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.
Defence Spending Vital To Economy
Reacting to the release of the Defence Investment Plan, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The release of this spending plan is long overdue. Businesses have been patiently waiting to get a better understanding of the...
Latest Article
Defence Spending Vital To Economy
Reacting to the release of the Defence Investment Plan, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The release of this spending plan is long overdue. Businesses have been patiently waiting to get a better understanding of the...
Member News
Meet the Author of New Crime Thriller Based in Worcester
A crime thriller set in Worcester will take centre stage at a special free author event at The Hive next month. Tony Fisher, former BBC radio presenter and novelist, will be talking about his latest book, Good Gone Bad, on July 8 at the city’s library; the very place...
Next generation of leadership steps up at city firm
Worcester city-centre firm SME Solicitors is delighted to announce that partners Samantha Lloyd and Guy Salter are taking up new leadership roles. Samantha Lloyd, Head of Private Client and Partner since 2016, is becoming the firm’s new Managing Partner as of 1 April....
Patron & Strategic News
Worcester Conference to Examine Rise of AI in Crime and Policing
Worcester’s annual Evidence-Based Policing Conference will examine both the challenges posed by criminals using emerging technologies such as AI, and the opportunities these tools offer to law enforcement. Into the Digital Age: The Increasing Use of Technology in...
The Bearded Plantaholic to Appear at The Hive
A world-renowned author and plant expert is appearing at The Hive this month, where he’ll discuss his book ‘You’re Overwatering It’. Jonny Balchandani, better known to his more than a million followers on social media as the Bearded Plantaholic, will join former BBC...
Chamber News
PM’s Announcement Seen as Encouragement for our Defence Sector.
By the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Recently Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak announced a landmark increase in the UK’s defence budget whilst on a visit to Poland. This increase will be 2.5% of national income by 2030, allocating...
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....
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Arkif Limited – Business Consultancy based in Malvern. Dewsall Court – A unique destination venue in the heart of Herefordshire used for weddings, gatherings and corporate events. Eventuelle...
Welcome new Members
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Arkif Limited – Business Consultancy based in Malvern. Dewsall Court – A unique destination venue in the heart of Herefordshire used for weddings, gatherings and corporate events. Eventuelle...
Policy News
Residents Urged to Vote for their Favourite Small Business as Part of Bradley’s Inaugural Awards
Residents across Bromsgrove and the Villages can now vote for their favourite small business as part of Bradley Thomas MP’s inaugural awards. Ahead of this year’s Small Business Saturday on December 7th, Bradley is celebrating the contribution small businesses make to...
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...
Skills News
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...
BCC & Barclays LifeSkills release report revealing businesses’ thoughts on futureproofing for a post-pandemic world
The British Chambers of Commerce and Barclays LifeSkills have today (Friday 23 April) released a new report entitled ‘The Next Normal: Futureproofing the Workforce for a Post-Pandemic World’. The report seeks to tackle questions around the workforce challenges faced...
Charity News
Paddle for a Purpose: Local Businesses Unite for Headway Worcestershire Charity Kayak Event
In an inspiring display of community spirit and commitment, eight intrepid kayakers from various Worcestershire businesses are set to embark on a challenging 38 mile paddle along The River Severn for a noble cause. Headway Worcestershire is thrilled to announce the...
RUN Hereford moves 2025 edition into the city
One of Herefordshire’s leading running events is moving into the city for its 2025 edition. Hundreds of runners will pass landmarks such as the Black and White House and Hereford Cathedral during RUN Hereford. The annual St Michael’s Hospice event, which regularly...
Services Trade Continues To Stall
Reacting to the latest trade data for November 2025 from the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Services exports have been the standout feature of UK trade over the past decade, and the prospect...
BCC News
Services Trade Continues To Stall
Reacting to the latest trade data for November 2025 from the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Services exports have been the standout feature of UK trade over the past decade, and the prospect...
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
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...
Sign our petition and make a difference to those suffering from brain tumours
Brain Tumour Research has launched a petition calling on the Government to ring-fence £110 million of current and new funding to kick-start an increase in the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million a year by 2028. Brain tumours kills more children...
All Latest News
Recruitment Challenging As New Employment Law Lands
Nearly three quarters of firms (71%) say they experienced hiring difficulties in Q1 of 2026, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The research, published as the first elements of the Employment Rights Act come into effect,...
HCR Law marks strategic growth with record number of promotions
Top 50 UK firm HCR Law has promoted more than 100 colleagues across its business services and private client teams, marking the firm’s biggest promotion round to date. Promotions take effect from 1 April 2026, recognising more than 100 lawyers and support...
Smart Accountancy Solutions joins with Ballards to strengthen Worcestershire team and SME offering
Left to right: James Syree and Mark Smith Ballards, one of the Midlands fastest growing independent business advisory, consultancy and accountancy firms, has further strengthened its presence in Worcester and the wider Worcestershire region as Smart Accountancy...
Wickens Showcases Engineering Expertise with New Video Highlighting Storage Solutions in Action
Wickens Engineering has launched a new video offering a behind-the-scenes look at its specialist storage solutions, giving customers and industry professionals a clear view of the quality, scale and precision that underpin its work. The video, now available on the...
Books Come to Life in New University Lecture Series Talk
What makes books more than words on a page? And why does the physical, tactile experience of printing still matter in a digital world? In the latest talk in the Engine Room Lecture Series from the University of Worcester, researcher and artist-printer Dr Angie Butler...
Immersive 1940s events return to the Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway is inviting visitors to relive the spirit of wartime Britain as its much-loved Step Back to the 1940s weekends return this summer, taking place across two consecutive weekends on 27–28 June and 4–5 July. Promising an immersive journey into...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here