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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.
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Ballards LLP announces leadership transition for its Next-Gen Board
Pictured L-R: Megan Healey Audit & Accounts Manager, Ballards LLP and Gina Gardner Associate Director, Ballards LLP. Worcester-based professional services firm Ballards LLP is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its pioneering Next-Gen Board...
Latest Article
Ballards LLP announces leadership transition for its Next-Gen Board
Pictured L-R: Megan Healey Audit & Accounts Manager, Ballards LLP and Gina Gardner Associate Director, Ballards LLP. Worcester-based professional services firm Ballards LLP is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its pioneering Next-Gen Board...
Member News
Purple Pathways : Brighter Futures for Children – West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC)
Purple Pathways: Brighter Futures for Children WMRSASC has been accepted into the UK’s biggest matched giving campaign – the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025. We’re raising vital funds for our Purple Pathways project, which provides specialist support to children and...
Herefordshire’s Sustainable Building Future
Herefordshire stands at the forefront of sustainable construction, with a rich heritage of environmental leadership and ambitious plans for a greener future. As a local business, Merchant701 plays a crucial role in supporting the county’s sustainability journey...
Patron & Strategic News
National Podcast Explores the Story Behind the Hive
The Hive, Worcester’s iconic library, was the subject of discussion on a national podcast examining the importance of libraries and librarians. Campus, the podcast from Times Higher Education, explores the most pressing issues in global high education. In this...
Bishop Fleming Recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women
Bishop Fleming has once again been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women, alongside its ongoing Great Place to Work® accreditation. This achievement highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering...
Chamber News
Opportunity for Assurance Review Services: 2024–2025 Financial Year-End
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are currently seeking a qualified and experienced business to conduct our 2024–2025 financial year-end assurance review. We invite interested firms to submit an estimated quote for their services. This opportunity...
Increased Export Volatility Ahead Of Tariffs
Only a fifth (21%) of SME exporters saw increased overseas sales in Q1 of 2025 More than a quarter (27%) said their exports had declined with over half (53%) seeing no change Advanced orders fared no better, as 20% saw these rise while 28% reported a decline The Trade...
Our Latest Member
Women In Business Network Joins H&W CoC!
What is WIBN? WIBN membership is for business women who own SME businesses, are self-employed or work as professional service providers for small businesses. WIBN’s purpose is to create communities of business women who build strong business relationships. Members...

Women In Business Network Joins H&W CoC!
What is WIBN? WIBN membership is for business women who own SME businesses, are self-employed or work as professional service providers for small businesses. WIBN’s purpose is to create communities of business women who build strong business relationships. Members...
Policy News
Side Hustlers Urged to get Tax Returns Sorted Now
If you earn more than £1,000 from additional income, you may need to register for Self Assessment Filing now means you will know your tax situation sooner and can spread payments over time HMRC’s digital services make filing quick and easy Anyone earning extra...
Shape Worcestershire: Help Shape the Future of Local Councils
A major consultation is underway to decide how Worcestershire’s local government could be reshaped. Shape Worcestershire invites all residents to share their views on how council services should be delivered in the future. What’s Changing? Currently, Worcestershire...
Skills News
81-year-old University Student set to Graduate Next Week
An 81-year-old student is set to graduate from the University of Worcester next week. Wendy Hill, from Ledbury, is among those graduating on Tuesday (March 4) after completing a Master of Research degree. “My message to other mature people who feel the need to achieve...
National Apprenticeship Week success culminates with launch of 2025 Apprenticeships Awards
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Worcestershire County Council are pleased to announce the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. The announcement comes at the conclusion of National Apprenticeship Week, a successful week of promoting the...
Charity News
KEMP Hospice to Offer Boutique Shopping Experience in New Hagley Store
A stylish new charity shop with a boutique feel is set to open its doors in the heart of Hagley, bringing with it a carefully curated collection of ladies clothing, formal wear, prom outfits, and accessories. This Summer, KEMP Hospice will be opening ‘The Boutique by...
One year on – how a charity superstore in Herefordshire has been embraced by their local community
In May 2024, St Michael’s Hospice opened the doors at its brand-new charity superstore in Whitestone Business Park, Hereford. Hundreds flocked to its grand opening and have continued to show their support throughout its first year, with over 160,000 visitors spending...

Business Still Sceptical On Employment Rights Bill
One third (33%) of businesses, in a BCC survey, think the current trade union proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would have a negative impact Only 2% of these firms think these proposals would be positive 79% of firms don’t feel the impact of new government...
BCC News
Business Still Sceptical On Employment Rights Bill
One third (33%) of businesses, in a BCC survey, think the current trade union proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would have a negative impact Only 2% of these firms think these proposals would be positive 79% of firms don’t feel the impact of new government...
Worcestershire News
Severn Valley Railway helps local aid charity
The Severn Valley Railway’s paint shop at Bridgnorth had an unusual visitor recently, in the form of a Mitsubishi 4×4 pickup. The SVR was assisting a local charity, Wyre Forest 2 Ukraine, with their efforts in sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The charity...
Will writing drive to raise funds for Worcestershire Community Foundation
Specialist legal teams at two Worcester law firms are throwing their support behind the Worcestershire Community Foundation through a month-long Will writing initiative. Throughout June, solicitors at City firms Bradley Haynes and HCR Law will be offering to write...
Herefordshire News
Gwen Walford Care Home Celebrates Win at the Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards 2024
Gwen Walford Nursing Home is thrilled to announce its success at the prestigious Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards, where the home’s dedicated staff member, Gideon Kusi, won The Good Nurse Award. These awards celebrate the hard work, dedication,...
Rotherwood Healthcare Launches Pioneering Wellness Programme to Enhance Resident Well-Being
Rotherwood Healthcare, an award-winning healthcare provider, is excited to announce the official launch of its Rotherwood Wellness Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to enhance the health and well-being of residents across its care homes. This...
All Latest News
Office Return Varies Across Sectors
41% of businesses have required staff to spend more time working on site over the past year One in ten (9%) relevant firms say employees have quit because of the requirement to return to onsite working Nearly half of surveyed businesses (48%) expect all working days...
Local Charity Expands with the Opening of “Ledbury Two” – A New Chapter in Support for Children and Adults with Neurological Disorders
Located in the heart of Ledbury, Ledbury Two represents a significant expansion for Megan Baker House (MBH), allowing the organisation to reach more families and meet increasing demand for its specialised programmes. The new facility will offer tailored support for...
Worcester’s New Play Spaces Praised by Child Development Expert Ahead of National Playday
An expert in early childhood studies has praised recent work in Worcester to provide high quality play opportunities for children and young people. Dr Emma Laurence, lecturer at the University of Worcester in the Department for Children and Families and a specialist...
Indulge in some retail therapy at the Severn Valley Railway’s Art and Craft Fayre
Over the weekend of 23 and 24 August, the Severn Valley Railway’s ever-popular Art and Craft Fayre will offer a feast of unique and original objects and produce at The Engine House near Highley station. Around 40 exhibitors will be taking part, and the event will be a...
Major London Exhibition for Worcester Based Artist
An artist from Worcester is to host her first ever major exhibition, after winning a prestigious national award. Amber Sparrey, Technical Manager and Associate Lecturer at the University of Worcester’s Institute of Arts and Humanities, has been selected as the winner...
Top ten tips to finding an excellent commercial property management company
Top ten tips to find an excellent commercial property management company. Whether you manage a single unit or a whole portfolio, being a landlord can be time-consuming and stressful in a tough environment. Deciding whether to use a commercial property management...
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