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.

New SVR Summer Gala to feature rare ‘Witch’ class locomotive

New SVR Summer Gala to feature rare ‘Witch’ class locomotive

The Severn Valley Railway has announced an exciting new addition to its events calendar with the launch of its Summer Gala, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July. The two-day rail celebration will showcase a lively mix of steam and heritage diesel traction,...

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Member News

Patron & Strategic News

Chamber News

Inflation falls again to 7.9%

Inflation falls again to 7.9%

The UK’s rate of inflation dropped to 7.9% in the year to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Inflation is now at its lowest for more than a year, after several months of being stuck around the same level. The Office for National...

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Chair’s Report

Chair’s Report

I would like to reflect on the efforts that the Chamber makes to support our members in the field of International Trade. While only 10% in total of UK business export, 60% of Chamber members operate in global markets – making the local Chambers and the British...

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Our Latest Member

Welcome new Members!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Worcestershire Decanters Ltd – We help brands realise their full potential; driving awareness and loyalty through innovative memorable experiences. Dynamite Lifestyle T/A Simply Prosperity – I...

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Welcome new Members!

Welcome new Members!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members! Worcestershire Decanters Ltd – We help brands realise their full potential; driving awareness and loyalty through innovative memorable experiences. Dynamite Lifestyle T/A Simply Prosperity – I...

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

EU Settlement Scheme Reopens for Applications

EU Settlement Scheme Reopens for Applications

Home Office support services and application routes associated with the EU Settlement Scheme have now all fully reopened in line with public health guidance. This includes the reopening of the postal route for submitting identity documents for applicants who are...

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#SeptemberPromise for all young people

#SeptemberPromise for all young people

The Association of Colleges is predicting that half of the new labour market entrants (approximately 100,000 16 to 25 year olds) will struggle to find meaningful employment as the economic shocks of COVID19 continue to be felt. For this year’s school and college...

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Charity News

The Iconic St Michael’s Hospice Santa Run has Sold-out

The Iconic St Michael’s Hospice Santa Run has Sold-out

An iconic pre-Christmas sight is set to bring festive cheer to the streets of Hereford. St Michael’s Hospice has confirmed its ever-popular Santa Run, taking place on Sunday 17th December, has sold-out with around 300 signed up. All ages don Santa suits and choose...

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Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact

Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact

Recruitment remains static with 55% of firms attempting to hire staff in the last three months (compared with 54% in Q1) Hiring remains challenging despite some respite, with 73% of firms reporting difficulties in Q2 (76% in Q1) Transport and logistics (80%) and...

BCC News

Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact

Recruitment remains static with 55% of firms attempting to hire staff in the last three months (compared with 54% in Q1) Hiring remains challenging despite some respite, with 73% of firms reporting difficulties in Q2 (76% in Q1) Transport and logistics (80%) and...

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Worcestershire News

Ballards LLP Expands Marketing and Business Development Team

Ballards LLP Expands Marketing and Business Development Team

Worcestershire based professional services firm, Ballards LLP, is making significant strides in bolstering its Marketing and Business Development team. Ballards specialise in accounting, taxation, and business advisory services, ensuring that they are well equipped to...

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Herefordshire News

Prestigious award for GWSR and Broadway Museum & Art Gallery

Prestigious award for GWSR and Broadway Museum & Art Gallery

GWSR and Museum win ‘Heritage Railway Interpretation Award’ Award for ‘Journey through Steam’ exhibition in Broadway Museum & Art Gallery Exhibition extended until November GWSR shortlisted for three additional Heritage Railway Association awards 16th February...

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Help your business fly at Cosford event

Help your business fly at Cosford event

Experts in business finance will be joining forces at a special event to help firms access vital funding to help them grow. The British Business Bank and the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership will host the free event at RAF Cosford on March 24, from 9.30-12.00....

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All Latest News

Autumn Budget 2025: Your detailed summary

Autumn Budget 2025: Your detailed summary

Rachel Reeves’s second Budget boosts welfare spending paid for through stealth tax rises, and taxes on property, savings and dividends. Income tax rates remain unchanged, but frozen thresholds for a further three years and wealth-focused levies do the heavy lifting. ...

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Autumn Budget 2025: Chamber Response

Autumn Budget 2025: Chamber Response

Commenting on the Budget Statement, Robert Elliot, Director of Business Development & Policy, said: “For months we have been concerned that this Budget might repeat the chaos businesses faced in October 2024. While this statement is more stable, several measures...

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