Business Direction Online
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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.
Get set for a frightfully good night on the SVR Ghost Train
Brave passengers are being invited to climb aboard the Severn Valley Railway’s Ghost Train this Halloween, for a spine-tingling journey from Kidderminster to Arley and back. Running from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October, the 75-minute experience will feature eerie...
Latest Article
Get set for a frightfully good night on the SVR Ghost Train
Brave passengers are being invited to climb aboard the Severn Valley Railway’s Ghost Train this Halloween, for a spine-tingling journey from Kidderminster to Arley and back. Running from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October, the 75-minute experience will feature eerie...
Member News
Demonic Folklore that Inspired Dracula Explored in Historian’s Eve of Halloween Talk
On the eve of Halloween, people can delve into the dark legends and demonic folklore that gave rise to literature’s most iconic vampire at a special talk. University of Worcester Professor of Early Modern History, Darren Oldridge, will be speaking on the novel...
Award winning firm McPhillips reaches 20k pupils in bid to nurture next generation
Figures have revealed award winning construction firm McPhillips has reached almost 20,000 pupils across the last year through a string of initiatives designed at nurturing the next generation of talent. The Telford based firm, who are Shropshire’s biggest...
Patron & Strategic News
Exhibition in The Hive Marks 80 Years of the University of Worcester in the City
A special exhibition celebrating the University of Worcester’s 80-year contribution to education, opportunity and community life is now open in The Hive. The exhibition, titled Inspired for Life: University of Worcester 80th Anniversary, charts eight decades of...
Ian Stirzaker wins Lifetime Achievement Award at Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2026
We are delighted to announce that Ian Stirzaker, SME Solicitors’ former Senior Partner, has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2026. The award recognises more than 35 years of legal experience, business leadership and service...
Chamber News
Welcome New Members | May 2026
A warm welcome to our newest members who joined us throughout May: WHC Hire Services Ltd – A provider of tool, plant, and equipment hire services for construction and trade projects. WH Integrated Solutions Ltd – A facilities management company providing operational...
UK Steel Strategy
From 1st July, the government will be reducing the amount of steel that can be imported without tariffs, meaning that there will be 50% import tariffs on companies that exceed the 60% quota set by the government. There is some uncertainty over the reasoning behind...
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
Steel Tariffs Risk Serious Damage To UK Manufacturers
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that changes to UK steel quotas and tariffs could add millions of pounds to manufacturers’ costs. In a letter to the Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, the BCC said the proposed regime risks creating ‘real financial and...
Conference to Examine Impact of Brexit on Politics and Law in the UK
The two-day conference, held on June 25 and 26 and funded by the Society of Legal Scholars, will hear from some of the biggest names in politics, who’ll be discussing how Britain’s departure from the EU impacted accountability, parliament, rights and equality, and...
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
A night to remember: St Michael’s Hospice Winter Ball is now open for bookings!
The St Michael’s Hospice Winter Ball is now open for bookings. Please help to make this a night to remember! Here’s a few more details: When? Saturday 28th November 6.30 pm to Midnight Where? The Basement at Whitestone, Hereford. HR1 3SE. For one night only this...
Primrose Partners Networking Dinner
Primrose Hospice will host an inspiring Networking Dinner at Hogarths Stone Manor, Kidderminster (DY10 4PJ), on Thursday 1 October 2026. Primrose Partners and other local businesses interested in learning more about the Hospice’s work are invited to join the...
Budget Must Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on Chancellor, John Healey, to ‘Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth’ in his first Budget statement. With BCC research showing fragile business confidence, its budget submission asks the Chancellor to give...
BCC News
Budget Must Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on Chancellor, John Healey, to ‘Back Business, Cut Costs and Deliver Growth’ in his first Budget statement. With BCC research showing fragile business confidence, its budget submission asks the Chancellor to give...
Worcestershire News
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...
SVR confirms 35006 P&O S N Co and overnight running for its Autumn Steam Gala
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed the first guest for its Autumn Steam Gala will be 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S N Co, which will make its first-ever appearance at the heritage line during the four-day event from 18 to 21 September. And, in a special move...
Herefordshire News
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...
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
All Latest News
Ian Stirzaker wins Lifetime Achievement Award at Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2026
We are delighted to announce that Ian Stirzaker, SME Solicitors’ former Senior Partner, has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2026. The award recognises more than 35 years of legal experience, business leadership and service...
Finance provider ART Business Loans ready to support more businesses after year of growth
Business finance provider ART Business Loans is preparing to help more businesses to grow and increase employment after reporting annual lending growth of more than 20 per cent. Now in its 30th anniversary year, Birmingham-based lender ART Business Loans shared its...
Turn Real-Life Cases into Gripping Stories at Free Writing Workshop
Could you be the next big name in crime writing? Aspiring authors and true crime enthusiasts are being invited to learn the art of transforming real-life cases into gripping stories. The free event, Frauds, Charlatans, and Top Tips for Writing Your Own True Crime...
HEREFORD IT EXPERTS LAUNCH FREE WEBINAR TO HELP BUSINESSES PREPARE FOR CYBER ATTACKS
With 43% of UK businesses reporting a cyber security breach or attack in the last year, Hereford-based Wyvern Business Systems is hosting a free webinar to help business owners understand exactly what to do before, during and after an attack. Taking place online on...
Supporting Andy’s Man Club on Suicide Prevention Awareness Day
Charlotte Webb was proud to host a special charity evening at Dough, Hereford, in support of Andy’s Man Club on Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. The event brought together local business owners, professionals, and members of the community to raise awareness of...
Burns
Burn First Aid Myths: Why Butter, Toothpaste and Bad Advice Can Make Burns Worse Burn Treatment First Aid: What To Do When Someone Suffers a Burn at Work Imagine this. Someone in your workplace burns themselves. It could be a kettle. A hot drink. A piece of machinery....
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