecturer in Creative Writing, Dr Ruth Stacey, and best-selling author Barbara Erskine will take part in a discussion...
Children and Families Festival a Hit
Hundreds of people attended the first ever Children and Families Festival at the University of Worcester over the weekend. The free event, which took place on Saturday (31st May) was organised by staff and students and was held at the University’s Lakeside Campus....
Chamber News
Autumn Statement Provides Much Needed Support for Business Growth.
The Chancellor has published the Autumn Statement, and he has certainly listened to the calls for a focus on business investment and growth. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) had 3 main asks of the Chancellor: Reform the planning system, upgrade the energy grid...
New Member Benefit: Chamber Advice Blogs!
We are excited to announce a new addition to our Member Benefits portfolio: Chamber Advice Blogs -launching January 2024. This innovative Member benefit aims to provide our members with crucial information and a dedicated platform to share their expertise, insights,...
Our Latest Member
Meet our new members – National Business Register (NBR)
National Business Register (NBR), was founded in 1984 aiming to assist businesses with name protection, company formation, registered design, and trade mark services. Having been acquired in 2020, there is now a team of 7 assisting businesses both locally and...

Meet our new members – National Business Register (NBR)
National Business Register (NBR), was founded in 1984 aiming to assist businesses with name protection, company formation, registered design, and trade mark services. Having been acquired in 2020, there is now a team of 7 assisting businesses both locally and...
Policy News
Inflation increase places further pressure on businesses
UK inflation accelerated unexpectedly in February, adding to expectations that the Bank of England will raise interest rates again at its meeting on Thursday. The annual rate of consumer price inflation rose to 10.4 per cent in February, the Office for National...
Spring Budget 2023
Spring Budget 2023 Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his Spring Budget to Parliament yesterday (15 March). In the 2023 Budget, the Chancellor made it a priority to tackle inflation, attributing it to ongoing economic challenges. The highlight of the budget for...
Skills News
Quarterly Recruitment Outlook – 70% of businesses face difficulty finding staff
The British Chambers of Commerce today released the results of its Quarterly Recruitment Outlook survey for Q2 2021, with responses drawn from over 5,700 firms. The new figures show a surge in the proportion of firms expecting to grow their workforce in the next 3...
Witley Jones increase capacity and productivity with CNC investment
In recent months, Witley Jones have installed a new SCM Woodworking Technology CNC Machine at their manufacturing base in Stourport-on-Severn. This exciting development has enabled the furniture manufacturer to significantly increase their capacity and continue in...
Charity News
Mike Keel to retire as St Michael’s Hospice Chief Executive
The Chief Executive of St Michael’s Hospice has announced his retirement after eight years at the helm. Mike Keel will leave his role at the Bartestree-based Hospice at the end of this month. During his tenure, Mr Keel has overseen the charity’s extended reach to the...
‘A Leap of Faith’ Charity Skydive for The Courtyard
Four supporters of The Courtyard are taking their own leap of faith for Leap Year by jumping 15,000ft in a tandem skydive in May to raise funds for Herefordshire’s much loved community arts charity, celebrating its 25th anniversary year. Chief Executive Ian Archer,...

Business Welcomes Export Support Package Amid Global Uncertainty
Responding to the announcements from the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary to support UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The BCC called last week for enhanced credit and financial support through...
BCC News
Business Welcomes Export Support Package Amid Global Uncertainty
Responding to the announcements from the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary to support UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The BCC called last week for enhanced credit and financial support through...
Worcestershire News
Worcester Graduate Features in National Campaign
A graduate of the University of Worcester has been featured in a national campaign highlighting successful people who were the first in their family to go to university. Kiran Sahota is an award-winning social historian and founder of the community interest company,...
Kudos Blends launches an innovative new website and solutions-based approach to revolutionise the industrial baking industry.
Kudos Blends, the world’s leading manufacturer of industrial baking powders and leavening agents, is delighted to announce the launch of its brand-new website and pioneering solutions-based approach. With the unveiling of our cutting-edge website Kudos Blends is...
Herefordshire News
Marches LEP drives region’s transport agenda
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has brought together Government and regional specialists for a three-day fact-finding tour to drive the region’s transport improvements. Officials from the LEP, the Department for Transport, the Department for Business...
FUTURE FOCUSED QUARTERLY BUSINESS PLANNING SUMMIT
Join RWC in their upcoming Business Summit event. Here’s what to expect: Dive Deep into Business Strategy: Gain clarity on your vision, goals, and the precise steps needed to achieve them. Optimise Your Time & Resources: Learn effective time management techniques,...
All Latest News
US Tariff Relief For Automotives And Jet Engines
Reacting to news that the US President has signed an Executive Order on the trade deal with the UK, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said: “News that the trade deal with the US has been agreed on automotives and jet engines will be music to the ears of affected...
Spending Review Must Be A Catalyst For Growth
Responding to the Comprehensive Spending Review, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “Business has been waiting for Government to show it understands the deep-rooted problems holding back our economy and how they can be solved. “Today we have seen signs...
From Relocation Dreams to Financial Freedom
Your Next Home, Made Easier: A Family’s Success Story with SN Financial I’m Zoe Blount, a mortgage adviser here at SN Financial. Life’s big moments often bring big financial questions, especially when it involves family growth and a change of scenery! I truly love...
Worcester hospice gardens get spruced up by volunteers at property consultancy in city
Colleagues from a leading Worcester property consultancy spent a day giving back to the community by sprucing up the gardens of a well-known hospice in the city. Staff from Fisher German’s Worcester office spent the day volunteering at St Richard’s Hospice to help...
I’m featured in Styled: Inside the World of Fashion Styling by Jennifer Michalski-Bray!
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve been featured in the newly released book Styled by the brilliant Jennifer Michalski-Bray. This beautifully illustrated book lifts the lid on what it really takes to become a successful stylist — from celebrity red carpets to...
Hayward Wright Raises Thousands for Parkinson’s UK at Annual Charity Golf Day
Accountancy group Hayward Wright held its third consecutive annual charity golf day last week in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, the national charity that campaigns for better health and care services for those affected by Parkinson’s while funding...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here