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.
SME Solicitors’ Private Client team wins ‘Team of the Year’
SME Solicitors, based in Worcester, is delighted to announce that its Private Client team was awarded ‘Private Client Team of the Year’ at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2025. The team was recognised for its exceptional client service and community...
Latest Article
SME Solicitors’ Private Client team wins ‘Team of the Year’
SME Solicitors, based in Worcester, is delighted to announce that its Private Client team was awarded ‘Private Client Team of the Year’ at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2025. The team was recognised for its exceptional client service and community...
Member News
France’s favourite wine day is almost here.
Every November, as the clock strikes midnight, France pops its corks to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day – the arrival of the year’s first wine. Fresh, fruity, and full of life, it’s a symbol of new beginnings. (and a great excuse for a party). This year, we’re...
Using Excel for Bank Reconciliations
Once you’ve completed your first round of bank reconciliations in your accounting software and the balances still don’t match, it can be frustrating to trace missing or unmatched transactions: https://it-ebs.co.uk/news/oh-solve-problem-like-bank-rec/ Most systems only...
Patron & Strategic News
University Students’ Support for Ledbury Poetry Festival Leads to New Role for Graduate
A University of Worcester graduate is embarking on an exciting new role inspired by an internship at this year’s Ledbury Poetry Festival. Jacob Briscombe was one of three students who volunteered as artist management interns at the poetry festival, now in its 28th...
University of Worcester Shortlisted in Student Accommodation Awards
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted in the Student Accommodation Awards 2025. Worcester is a finalist for the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award, which celebrates initiatives that reduce environmental impact and promote greener student...
Chamber News
Welcome new Members!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Areterra – Areterra’s aim is to support a growing number of people from the semi-rural area of Worcestershire, suffering from a variety of differing medical conditions including those with learning...
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...
Our Latest Member
Championing Sustainability across Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the Green Business Network
The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes new Members, the Green Business Networking Group. With a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, this dedicated group of professionals is making remarkable strides in promoting green...
Championing Sustainability across Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the Green Business Network
The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes new Members, the Green Business Networking Group. With a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, this dedicated group of professionals is making remarkable strides in promoting green...
Policy News
Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: No sign of hiring difficulties easing
The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO), a survey of more than 5,000 UK firms of all sectors and sizes by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) reveals businesses are still facing record high difficulties in hiring new staff. The fieldwork for the study was...
Inflation eases but rising prices increase pressure on businesses
UK inflation has eased in March, however rising food prices has meant inflation remains higher than expected above 10%, adding to the speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates again on Thursday. According to data released from the Office for...
Skills News
Upskilling Grants available through Malvern Hills District Council
Malvern Hills District Council are providing support and additional grant funding of up to £2000 to businesses who wish to upskill their staff. The money supports all businesses that employ less than 250 people, when they commence training a current member of staff or...
New figures show workforce growth expected but some sectors yet to see signs of revival
The British Chambers of Commerce have released their Quarterly Recruitment Outlook for Q1 2021. The new figures show continued weakness in the job market in Q1, with 60% of the nearly 6000 businesses surveyed saying they had not attempted to recruit during the...
Charity News
Countdown to this year’s annual Elgar Festival
Organisers of the annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer are counting down the days until the event. The Elgar Festival’s 2024 event will take place between Monday 27 May and Sunday 2 June. The Festival – which was launched...
The Courtyard Announces Ambitious LED Lighting Project to Enhance the Performance Spaces and Substantially Reduce its Carbon Footprint
The Courtyard is thrilled to unveil its latest initiative to bring vibrant low-energy lighting to its performance spaces through the installation of 140, eco-friendly LED lights. This innovative lighting project promises endless possibilities for creative expression,...
Positive Q1 Growth But Challenges Ahead
Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Better than expected Q1 growth of 0.7%, is evidence that the UK economy held up well at the start of the year, despite...
BCC News
Positive Q1 Growth But Challenges Ahead
Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Better than expected Q1 growth of 0.7%, is evidence that the UK economy held up well at the start of the year, despite...
Worcestershire News
Launch of Midlands Engine Investment Fund II unlocks millions in funding for smaller businesses in Worcestershire
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will deliver a £400m commitment of new funding for smaller businesses The fund will build on the success of the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund and support access to early-stage finance 440 West Midlands...
University Neuroscientist Explores Imagination in Public Talk
What is imagination? How does it work and where does it come from? These are some of the questions that a neuroscientist from the University of Worcester will be attempting to answer at an upcoming talk. Dr Matt Di Miceli, Lecturer in Biomedical Science, who...
Herefordshire News
Secretary of State for the Environment Visits Herefordshire
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Rt Hon Thérèse Coffey visited Herefordshire today to meet with the farming community, representatives of the Herefordshire Council, Natural England, Environment Agency, the Welsh Government,...
Join The Courtyard and hvoss this Volunteers Week to celebrate, recognise and be inspired to share your time and skills in Herefordshire.
The Courtyard, in collaboration with hvoss, will host a Volunteers Fair on Wednesday 7 June from 4-7pm. With over 30 local charities and organisations exhibiting, this is the perfect opportunity to explore volunteering options from across the county. With everything...
All Latest News
The Artrix: Bromsgrove’s Theatre Gem Reborn
Before the pandemic, The Artrix was celebrated as the premier theatre destination in Bromsgrove, but when Covid struck, the venue transformed into a vaccination centre, serving the community in a vital new way. After this, The Artrix remained closed, reopening briefly...
Hands On At Work partners with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity to support NHS staff wellbeing
Massage therapy initiative launches across three hospital sites during National Stress Awareness Month Hands On At Work has announced a new 12-month partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, designed to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of NHS...
Worcester Shortlisted for University of the Year for the Fourth Time
The University of Worcester has been named as a finalist in this year’s University of the Year award, by Times Higher Education. Widely viewed as the top accolade a UK university can achieve, the award honours an institution that has demonstrated exceptional...
New partners grow law firm’s corporate and commercial property teams
Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors has strengthened its Corporate and Commercial Property offerings through two new partner appointments. Widely respected corporate law specialist Sophie Thornton has joined the firm from international law firm, Pinsent Masons, and...
Penguin office supplies expands family business
Bromsgrove based Penguin Office Supplies Ltd, expands its team by welcoming a new Operations Manager, Matt Hopkinson, the brother of director Chris Hopkinson, solidifying the workplace supplies business as a growing family business in the area. On the back of...
Ballards LLP announces leadership transition for its Next-Gen Board
Pictured L-R: Megan Healey Audit & Accounts Manager, Ballards LLP and Gina Gardner Associate Director, Ballards LLP. Worcester-based professional services firm Ballards LLP is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its pioneering Next-Gen Board...
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