Business Direction Online
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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.
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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,...
Latest Article
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,...
Member News
“I had no idea what the result was going to be” – Dandelion Video Production’s Adam Hanslow-Smith takes a DISC assessment live on his own podcast
Most personality tests get dismissed as online quizzes with vague results. But when Adam Hanslow-Smith, founder of Dandelion Video Production, sat down with DISC Practitioner Dawn Hardman for the latest episode of the What Do You Do? podcast, he didn’t just...
Research Project to Support People Living with Dementia and Hearing Loss
A new research project is launching to tackle a long-overlooked challenge in social care: how to better support people living with both dementia and hearing loss through improved use of hearing aid technologies, staff training, and noise-aware environments. The Turn...
Patron & Strategic News
Award-Winning Partnership Showcases Power of Help to Grow Programme
A participant and a leader of the University of Worcester’s Help to Grow: Management programme have been recognised at a national awards ceremony in London. At the event, hosted by organisers of the Help to Grow programme, Steve Ennis and Richard Sadler each scooped...
Sustainability Book Series Idea Earns Worcester Students a Big Cash Boost
Two University of Worcester students have scooped a £5,000 cash investment in their business in a Dragon’s Den style event. 3rd year Business Management students Evan Greenlees and Kasra Salehi pitched their idea for the company, Little Guardians, at this year’s BOSS...
Chamber News
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) 1 is Now Open – Have Your Say
The first Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of the year is now open, and the Chamber is encouraging businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to take part. Running from 9 January to 2 March, QES 1 provides businesses with the opportunity to share their...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce becomes a Certified B Corporation
The Chamber joins the growing movement of companies using business as a force for good. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has today announced its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp), joining a growing movement of companies that are...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | November
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout November Lucy Labels – A sticker and labelling business offering custom labels. Barclays Greater Birmingham and The Three Counties Corporate – Barclays’ regional corporate banking services for businesses....
Welcome New Members | November
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout November Lucy Labels – A sticker and labelling business offering custom labels. Barclays Greater Birmingham and The Three Counties Corporate – Barclays’ regional corporate banking services for businesses....
Policy News
Growth Elusive As Labour Market Loosens
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are strong signs that the labour market is continuing to loosen as wage...
Inflation Eases But Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
Skills News
Apprenticeship Plans are ‘Mixed Bag’ for Business
Responding to the Government’s plans for apprenticeship reform in England, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Apprenticeships are high-quality, valued qualifications and businesses welcome the funding boost announced by...
NMITE hosts events to boost local employment skills
NMITE hosts two events in June on employment skills for the modern workforce and pathways into business NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering) is hosting two events in June, both highlighting employment and training pathways into business and...
Charity News
Doors Open at Brand-New Ludlow Charity Warehouse
Shoppers were welcomed through the doors at St Michael’s Hospice’s new charity shop, Ludlow Home & Living. The ribbon was cut by shop manager, Giles Kember, and Ludlow’s Mayor, Councillor Di Lyle, before customers were invited inside to explore the transformed...
KEMP Hospice rated ‘Good’ in all areas following CQC inspection
KEMP Hospice is proud to announce it has received a ‘Good’ rating in all areas following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The report, published on 16 February 2026, highlighted overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients following a...
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
BCC News
Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far
More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...
Worcestershire News
Weekend rolls into the Severn Valley Railway for a must-see LEGO event
LEGO fans are in for a treat as Brick Weekend arrives at the Severn Valley Railway’s Engine House Visitor Centre for two fun-filled days on Saturday and Sunday 2 and 3 August. Hosted in partnership with the LEGO UK Railway (LUKR) club, this special event will showcase...
Severn Valley Railway wins UK Enterprise award
The Severn Valley Railway has been named as Leading Railway Enthusiast Site in the 2025 SME UK Enterprise Awards. Awards coordinator Laura O’Carroll said: ‘SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are...
Herefordshire News
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
Hereford Military History Festival Honours Herefordshire History with Network of Local Partners and Community Support
HEREFORD, 19th August 2025 — The inaugural Hereford Military History Festival 2025 is a highly ambitious new addition to the UK’s cultural calendar, which aims to support the city’s local community, celebrate its culture and heritage, and honour its rich military...
All Latest News
Celebrating Women Through the Lens: Meet Petrina Michelle Photography
Petrina from Petrina Michelle Photography as a new chamber member. A talented freelance photographer, Petrina specialises in women’s portraiture, capturing everything from the beauty of motherhood to personal branding and glamorous, confidence-boosting imagery. With...
Back to the shop floor and listen: four ways to strengthen employee voice
At a recent Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce event, a comment about leadership and change really resonated with me. “Leaders need to go back to the shop floor, listen to colleagues and really understand their feedback.” As someone who has spent...
Upton Business Centre celebrates 30th Anniversary
The team at Upton Business Centre are marking an important milestone this year as they celebrate 30 years of providing modern business accommodation in Upton on Severn. The Centre, along with its sister site Link Business Centre based at Malvern Link, is owned and...
Welcome New Members | March 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout March: Mobile Care & Domestic Services Ltd — Provides in-home care and domestic support services to help individuals maintain independence and wellbeing in their own homes. Marlow’s Cleaning...
Introducing Our International Trade “Set Menu” Training Offer
Businesses looking to strengthen their international trade knowledge can now benefit from a newly launched, flexible training offer designed to meet a wide range of learning needs. The International Trade Set Menu Training Offer introduces an innovative approach to...
BCC President Speech to Driving International Trade Conference
Speech made by BCC President Andy Haldane at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference – Thursday 26 March The Case for Trade, Remade As new President of the BCC, I am pleased to be offering some opening remarks at today’s conference. Events in the Middle East...
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