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.

Inflation Eases – But Action Must Follow

Inflation Eases – But Action Must Follow

Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “Businesses will be hoping October’s inflation rate of 3.6% is further evidence that inflation may now be past its peak....

Latest Article

Inflation Eases – But Action Must Follow

Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “Businesses will be hoping October’s inflation rate of 3.6% is further evidence that inflation may now be past its peak....

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Member News

Patron & Strategic News

Ballards LLP Celebrating Double Award Shortlisting

Ballards LLP Celebrating Double Award Shortlisting

L-R: James Syree CEO Ballards LLP and Adrian Sidaway Audit Director,  Ballards LLP   Midlands-based firm recognised for outstanding performance by the Accounting Excellence Awards.  Leading Worcestershire Accountancy firm, Ballards LLP, has been shortlisted for...

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Fisher German scoops top training award

Fisher German scoops top training award

A leading property consultancy is celebrating winning a prestigious award for its innovative approach to employee development at the British Training Awards. Fisher German, which has 26 offices across the UK, has been crowned Professional Services Initiative of the...

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Chamber News

Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey Now Open

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...

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Inflation Drops, However Remains at a Historic High Level.

Inflation Drops, However Remains at a Historic High Level.

Inflation has dropped again, to 6.8% from 7.9% in June. This is welcome news to businesses that have been hit hard by constant pressures from price rises for many months. However, inflation remains at historically high levels and is significantly below the 2% target...

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Our Latest Member

Welcome B Smith Packaging (Worcester) Ltd to the Chamber

B Smith Packaging has been a specialist in the packaging field for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on offering a bespoke, cost-effective, sustainable, and personalised service to our clients to enable them to promote their brand and business to their consumers in...

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Welcome B Smith Packaging (Worcester) Ltd to the Chamber

Welcome B Smith Packaging (Worcester) Ltd to the Chamber

B Smith Packaging has been a specialist in the packaging field for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on offering a bespoke, cost-effective, sustainable, and personalised service to our clients to enable them to promote their brand and business to their consumers in...

Policy News

New Guidance on Employment Status Available for Businesses

New Guidance on Employment Status Available for Businesses

Guidance on employment status for HR advisers has been published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Its aim is to help individuals and businesses understand which employment rights apply to them. This new guidance has been...

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BCC and IBCC Welcome New UK-Israel Trade Negotiations

BCC and IBCC Welcome New UK-Israel Trade Negotiations

Commenting on the launch of the negotiations, William Bain, the BCC’s Head of Trade Policy, said:         “Business supports these efforts to develop an improved trade agreement with Israel to boost the supply of services between our countries.    “There are also...

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Skills News

Workplace Training and Development Commission Progress Report

Workplace Training and Development Commission Progress Report

On 4 September, the BCC’s Workplace Training and Development Commission (WTDC) published its Progress Report for consultation. The report marks the halfway point in the Commission’s Inquiry into adult skills in the workplace. It sets out our emerging recommendations...

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Charity News

County IT expert to take on Worcester 10k for Cancer Research

County IT expert to take on Worcester 10k for Cancer Research

A Worcestershire IT specialist is set to take part in this month’s Worcester 10k to raise money for the Cancer Research charity. Paul Taylor, head of sales at Kidderminster IT firm Minster Micro, is taking part in the city’s popular race after running the half...

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Costs Pressures Hitting Workforce Growth

Costs Pressures Hitting Workforce Growth

The proportion of firms who have increased their workforce falls to a fifth (20%) from 24% in Q4 2024, while 17% report a decline in their workforce 73% of firms say labour costs are creating pressure to put up prices Of those attempting to recruit, 76% of firms faced...

BCC News

Costs Pressures Hitting Workforce Growth

The proportion of firms who have increased their workforce falls to a fifth (20%) from 24% in Q4 2024, while 17% report a decline in their workforce 73% of firms say labour costs are creating pressure to put up prices Of those attempting to recruit, 76% of firms faced...

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Worcestershire News

WCWFC’s Rise: A Winning Streak and an FA Cup Challenge

WCWFC’s Rise: A Winning Streak and an FA Cup Challenge

In an unprecedented feat, Worcester City Women FC has secured a spot in the Second Round Proper of the FA Cup, marking a historic moment for the club. The draw pits them against third-tier powerhouse MK Dons, and the clash promises to be a thrilling encounter on...

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Herefordshire News

Caplor Energy Certifies as a B Corporation

Caplor Energy Certifies as a B Corporation

Renewable Energy company Caplor Energy Ltd has announced on March the 1st its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp), joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Caplor Energy has been certified by B Lab, the...

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All Latest News

Law firm hosts Lions rugby networking event

Law firm hosts Lions rugby networking event

Partners from Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors hosted a special British & Irish Lions networking event at Stourton Park, home of Stourbridge Rugby Club. Over 90 business professionals from across the region attended the breakfast event to network and cheer...

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Severn Valley Railway wins UK Enterprise award

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...

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Preventing Harm at the Heart of Policing Conference

Preventing Harm at the Heart of Policing Conference

Stark statistics, shocking stories, and insights into policing methods were all part of the Evidence Based Policing Conference at the University of Worcester recently. The event, attended by students, staff, and representatives from a host of organisations, addressed...

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Could you host a T Level industry placement?

Could you host a T Level industry placement?

We’re offering funding to support employers with the essential costs of hosting T Level industry placements starting now through to 31st March 2026. Whether you’re a large organisation or a small business, we can help: Construction Route – Support available for...

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