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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.
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.
Free calculator reveals the true cost of IT downtime for local businesses
Gloucestershire IT and cyber security specialist System Force IT has launched a free online calculator that puts a pound figure on IT downtime, a cost most business owners never measure. The tool counts two things: the idle time of staff who cannot work, and any...
Latest Article
Free calculator reveals the true cost of IT downtime for local businesses
Gloucestershire IT and cyber security specialist System Force IT has launched a free online calculator that puts a pound figure on IT downtime, a cost most business owners never measure. The tool counts two things: the idle time of staff who cannot work, and any...
Member News
Special Event Explores the Stories Behind Hilary Mantel’s Success
One of the world’s leading experts on Hilary Mantel will explore the work, life and lasting influence of the twice Booker Prize-winning author at an event in Worcester this month. Dr Lucy Arnold, Senior Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Worcester,...
Trusted Electrical Services in Worcester
Wolfe Electrics Ltd is a Worcester-based team of NAPIT-approved electricians providing professional domestic and commercial electrical services across Worcestershire. With over 12 years of industry experience, the company focuses on quality workmanship, clear...
Patron & Strategic News
VSL Group welcomes Lee Reece and John MacDonald as business enters next stage of growth
VSL Group is delighted to announce two new appointments to its growing team, with Lee Reece joining as Sales and Marketing Director and John MacDonald as Chief Technology Officer. The appointments come at an exciting time for VSL Group as the business continues to...
Finalists and sponsors confirmed for 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards
The finalists and sponsors have been announced for the prestigious 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. Over 30 finalists have been announced for 2026 from across 10 categories. These categories recognising the very best apprentices, employers, training...
Chamber News
Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q2 2026 Report Released
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report for Q2 2026, supported by Worcestershire County Council. Based on responses from 226 organisations, the survey provides a snapshot...
Winners Revealed at the Chamber Business Awards 2026
The Chamber Business Awards 2026 brought together the very best of business from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire last night for a spectacular evening of celebration, recognition and global-inspired entertainment. Sponsored by Herefordshire Council and...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | June 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout June: KSP Secure – Provides professional CCTV, intruder alarm, and security system installation services, delivering reliable, tailored protection for homes and businesses. Jespearl Services Ltd...
Welcome New Members | June 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout June: KSP Secure – Provides professional CCTV, intruder alarm, and security system installation services, delivering reliable, tailored protection for homes and businesses. Jespearl Services Ltd...
Policy News
Reading the Seismograph: What the BCC’s QES Dashboard can tell us about the looming economic shock
The latest results from the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2026 present a familiar picture1. Business confidence remains subdued. Investment intentions are weak. Cost pressures, though no longer accelerating, remain elevated. Firms...
Iran Conflict Deepens Inflation Concerns
Responding to the latest inflation data, published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s 3.3% inflation figure for March is an early signal that the Iran conflict is...
Skills News
Trio complete training contracts at Worcestershire law firm
Three up and coming lawyers are celebrating after completing their training contracts with Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors. Solicitors Sufyaan Aslim, Lucy Palmer and Molly Wall have now been appointed into full-time positions at the law firm having completed...
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...
Charity News
OWB Creative donates craft boxes to charity to support childhood cancer families
Generous marketing specialists OWB Creative have donated colourful craft boxes to a charity supporting families impacted by childhood cancer. The team at OWB Creative, part of Chamber Member DRPG Group, decorated and filled four large boxes with crafting gifts and...
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...
Costs Crisis Hampering Hiring
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Although unemployment has held steady at 4.9%, this cannot hide the wider problems bedeviling the UK’s job market....
BCC News
Costs Crisis Hampering Hiring
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Although unemployment has held steady at 4.9%, this cannot hide the wider problems bedeviling the UK’s job market....
Worcestershire News
A Vintage Transport Extravaganza at the SVR in August
A full weekend of heritage trains and classic vehicles awaits as the Severn Valley Railway’s much-loved Vintage Transport Extravaganza rolls in on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August. Just weeks after the railway proudly reopens its full 16.5-mile route from Kidderminster...
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...
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
AI-driven CVs create recruitment headache for employers
A Worcestershire recruitment firm has urged businesses to rethink how they screen jobseekers as AI is making it easier for candidates to submit large volumes of job applications at the click of a button. Joanna Pennell, divisional manager at Worcester-based Pineapple...
BCC Economic Forecast: Weak Business Investment Hits Growth Outlook
The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Economic Forecast suggests the outlook for the UK will remain uncertain. While the economy was more resilient in Q2 than expected, higher energy and business costs are likely to keep growth weak this year and next. The key...
Bewdley Express rolls out for first commuter journey on the SVR
The Severn Valley Railway’s Bewdley Express commuter trial got off to a flying start today [Tuesday 1 September] as the first heritage train carried passengers from Bewdley towards Birmingham, marking the beginning of an eight-week experiment in connecting the town...
New paralegal joins mfg’s Residential Property department as work grows
Law firm mfg Solicitors has added further to its growing Residential Property team with the appointment of a new paralegal. Elizabeth Simpson has joined the firm from Parkinson Wright where she spent just over two years. Aside from supporting the team and its clients,...
Steam returns as the SVR’s Autumn Steam Gala gets the green light
The Severn Valley Railway is preparing to bring steam operations back into service this week, following significant rainfall across Worcestershire and Shropshire, meaning its Autumn Steam Gala will go ahead as planned. At long last, the SVR has received the...
SQUIREL modular storage launches with expandable workspace systems that improve productivity
SQUIREL introduces significant shift from systems that are traditionally fixed, inefficient and unable to adapt as projects change 24 August 2026, Warwickshire: Steve Harvey spent more than 15 years developing vehicles for some of the most prestigious British...
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