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.
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...
Latest Article
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...
Member News
Get Expo Ready with PB Signs!
We’re delighted to be exhibiting at this year’s Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and can’t wait to meet fellow Chamber members on the day. Your exhibition stand is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have....
Third guest locomotive revealed for the SVR’s Autumn Steam Gala
Visitors to the Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala will be able to enjoy an evocative glimpse into the line’s pre-preservation days, with the announcement of a third visiting locomotive for the four-day spectacular. GWR Small Prairie No 5526 will...
Patron & Strategic News
Teacher educator urges public to take part in consultation on new Natural History GCSE
A leading teacher educator at the University of Worcester, is urging the public, teachers and young people to take part in the Government’s consultation on the proposed Natural History GCSE, as the qualification moves a significant step closer to becoming a reality....
Hidden LGBTQ Stories to be Uncovered at The Hive This Pride Month
LGBTQ stories and hidden histories will be celebrated at The Hive in Worcester at a free event exploring queer literary history from Worcestershire to Paris. The Salon: Pride at The Hive, which takes place on 24 June, 6.15-7.30pm, will bring to life the stories of...
Chamber News
Wye Valley NHS Trust Launches Fundraising Initiative for New Education Centre at Herefordshire Hospital
The Wye Valley NHS Trust announced the launch of a new initiative to build an education centre at the Herefordshire Hospital site. This state-of-the-art facility will significantly boost the trust’s commitment to learning, recruitment, and retention of NHS staff,...
Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Biggest Business Exhibition Draws a Record Crowd
On Thursday 10th October 2024, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Hewett Recruitment, hosted their annual Business Expo at the University of Worcester Arena. This was the Chamber’s first Business Expo at the...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members!
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: Badger Damper – Badger Damper Limited are considered one of the leading damper manufacturers worldwide. Badger Damper supplies global markets from its production facility in the heart of England. Capital Resolve –...
Welcome new Members!
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: Badger Damper – Badger Damper Limited are considered one of the leading damper manufacturers worldwide. Badger Damper supplies global markets from its production facility in the heart of England. Capital Resolve –...
Policy News
Surgical Red-Tape Cuts Can Boost Business
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech on regulation and civil service reform, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses want regulation which supports rather than hampers them – and we’re encouraged by the Prime...
Growth Suffers As Firms Face Choppy Waters Ahead
Responding to the latest GDP data released by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With businesses facing an impending avalanche of cost pressures, it’s unsurprising that growth is in trouble. With GDP shrinking in...
Skills News
Government ask employers for feedback on their National Skills Fund strategy
The government have launched a consultation into the offers funded through their National Skills Fund. The aim of the fund is to help adults train and gain the valuable skills they need to improve their job prospects and support the economy. One of the initiatives...
Recruitment difficulties increase as demand for labour surges
As the economy recovers from the pandemic, demand for labour has risen significantly. In the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2, in partnership with Bishop Fleming, we found that 51% of local businesses attempted to recruit, up from 38% in Q1. Recent figures...
Charity News
Local Charity Expands with the Opening of “Ledbury Two” – A New Chapter in Support for Children and Adults with Neurological Disorders
Located in the heart of Ledbury, Ledbury Two represents a significant expansion for Megan Baker House (MBH), allowing the organisation to reach more families and meet increasing demand for its specialised programmes. The new facility will offer tailored support for...
Property consultancy’s first charity padel tournament raises £6,000
A national property consultancy’s first charity padel tournament raised £6,000 for four charities – and planning for next year’s competition is already underway. Fisher German’s Development Agency team successfully launched its first-ever charity padel...
Fears Over Low Value Imports Reform
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that removing the UK’s tariff exemption for low value imports could risk pushing up prices, harming small businesses and reducing trade intensity. The government is considering the move after the US removed its ‘de...
BCC News
Fears Over Low Value Imports Reform
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that removing the UK’s tariff exemption for low value imports could risk pushing up prices, harming small businesses and reducing trade intensity. The government is considering the move after the US removed its ‘de...
Worcestershire News
From Strength to Strength: BetaDen Alumni Returns as Board Member
BetaDen, an award-winning organisation providing fully-funded support to innovative technology businesses, has announced significant changes to its Advisory Board. Martyn Gill, who graduated from BetaDen’s Cohort 4.0 technology accelerator programme in 2022, is now...
Part of Former Library Renamed ‘Royal’ After Victoria’s Visit up for Auction
A section of an impressive early 19th century building that used to host the Royal Library in Great Malvern, Worcestershire is appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction. The Grade II-listed property on Worcester Road was erected as a library in 1818 for visitors to the...
Herefordshire News
Wyevale Nurseries sponsored Tatton designs win Best Long Border, two Golds & three Silver Gilts
FIVE of the Wyevale Nurseries sponsored ‘Sensory Long Border’ designs featured at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Flower Show at Tatton Park this week have won top awards including Best Long Border (July 19-23, 2023). The designs were by final year University...
£7 Million Funding Offers Long Term Energy-Saving Home Improvements for Off-Gas Properties Across Herefordshire
At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing and many residents are struggling to keep up with their bills, the funding aims to bring down household energy bills over the long term, by improving the energy efficiency of properties, making them easier to heat and...
All Latest News
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...
DIGITAL CARNETS
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...
Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis
New research shows 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict, including energy price increases, shipping disruption and rises in raw material costs The manufacturing sector is seeing the biggest impact, with 68% of firms...
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