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.
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University Wins National EDI Award at Better Society Awards 2026
The University of Worcester has won a major national award recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed. The University was the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at last night’s 2026 Better Society Awards. The Awards...
Latest Article
University Wins National EDI Award at Better Society Awards 2026
The University of Worcester has won a major national award recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed. The University was the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at last night’s 2026 Better Society Awards. The Awards...
Member News
Blitz Golf at Gaudet Luce
Blitz Golf is set to bring a fresh, high-energy twist to the game when it arrives at Gaudet Luce this Father’s Day, Sunday 21st June 2026. As one of only four venues selected across the UK, the event places Worcestershire firmly on the map for an exciting new era of...
Hot Weather – Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
An employee starts feeling dizzy in the heat. They say they just need a minute. You let them carry on. They collapse. This is how heat related illness turns serious fast. Too many people treat heat as harmless. Just part of summer. Something to push through. But heat...
Patron & Strategic News
Book Curated by University Lecturer Exhibited at United Nations
A groundbreaking book, which brings together a collection of postcards highlighting environmental threats to our oceans, has gone on display in the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York. Sea Change was created by Tobias Hickey, Senior Lecturer and Course...
Worcester Bosch announces retirement of CEO, Carl Arntzen
Arntzen, who has held the position since 2011, will step down at the end of April 2026 Worcester, UK, 16 December – Leading heating multi-tech manufacturer Worcester Bosch has today announced that its CEO, Carl Arntzen, will be retiring in early 2026. He will be...
Chamber News
Chair’s Report April 2024
There’s lots happening at the Chamber as we move, hopefully, towards Spring and Summer. Numerous events for all levels of membership, dinners, networking events and the Awards Gala in June. There will also be news regarding a re-vamped and enlarged Expo for October....
Welcome new Members!
The warmest welcome to our newest Members: Barnsley Marshall Limited – Barnsley Marshall are structural and civil engineers with a well-diverse and experienced team in engineering, problem solving and customer service. Bee Lighting Ltd – Bee Lighting are...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Adder Bookkeeping Ltd – Adder Bookkeeping was established in December 2006. Their core purpose is to relieve business owners of the pain and stress of accounting and support clients to make better...
Welcome new Members!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Adder Bookkeeping Ltd – Adder Bookkeeping was established in December 2006. Their core purpose is to relieve business owners of the pain and stress of accounting and support clients to make better...
Policy News
National Insurance Contributions Holiday for Veterans
Now that the dust has settled on the recent autumn budget announcement, and the implications of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions to 15% begins to dawn, especially for small businesses, how many of you are aware that there exists a National...
Get ahead of changes – Autumn Budget Guide 2024
Navigating the Autumn Budget: A Guide for Businesses The recent Autumn Budget has brought significant changes to the UK tax landscape. As a business owner, it’s crucial to understand how these changes may impact your operations and financial planning. Our...
Skills News
Help to Grow your business – Digital
Take your business to the next level with the government’s new Help to Grow programme. The programme will help small and medium sized businesses across the UK learn new skills, reach new customers and boost profits.
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...
Charity News
Join the Movement: Inclusive Sporting Events Make Sure No Kid Gets ‘Left on the Bench’
Pupils from special and mainstream schools around Worcester spent a morning taking part in inclusive sports at the University of Worcester, led by a charity founder with a unique vision. Supported by students from the University, around 70 pupils formed teams to...
Opportunity to Become a Governor at Holy Trinity School, Kidderminster
Holy Trinity School is a thriving, all-through school in Kidderminster, providing high-quality education for students from Reception to Sixth Form. With a history spanning over 120 years, the school has evolved significantly from its independent school heritage,...
Customs Reform Needed As Import Rules Change
Responding to news of the Government’s plan to widen customs charges to low value goods entering the UK, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This has been on the cards for a while as the US has already made this change and the EU will do so at the start of...
BCC News
Customs Reform Needed As Import Rules Change
Responding to news of the Government’s plan to widen customs charges to low value goods entering the UK, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This has been on the cards for a while as the US has already made this change and the EU will do so at the start of...
Worcestershire News
Businesses Invited to Attend District Events to Find Out More About Support Available
Worcestershire businesses are being invited to attend one of a series of events across the county on the business support available. Worcestershire Growth Hub and Worcestershire County Council are running the events to help inform businesses about what support and...
Worcestershire’s Key Employment Land is Being Lost to Residential Development Says GJS Dillon
Worcestershire’s commercial property market performed better than predicted during 2023 according to a newly published report. But business growth is being stifled by the lack of quality accommodation. Take up of office space increased by 21%, the industrial market...
Herefordshire News
Free Seminar for Business Owners at the Shell Store Hereford.
Join Peninsula at The Shell Store in Hereford on the 4th of July for an exclusive, free seminar designed specifically for business owners. In today’s ever-changing world, staying up to date with employment law and health & safety regulations is crucial. This...
Herefordshire Care Home Resident Reunites with Beloved Horse at Kington Court
Kington Court Nursing Home in Herefordshire witnessed a heart-warming reunion as resident, Lady Jennifer Evans-Bevan, was visited by her beloved horse, ‘Cloudy’ – all made possible by the efforts of Harwood Eventing in Herefordshire. Jennifer’s eyes lit up when...
All Latest News
Introducing Socage UK Ltd – A World-Leading Manufacturer of Chassis & Track-Mounted MEWPs Now Supporting the UK Market
As a new member of the H&W Chamber I would like to introduce Socage UK Ltd. The largest manufacturer in the world of chassis and track mounted MEWPS. Made in Moderna, Italy available around the world and market leader in many countries. Our UK subsidiary is in...
Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced
Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “While a new 10 per cent US tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some...
‘Made In Europe’ Plan Could Upend EU Reset
The British Chambers of Commerce has warned the UK could be sleepwalking into a legislative nightmare, which could upend the EU Reset, unless urgent action is taken. The EU is currently pursuing a Made In Europe agenda which aims to protect its industries from unfair...
Disruption Inevitable If Conflict Sustained
Commenting on the immediate impact on businesses of the US and Israeli combat operations in Iran and its military retaliation, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “There will be huge uncertainty for businesses as the situation in Iran and the wider...
Ministerial visit to Kidderminster sites shines spotlight on apprentices
Specsavers Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D) welcomed Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, to Lens Online and International Glazing Services (IGS) during National Apprenticeship Week on Friday 13 February. During the visit, Minister Smith met more than...
HydroShunter launched at Kidderminster as UK’s first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive enters the market Date: 26 February 2026
Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions and the Severn Valley Railway today (Thursday 26 February) marked a major milestone in railway decarbonisation with the official launch to market of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered railway shunting locomotive, unveiled at the...
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