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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.
Why Team Dynamics Matter More Than Strategy
January often feels like a fresh start. New goals are set, plans are refined, and organisations look ahead with renewed focus. But while strategy is important, long-term success depends on something far more human: how people work together. When teams struggle, it’s...
Latest Article
Why Team Dynamics Matter More Than Strategy
January often feels like a fresh start. New goals are set, plans are refined, and organisations look ahead with renewed focus. But while strategy is important, long-term success depends on something far more human: how people work together. When teams struggle, it’s...
Member News
Anonymous Art Auction Challenges Buyers to Trust Their Instincts
Art lovers will have to trust their instincts at a unique exhibition by University of Worcester students, where postcard-sized artworks will be auctioned anonymously; buyers won’t know the artist’s name until after the sale. The event, developed in partnership with...
Students Go Global in 4,000-Mile Movember Mission to Tackle Mental Health Stigma
University of Worcester cricketers have been growing moustaches and going the extra mile to raise awareness of men’s mental health this Movember. Members of the Men’s Cricket Club committed to a month-long challenge, combining moustache-growing with a collective goal...
Patron & Strategic News
Student returns from International Placement with Spanish Sports Club
A student has returned to Worcester after spending time working alongside professional footballers and basketballers at a club in Spain. Sam Amos-Simpson, in his third year studying Sports Therapy at the University of Worcester, has returned from a...
Make Strides Receives Institute of Leadership Grant for Second Year Running
Midlands-based digital-first learning company Make Strides, a Strategic Member and Digital First Training Partner of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, has once again been awarded a Leadership Development Grant from the Institute of...
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
Introducing Grange Court
Grange Court is a Grade II* listed timber-framed market hall built by John Abel in 1633. It is just off the centre of the ancient town of Leominster in parkland which was once part of the Leominster Priory farm. Following extensive renovation ten years ago, it is now...
Introducing Grange Court
Grange Court is a Grade II* listed timber-framed market hall built by John Abel in 1633. It is just off the centre of the ancient town of Leominster in parkland which was once part of the Leominster Priory farm. Following extensive renovation ten years ago, it is now...
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
New fund for investment in local skills and employment opportunities
The government’s new UK Community Renewal Fund will allocate up to £3m for innovative projects in Herefordshire over the next year. Herefordshire has been chosen as one of 100 places across the UK to receive funding through the government’s £220m UK Community Renewal...
Entries open as the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards returns in 2021
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire County Council have announced that the popular apprenticeship celebration event, the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards are returning in 2021. Entries to the awards have now opened with apprentices,...
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,...
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...
BCC 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...
Worcestershire News
BIG Conversation Event Helps to Shape the Future of Worcestershire
The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) held its flagship event, “Worcestershire: The BIG Conversation” on Friday 23rd February to start the conversation with businesses about the support needed moving forwards. The event, which was delivered in a hybrid...
New Recruits at Ballards LLP Fuel Firm’s Continued Expansion
Ballards LLP, a leading accounting and professional services firm in the UK, has added several new joiners across its Audit, Corporate Finance, and Business Services departments recently, supporting the firm’s ongoing expansion into new markets....
Herefordshire News
Worcestershire to host new Future of Farming Zone at the Royal Three Counties Show
Farmers and agricultural professionals from across Worcestershire are invited to attend an engaging and informative three days, hosted at the Royal Three Counties Show on Friday, June 16th, through to Sunday, June 18th, 2023. The brand-new Future of Farming Zone,...
Grant applications now open for festivals and events from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
Grants of up to £15,000 are now available to support the development or growth of festivals and events via UK Shared Prosperity Funding. Herefordshire Council have been allocated £7.3m to help improve pride in place and increase life chances, investing in communities...
All Latest News
Worcestershire Area Council Updates for September
FINANCE SECTOR The revised FRS 102, effective January 2026, introduces significant changes including full balance sheet recognition of leases in line with IFRS 16, a new five-step revenue model aligned with IFRS 15, and fair value guidance via Section 2A based on IFRS...
Herefordshire Area Council Updates for September
SPORTS AND LEISURE SECTOR Prices remain stable, and the UK-India trade deal should benefit us, though its start date is unclear. We import heavily from India, with low duties on equestrian gear but higher on footwear and clothing. Europe is our weakest market after...
Student to Represent England on World Stage
A University of Worcester student is set to represent her country at the first-ever women’s blind football world championship. Alice Hopkins has been selected for the England women’s blind football squad competing at the IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation)...
Cutting Energy Waste in Compressed Air Systems
Compressed air is often called the “fourth utility” in manufacturing, but it is also one of the most energy-intensive. Industry studies suggest that as much as 30% of compressed air generated is wasted through leaks, poor system design, or inefficient equipment. For...
Upper Teme Business Park officially launches, boosting local business opportunities in Tenbury Wells
Tenbury Wells celebrated a significant milestone in its economic regeneration as Upper Teme Business Park officially opened its doors on Friday 19th October 2025. Stuart Anderson MP cut the ceremonial red tape, marking the launch of this state-of-the-art commercial...
Birmingham Businesswoman Wins Prestigious National Networking Award
Rachael Jackson, owner of the Birmingham branch of WIBN (the Women in Business Network), has been crowned ‘Networker of the Year’ at the Business Success Network (BSN) Recognition Awards 2025. The awards, held at a glittering black-tie ceremony on Saturday 13th...
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