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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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Orchard Trust Offers New Supported Farm Placements
Lydbrook, Gloucestershire – Orchard Trust is delighted to announce it has secured funding from The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation to support the development of their new Supported Farm Placements Programme: specialised Animal Care and Gardening Placements based at...
Latest Article
Orchard Trust Offers New Supported Farm Placements
Lydbrook, Gloucestershire – Orchard Trust is delighted to announce it has secured funding from The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation to support the development of their new Supported Farm Placements Programme: specialised Animal Care and Gardening Placements based at...
Member News
Hereford business named in UK’s Green Growth 100
Local small business recognised as one of the UK’s leaders in sustainability-led growth. Niche, a habitat solutions provider and biodiversity specialist has been selected as part of the Green Growth 100, an initiative launched by Small Business Britain in partnership...
Midlands mums reminded of contact rights as Mother’s Day looms
Mothers are being reminded that their children have the right to spend time with them if they so wish, particularly on special occasions. As Mother’s Day approaches on 15 March, respected family lawyer Katherine Tippetts is warning mums in advance that they need to...
Patron & Strategic News
Literature Expert to Give Insights on Messaging in Children’s Fiction
A free talk at The Hive will uncover the surprising moral and political messages woven into the children’s books we grew up loving. Professor Jean Webb, a University of Worcester expert in International Children’s Literature, will lead the session, titled “Not Just...
From GCSE Resits to PhD, Worcester Lecturer Champions Diverse Learners
A mother of two who once believed she ‘wasn’t good enough’ for university is now graduating with a PhD that explores how to empower silenced learners. Anastasia Kennett studied for her undergraduate degree in Special Educational Disabilities at the University of...
Chamber News
Autumn Budget 2025: Chamber Response
Commenting on the Budget Statement, Robert Elliot, Director of Business Development & Policy, said: “For months we have been concerned that this Budget might repeat the chaos businesses faced in October 2024. While this statement is more stable, several measures...
Unlocking AI Potential: How the BCC AI Academy Is Helping Local Businesses Thrive
In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword, but a business imperative, the BCC AI Academy is proving to be a game-changer for regional organisations. This is not just theoretical training; it’s a practical, hands-on programme...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members August
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout July. ActionCOACH Worcester – The help you need to grow your business. Agility Fleet – Agility Fleet is a national provider of vehicle funding and fleet management, specialising in the SME market....
Welcome New Members August
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout July. ActionCOACH Worcester – The help you need to grow your business. Agility Fleet – Agility Fleet is a national provider of vehicle funding and fleet management, specialising in the SME market....
Policy News
Autumn Budget 2025: Your detailed summary
Rachel Reeves’s second Budget boosts welfare spending paid for through stealth tax rises, and taxes on property, savings and dividends. Income tax rates remain unchanged, but frozen thresholds for a further three years and wealth-focused levies do the heavy lifting. ...
Autumn Budget 2025: Chamber Response
Commenting on the Budget Statement, Robert Elliot, Director of Business Development & Policy, said: “For months we have been concerned that this Budget might repeat the chaos businesses faced in October 2024. While this statement is more stable, several measures...
Skills News
The Development Manager – Worcestershire’s Leading Tech and Digital Apprenticeship Provider
TDM, based in Worcestershire, provides tech and digital Apprenticeships across England. At TDM, we offer Apprenticeship programmes from Level 3 to Degree levels and run tailored 12-week Skills Bootcamp programmes. Apprenticeship funding is accessible to individuals at...
BetaDen Expands to New Base in Kidderminster’s Historic Old Court
BetaDen, Worcestershire’s award-winning provider of support programmes for technology businesses and entrepreneurs, is expanding its footprint with a new base in the north of the county at the newly renovated Old Court in Kidderminster. This move marks an exciting new...
Charity News
Community generosity at Christmas helps Herefordshire families
As families across Herefordshire face increasing pressure, a series of quiet but meaningful acts of generosity by business and individuals are helping to support those most in need through local charity Vennture. With demand for emergency accommodation and family...
Turn your unwanted Christmas gifts into a lifeline for local children
Did Santa bring you a gorgeous gift… that you already own? Did you get something fabulous and fashionable, but it doesn’t quite fit? Or have the festivities left your wardrobes and cupboards feeling a little too bloated? Before you mistle-toss them into the attic, why...
Energy Costs Continue to Spark Business Concern
Over a quarter of businesses (27%) say they are currently finding it difficult to pay their energy bills, according to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The BCC survey of over 600 firms shows energy costs are particularly challenging for...
BCC News
Energy Costs Continue to Spark Business Concern
Over a quarter of businesses (27%) say they are currently finding it difficult to pay their energy bills, according to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The BCC survey of over 600 firms shows energy costs are particularly challenging for...
Worcestershire News
Shape Worcestershire: Help Shape the Future of Local Councils
A major consultation is underway to decide how Worcestershire’s local government could be reshaped. Shape Worcestershire invites all residents to share their views on how council services should be delivered in the future. What’s Changing? Currently, Worcestershire...
Businesses called to the crease as Worcester Street Sixes returns this July
Worcestershire businesses are being urged to bat up for a day of sporting fun and community connection as Worcester Street Sixes returns to the heart of the city on Tuesday 15 July 2025, when the event will unfold across Cathedral Square and Worcester High Street....
Herefordshire News
Winners of the Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2024 have been Announced
Industry experts selected the county’s winning tourism businesses in our very first Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards. We’re delighted to congratulate our winners and are super excited that they will be put forward to the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence...
Hereford River Carnival – how to get involved
• Hereford River Carnival is holding an open meeting to encourage people to get involved in the 2025 event. The drop-in open meeting will be held upstairs at De Koffie Pot between 1pm-5pm on Saturday 8th February. This will be a chance to meet the team, find out more...
All Latest News
URGENT Briefing Webinar: What Does the Middle East Conflict Mean for Your Business?
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is already having significant consequences for global energy markets, supply chains, insurance costs and wider commercial risk environments. As the situation continues to evolve, UK businesses need timely, reliable...
From Worcestershire to Düsseldorf: VKF Renzel at EuroShop 2026
EuroShop 2026 was an incredible stage for VKF Renzel to showcase what we do best. Returning to the world’s leading retail trade fair, we were proud to present our latest solutions for entrance areas, POS displays, ESL fixings, shelf optimisation, digital signage, and...
From GCSE Resits to PhD, Worcester Lecturer Champions Diverse Learners
A mother of two who once believed she ‘wasn’t good enough’ for university is now graduating with a PhD that explores how to empower silenced learners. Anastasia Kennett studied for her undergraduate degree in Special Educational Disabilities at the University of...
Occupational Therapy Comes to Local Charity After Staff Member Retrains
A newly trained Occupational Therapist is already making a difference to young people at her Worcestershire workplace, after retraining and reshaping her career. Emma Nokes graduates from the University of Worcester this week with her MSc in Occupational Therapy and...
Introducing Socage UK Ltd – A World-Leading Manufacturer of Chassis & Track-Mounted MEWPs Now Supporting the UK Market
As a new member of the H&W Chamber I would like to introduce Socage UK Ltd. The largest manufacturer in the world of chassis and track mounted MEWPS. Made in Moderna, Italy available around the world and market leader in many countries. Our UK subsidiary is in...
Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced
Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “While a new 10 per cent US tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some...
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