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.
Clearing Gave me the Chance to Choose, says Worcester Graduate
The University of Worcester is braced for a potentially record-breaking Clearing Day, as pupils across the country prepare to receive their exam results. The University received more than 1,000 calls to its Clearing hotline last year, with students hoping to secure a...
Latest Article
Clearing Gave me the Chance to Choose, says Worcester Graduate
The University of Worcester is braced for a potentially record-breaking Clearing Day, as pupils across the country prepare to receive their exam results. The University received more than 1,000 calls to its Clearing hotline last year, with students hoping to secure a...
Member News
Experienced marketing professional joins community lender ART Business Loans
Community lender ART Business Loans has announced the appointment of Joy Douglas to the newly created role of marketing manager. Joy brings more than 20 years of marketing experience to the role having previously run her own consultancy, Joy Friday, supporting small...
Coffee Express opens at Kidderminster Town station
The Severn Valley Railway has opened its new Coffee Express grab-and-go refreshment outlet at Kidderminster Town station, with the Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Shazu Miah, performing the opening ceremony on 29 July. Located at the front of the Railway’s...
Patron & Strategic News
Free Samaritans Suicide in the Media Advice Sessions
Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Suicide Prevention Programme has funded two online Suicide in the Media Advice Sessions delivered by Samaritans. The sessions are free for anyone living or working across Herefordshire or Worcestershire who might communicate publicly...
SUTCLIFFE & CO TRIPLE FINALISTS IN UK BROKER AWARDS 2026
The UK Broker Awards 2026 shortlist has been revealed with Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers being named as a Finalist in three categories; Commercial Lines Insurance Broker of the Year, Insurance Broker Customer Service Award and Insurance Broker Employer of the...
Chamber News
New Construction & Trade Forum Series Launched to Support Industry Collaboration
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of its new Construction & Trade Forum series, designed to bring together professionals from across the sector to share knowledge, discuss key challenges, and explore...
Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q1 2026 Report Released
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q1 2026, supported by Worcestershire County Council. The QES is the UK’s largest independent business survey and provides a key...
Our Latest Member
Local Expertise Meets New Connections: West Mercia Air Conditioning Joins the Chamber
West Mercia Air Conditioning is proud to be a member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Having joined the Chamber in recent weeks, we are already enjoying being part of a thriving local business network. While we are relatively new to the...
Local Expertise Meets New Connections: West Mercia Air Conditioning Joins the Chamber
West Mercia Air Conditioning is proud to be a member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Having joined the Chamber in recent weeks, we are already enjoying being part of a thriving local business network. While we are relatively new to the...
Policy 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,...
Are Your Workplace Policies Still Fit for Purpose in 2026?
For many businesses, policies are something that get written, filed away, and only revisited when there’s an issue. But in reality, policies should be living, working documents that actively support both your people and your business. With ongoing changes in...
Skills News
Make Strides – A Digital-First Learning and Development Company
Make Strides is a digital-first learning and development company, helping people and organisations grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence. We specialise in early careers and leadership development, offering bite-size, engaging and accredited digital programmes...
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...
Charity News
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Marks 10 Years of Impact Supporting Families Across the UK
June 22nd marks ten years since the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust was registered as a charity. Following a move to a larger office in November and supported by a growing team of staff and volunteers, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust continues to expand its...
Hoople mark 6 months of good deeds
2026 marked Hoople’s 15th birthday. To celebrate this important milestone, the company decided to complete 15 “Good Deeds” throughout the year as a way of giving back to the community that has supported them along the way. At the half-way point, Hoople have been...
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...
BCC News
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...
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
Escape to the Country features Herefordshire and Country & Classic Properties
On Monday 13th October Escape to Country featured Herefordshire – what a fabulous showcase for our fabulous rural county, showcasing all the county’s lovely views, countryside, attractive towns and villages. Not just one but two of the lovely, and quite...
Baton of Hope Tour to Visit Hereford on 2nd October – Shining a Light on Suicide Prevention
The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope Tour, will arrive in Hereford on Wednesday 2nd October, bringing with it a powerful message of hope, support and community action. The Baton of Hope, a specially designed baton symbolising the...
All Latest News
Wyevale Nurseries ‘Original Select’ range grown to foster resilient native tree planting
WYEVALE Nurseries in Hereford has developed an ‘Original Select’ range to help landscapers, amenity specifiers and gardeners establish resilient native trees that can better withstand climate change and urban pressures (July 2026). Carefully curated by the commercial...
Hillscourt Hotel & Conference Centre Announces Partnership with Primrose Hospice
Hillscourt Hotel & Conference Centre has announced Primrose Hospice as one of its chosen charity partners, beginning what promises to be a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with one of Worcestershire’s most valued local charities. Known for its...
OrchardFest Returns – Join Orchard Trust For Their Accessible Music Festival on 15th August 2026
Orchard Trust is excited to share some sunny news: OrchardFest is returning on 15th August 2026! About the Festival: OrchardFest 2026 is Orchard Trust’s popular accessible music festival, designed especially for people with learning disabilities, where everyone is...
HCR Law Announces Winners of the 2026 HCR Spark Award
HCR Law is delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 HCR Spark Award, an inspiring initiative designed to support and encourage young people considering a career in the legal profession. Following an exceptional response from schools and colleges across...
University of Worcester Shortlisted for UK Social Mobility Award for Record Fourth Time
The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards for a fourth time. The prestigious national awards recognise organisations that are making a measurable difference in improving social mobility across the UK....
John Truslove helps SEW-Eurodrive build Bromsgrove base for future growth
Commercial property agents John Truslove have helped a world leading drive technology specialist consolidate its operations at its base in Worcestershire. SEW-Eurodrive Ltd, part of a global German group employing over 22,000 people, has taken Units 15 & 16 Aston...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here