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.
New Plan Needed As Fresh Tariff Pain Hits
The British Chambers of Commerce is urging the government to adopt its six-point plan to support UK exporters as the US President’s new 15 per cent tariff kicks in. Thousands of British businesses are expected to be worse off as they see the tariff paid on their...
Latest Article
New Plan Needed As Fresh Tariff Pain Hits
The British Chambers of Commerce is urging the government to adopt its six-point plan to support UK exporters as the US President’s new 15 per cent tariff kicks in. Thousands of British businesses are expected to be worse off as they see the tariff paid on their...
Member News
University of Worcester to Host Conference on Global Divisions and Future Sustainability
The University of Worcester will host a special conference next month exploring the growing political, social, and economic divisions shaping the modern world, and how communities can work together toward a more sustainable future. The conference, titled ‘Divided...
Rowley Meadow Lodges Awarded Prestigious AA 5-Star Rating for 2026
This prestigious accolade recognises excellence in quality, comfort, hospitality and overall guest experience, placing Rowley Meadow Lodges among the very best self-catering destinations in the country. Set in a tranquil countryside location, in the heart of the...
Patron & Strategic News
University Research Backs Innovative Prison Scheme to Break Cycle of Reoffending
Experts from the University of Worcester have been working with men recently released from prison to evaluate the impact of an innovative rehabilitation programme centred around fitness. Their report on the pilot scheme could help make the case for rolling the...
Are Ageing Systems Holding Your Business Back?
Outdated IT systems can quietly create big challenges for businesses — from slowing productivity and increasing costs to exposing organisations to greater cyber risk. As technology evolves, keeping systems fit for purpose is no longer optional; it’s essential. As a...
Chamber News
Make Your Voice Heard: Voting Opens for the Herefordshire Area Council
We’re recruiting three new Herefordshire Area Council members and now we need your vote. These newly elected members will join senior leaders from a wide range of business sectors across the county, providing crucial sector-specific insights and contributing to...
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 4) Is Now Live – Have Your Say!
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to share their insights in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES 4). This vital survey helps the Chamber build a clear picture of the current business climate across the two...
Our Latest Member
Meet OCM – Your local experts in sustainable IT asset management
As a proud new member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, OCM is excited to introduce their team to fellow businesses across the region. Based in Pershore, Jennine, Richard and co have been delivering secure, sustainable and reliable IT...
Meet OCM – Your local experts in sustainable IT asset management
As a proud new member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, OCM is excited to introduce their team to fellow businesses across the region. Based in Pershore, Jennine, Richard and co have been delivering secure, sustainable and reliable IT...
Policy News
Autumn Budget 2025 summary: What you need to know
After months of unprecedented and exhausting speculation, policy kite-flying and last-minute U-turns that rattled the markets, Rachel Reeves has finally unveiled her much-anticipated second Budget, delivered as late in the year as politically possible. She faced a...
Key Employment Law Updates: Winter 2025
Employment Rights Bill in “Ping Pong” Phase as Key Provisions Remain in Debate As winter 2025 approaches, the Employment Rights Act 2025 has yet to be finalised, with several headline provisions still under dispute following rejection by the House of Lords on 28...
Skills News
‘Credit to Nursing’ Lecturer Wins Prestigious Nomination
A senior lecturer at the University of Worcester has been shortlisted for a prestigious prize at the British Journal of Nursing Awards. Dr Paul-John Alegado is in the running for the Educator Nurse of the Year award, which celebrates nurses who have demonstrated...
Early Years Conference Marks Launch of University Centre in Worcester
The work of early years professionals in the county was the topic of a conference which marked the launch of a new University Centre at Heart of Worcestershire College. The internationally renowned author, Ben Kingston-Hughes, who has written several early years...
Charity News
Supporting Care Leavers and Families: Join Our December Zoom Sessions
We have 2 Peer Support Zoom Sessions for Care Leavers and their families of all ages in Dec! This Wed 10th – New Horizons – 1.30-3pm – See enclosed leaflet for more info. Monday 15th – Information on Accessing Records – 10 am -12 midday...
Growing Hope This Christmas: How Local Businesses Can Support WMRSASC’s Purple Leaf Project
This December, WMRSASC is inviting local businesses to support the Purple Leaf Project – Tree of Hope at Worcester Cathedral. Each hand-painted purple leaf represents solidarity, strength, and a message of hope for survivors of sexual violence — and every donation...
EU Reset Must Reverse Trade Slump
In new survey data, the percentage of businesses reporting increased export orders has fallen to 21% in Q4 2025, compared with 31% in Q2 2018 A further 50% report no change, while 28% report a decrease Smaller and medium sized businesses have been hit much harder than...
BCC News
EU Reset Must Reverse Trade Slump
In new survey data, the percentage of businesses reporting increased export orders has fallen to 21% in Q4 2025, compared with 31% in Q2 2018 A further 50% report no change, while 28% report a decrease Smaller and medium sized businesses have been hit much harder than...
Worcestershire News
‘Scots Guardsman’ to replace ‘Tornado’ at the SVR’s Railway 200: Trains through the Ages event
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed that LMS 46115 ‘Scots Guardsman’ will appear at its Railway 200: Trains though the Ages event on 5 and 6 July, as a replacement for 60163 ‘Tornado’. Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director said: ‘As one door closes,...
Tickets for ‘Flying Scotsman’ at the Severn Valley Railway sell out in three minutes
The Severn Valley Railway was expecting demand to be high for tickets to travel behind ‘Flying Scotsman’ when it visits the line next month, but so strong was the demand to travel behind the iconic locomotive that all the seats were snapped up within three minutes of...
Herefordshire News
Worcester – Hereford Engineering Work: Sunday 26 – Friday 31 January
From Sunday 26 January – Friday 31 January, services between Worcester and Hereford will be operated by rail replacement buses, due to essential track renewal work being completed. Sunday 26 January Trains between Worcester Shrub Hill and Hereford will not run....
Herefordshire Law Firm Announces New Partners
A Herefordshire law firm is celebrating the appointments of four new partners – including one who started out as an office secretary nearly 30 years ago. Lanyon Bowdler has announced that four senior members of staff have been promoted to partners –...
All Latest News
National Charity the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust marks 10 Years of Funding Vital Research and Supporting Families
2026 sees national charity the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust mark ten years of incredible achievements in supporting children and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, both through physical support and by funding thousands of pounds into vital research...
BCRS Business Loans passes £10m milestone for CIEF investment in jobs and growth
Community business finance provider BCRS Business Loans has lent more than £10m to generate job creation and economic growth through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). The Wolverhampton-based lender has delivered £10.3m in loans to 121 companies,...
ONE attends reception at Falkland House
ONE Creative environments’ (ONE’s) Chairman was delighted to attend a reception at Falkland House in London (12/2/2026). The reception hosted by Richard Hyslop, the Falkland Islands Government’s Representative to the UK and Europe, was attended by Dame Harriett...
Celebrating Apprenticeships: How TDM and Jess Gladston Champion Lifelong Learning
As we mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of apprenticeships — both for individuals and for businesses. Our patron member, The Development Manager (TDM), has been at the forefront of this movement,...
Kidderminster College Receives FE First Award
Kidderminster College is celebrating after winning two prestigious accolades at the College Marketing Network’s FE First Awards 2026, recognising excellence, innovation and impact across further education marketing. Kidderminster College was awarded gold in the...
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines | February
The countdown to reopening is almost at zero! Tomorrow evening (Friday 13 February) sees the first of the Boogie Lights Express trains, and on Saturday, the Railway is open for half-term services. It’s very exciting to be on the cusp of the 2026 season, one which...
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