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.
Severn Valley Railway names four guest locos for Spring Diesel Festival
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has kicked off announcements for the line-up of guest locomotives at its eagerly anticipated Spring Diesel Festival. Four impressive visitors have been revealed for the event which takes place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May....
Latest Article
Severn Valley Railway names four guest locos for Spring Diesel Festival
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has kicked off announcements for the line-up of guest locomotives at its eagerly anticipated Spring Diesel Festival. Four impressive visitors have been revealed for the event which takes place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May....
Member News
New University of Worcester Network Helps Local Firms Tap into Student Talent
The University of Worcester’s Business School has launched an ambitious new network designed to open up student talent to small and medium-sized enterprises across the region Grow Local is designed with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in mind. By pooling...
WORCESTER MARKETING AGENCY GETS FANCY FOR MESOTHELIOMA UK
Worcester-based Prime Mix Marketing Ltd is raising awareness and funds for Mesothelioma UK, which supports individuals affected by asbestos-related lung cancer, by hosting a charity fancy dress morning on Thursday, 5th February, in memory of local man Michael Darling....
Patron & Strategic News
DRPG Celebrates Creative Careers Month with Industry First Apprenticeship Cohort and Sparks Live Success
DRPG Celebrates Creative Careers Month with Industry First Apprenticeship Cohort and Sparks Live Success Creative communications agency DRPG is championing the next generation of talent this Creative Careers Month with two major milestones: the launch of the UK’s...
Navigating the Future of UK Healthcare: How TR Health Supports You in 2026
As we move closer to 2026, the UK’s healthcare landscape is poised for significant shifts. Demand for timely, accessible medical support is increasing. One of the biggest challenges in 2026 will be the increasing pressure on the NHS, as demand continues to...
Chamber News
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...
Salary & Benefits Survey 2023/24
With many local businesses experiencing challenges trying to recruit locally, in order to maintain business growth. Addressing the local and regional skills gap remains one of the Chamber’s priorities as we continue to support businesses in the months ahead. According...
Our Latest Member
Introducing me – Menopause Coach and i-act onliner trainer
I’m Julie, a Registered Nurse with over 35years clinical experience. Currently working in OH and absence management. However, I am now a Certified Menopause Coach offering the Menopause Plan. The plan is completed over 7weeks, looking at different aspects of...
Introducing me – Menopause Coach and i-act onliner trainer
I’m Julie, a Registered Nurse with over 35years clinical experience. Currently working in OH and absence management. However, I am now a Certified Menopause Coach offering the Menopause Plan. The plan is completed over 7weeks, looking at different aspects of...
Policy News
MORE OVER-65s ARE STILL WORKING THAN SIX YEARS AGO
Working 9-5 More people in the UK aged between 65 and 74 are still working compared to six years ago, new research shows. The findings show there’s a marked increase in the number of people over 65 who remain in the workforce compared to 2016, and a fall in the number...
Inflation at a 41-Year High
The UK’s rate of inflation hit a fresh 41-year high in October, accelerating to 11.1 per cent on the back of rising energy and food prices. This is the highest rate of inflation since October 1981. The Office for National Statistics said the rate rose from 10.1 per...
Skills News
Invitation to join new green apprenticeships advisory panel
The UK has a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Prime Minister set out his Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution, where he outlined the importance of building back better and greener when the country recovers from COVID-19.
Pershore land-based service engineering apprentices hit perfect pass rate
Land-based service engineering apprentices at Pershore College have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate on their end point assessments (EPAs) for the first ever time. Pershore College, which is part of WCG, is the only provider of the apprenticeship standard in...
Charity News
St Michael’s Hospice Open new shop in Hay-on-Wye
St Michael’s Hospice has today welcomed visitors to the opening of its new charity shop in Hay-on-Wye. Conveniently located at The Craft Centre, next to the Oxford Street car park, the shop is filled with a great range of pre-loved items, including clothing, books,...
St Michael’s Hospice Welcomes New Chief Executive
St Michael’s Hospice is delighted to welcome Matt Fellows as its new Chief Executive. He is replacing Mike Keel who has retired having spent eight years at the helm of the Bartestree-based charity. Matt joins at a time of celebration for St Michael’s which is marking...
Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact
Recruitment remains static with 55% of firms attempting to hire staff in the last three months (compared with 54% in Q1) Hiring remains challenging despite some respite, with 73% of firms reporting difficulties in Q2 (76% in Q1) Transport and logistics (80%) and...
BCC News
Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact
Recruitment remains static with 55% of firms attempting to hire staff in the last three months (compared with 54% in Q1) Hiring remains challenging despite some respite, with 73% of firms reporting difficulties in Q2 (76% in Q1) Transport and logistics (80%) and...
Worcestershire News
THE LYGON ARMS NAMED AS THE COTSWOLDS BEST HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2023
With Christmas lights adorning the ancient 14th century coaching inn, nestled in the heart of picturesque Broadway, the team will have even more to celebrate this festive season, with the announcement that The Lygon Arms has been voted the ‘Cotswolds Best Hotel of the...
How You Can Help Acorns Be Stronger Together for Local Children and Families this Christmas
Do something amazing this Christmas and help Acorns Children’s Hospice be there for local families who need it most this holiday season. There are lots of ways you can help the charity be stronger together for families caring for children with life limiting and life...
Herefordshire News
Hereford event will take the mystery out of innovation
Businesses from across the Marches are being invited to a free event which will take some of the mystery out of innovation. The Marches Growth Hub and Innovate UK have teamed up to stage the workshop in Hereford next month to give businesses an expert insight into how...
Rotherwood Honoured with Four ‘Top 20 Awards’ with carehome.co.uk.
Rotherwood Healthcare has celebrated receiving a ‘Top 20 Care Home Group’ Award with carehome.co.uk, whilst its care homes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire: Dorset House, Gwen Walford and Kington Court received ‘Top 20 Awards’, positioning them in the top twenty...
All Latest News
Harriers Foundation donate kit to Aid through Football
Harriers Foundation has joined clubs across the country in donating kit to The RAF FA’s Aid through Football initiative. The RAF Football Association (RAF FA) Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal, Aid through Football sees donated football kit...
Worcester Criminologist Investigates Hate Crime Motivations in New Book Chapter
What goes through the mind of someone who is about to attack a religious space? What led them there, and how can we stop it? Those are just some of the questions an Islamophobia expert from Worcester takes on in his contribution to a new book analysing the mindset of...
Disruption Doesn’t Book a Slot in Your Diary: How to Communicate with Staff When It Strikes
In my blog, I explore practical ways to lead your team through disruption, build trust, reduce uncertainty, and guide your people with clear, confident communication. If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that disruption never shows up at a good time. And when...
Unemployment Up As Wages Still Outpace Inflation
Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “There is little comfort in this data for businesses or the government. Employers are being squeezed...
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 4) Is Now Live – Have Your Say!
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to share their insights in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 4). This vital survey helps the Chamber build a clear picture of the current business climate across the two...
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...
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