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.
BCRS Business Loans passes £5m in Midlands Engine Investment Fund II lending
Community lender BCRS Business Loans has passed £5 million in lending for the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch, creating 237 new jobs across the West Midlands. BCRS Business Loans has supported 82 businesses by delivering...
Latest Article
BCRS Business Loans passes £5m in Midlands Engine Investment Fund II lending
Community lender BCRS Business Loans has passed £5 million in lending for the British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II since its launch, creating 237 new jobs across the West Midlands. BCRS Business Loans has supported 82 businesses by delivering...
Member News
Cornerstone Group Expands into Full Multi-Disciplinary Services with Strategic Acquisitions of ONE Creative environments (ONE) and Brinson Staniland Partnership (BSP)
Cornerstone Group today announces the acquisitions of ONE Creative environments Ltd (“ONE”), an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design consultancy and Brinson Staniland Partnership (BSP), a highly respected consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering...
BCRS Business Loans fuels growth with annual lending generating £53m economic impact
Community lender BCRS Business Loans is marking another year of success having generated more than £53 million in economic growth across the West Midlands, surrounding areas and Wales through funding to underserved small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According...
Patron & Strategic News
ONE Creative environments (ONE) becomes a Strategic Member
Multi-disciplinary design company ONE Creative environments (ONE) is delighted to become a Strategic Member of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1975, ONE has grown significantly and now operates from offices in Birmingham, Cardiff and...
Cyber resilience – Are you ready for when it hits the fan?
In an age where digital threats are evolving faster than ever, resilience is no longer just an IT issue – it’s a business imperative. We’re bringing together decision-makers from across the region to explore how organisations can prepare for, respond to, and...
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 Uncover Britain, who have recently joined Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
A website library of inspirational road trips throughout the United Kingdom. Founded and directed by Annah and Andrew Todman, this visionary company is dedicated to helping road trippers unearth the hidden treasures of Britain through immersive campervan and motorhome...
Introducing Uncover Britain, who have recently joined Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
A website library of inspirational road trips throughout the United Kingdom. Founded and directed by Annah and Andrew Todman, this visionary company is dedicated to helping road trippers unearth the hidden treasures of Britain through immersive campervan and motorhome...
Policy News
Weak GDP highlights continued fragility of UK economy
Reacting to the latest ONS GDP figures, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “The first estimate of GDP for Q1 2023 of 0.1% growth indicates the UK is avoiding a recession and shows the resilience of businesses who are having to weather serious headwinds....
Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey now open
Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey is now open. Click here to take part. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce represent the views of our members to national government, ensuring that the business case drives government policy. A great benefit of...
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
Chefs have Recipe for Success as Evening of Brummie Culinary Excellence Serves up £27,000 for Charity
An unforgettable evening of Brummie culinary excellence has raised a staggering £27,665 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Chefs for Charity saw two of the second city’s greatest culinary heroes join forces for an exclusive dining experience to raise funds towards...
Lights of Love to shine across Worcestershire
Hundreds of twinkling lights will be lit in memory and celebration of loved ones this festive season, in the annual St Richard’s Hospice Lights of Love campaign. There will be two moving and uplifting St Richard’s Lights of Love services at Worcester Cathedral at...
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...
BCC News
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...
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
ONSIDE Independent Advocacy are offering a Free 6 week Timeout Course
Timeout is an exploration of creative techniques to inspire mindfulness and increase positive mental health. The course is provided by ONSIDE, charity no 1102022. During a free 6 week course, participants are encouraged to learn and practice simple, accessible...
Family Favourite Lakefest back at Eastnor Castle this August
With only a few months to go until the event, festival-goers are urged to purchase their tickets while they are still available. The popular local festival is taking place on 10th– 13th August and is set to be an amazing weekend. Set in the sublimely picturesque...
All Latest News
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...
New Tariff Rate A Further Blow To Business
Reacting to the decision by the US President to raise his new tariffs under section 122 of the Trade Act 1974 to 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The 40,000 UK companies exporting goods to the US will be dismayed at this latest turn...
New Invest in Herefordshire service launched to attract business investment and jobs
Herefordshire Council and partners have launched a new Invest in Herefordshire service and website to attract business investment, support growth and create better-paid jobs in the county. With a £3.6 billion economy, more than 10,600 active businesses and a...
Sherlock Holmes Under the Lens in Free Talk at The Hive
A free talk at The Hive will explore the fascinating thinking behind the creation of the most famous fictional detective of all time. Dr Sharon Young, Course Leader for MA English at the University of Worcester will deliver the talk, titled In Search of a Hero:...
Last Chance to See Moving Holocaust Exhibit at The Hive
It’s your last chance to see a powerful exhibition telling moving stories of rescue from the Holocaust at The Hive in Worcester before it moves on. Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue During the Holocaust, presents stories of rescue in fourteen European...
Botany Bay wins National Award!
The team at Redditch garden centre Botany Bay Nurseries are immensely proud to be winners at a prestigious awards. Botany Bay won the Bronze Award for the GTN Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion in their Greatest Christmas Awards 2025. This family-run garden...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here