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.
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...
Latest Article
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...
Member News
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,...
HCR Law marks strategic growth with record number of promotions
Top 50 UK firm HCR Law has promoted more than 100 colleagues across its business services and private client teams, marking the firm’s biggest promotion round to date. Promotions take effect from 1 April 2026, recognising more than 100 lawyers and support...
Patron & Strategic News
ISO Quality Services Launches the Good Egg Awards 2026 – Celebrate Those Who Go Above and Beyond
ISO Quality Services is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Good Egg Awards, giving businesses the perfect opportunity to recognise those who consistently go the extra mile. Whether it’s a colleague or a client, the Good Egg Awards celebrate individuals...
Holocaust Rescue Stories go on Display at The Hive as Speakers Urge Action Against Hatred
A month‑long exhibition honouring the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust opened in Worcester on Monday, accompanied by stark warnings about rising antisemitism and calls to confront hatred in modern society. Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue During the...
Chamber News
Chair’s Report
The British Chambers of Commerce continue to command the attention of the UK’s political and economic leaders as the BCC demonstrates leadership in support of UK Plc, across the full breadth of the country’s business community. As such, I was delighted to be a part of...
Inflation eases further but food prices remain high
Inflation fell below double digits for the first time since August this morning (24/05), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Inflation was 8.7% in April, down from 10.1% the previous month. However, despite the improvement, the figure is above the...
Our Latest Member
Introducing Nicole’s Bistro
We are proud to announce the opening of a brand new Bistro in the heart of Bromsgrove Town Centre. Nicole’s Bistro opened in October 2022 and offers delicious fresh cooked food as well as being fully licensed for alcoholic beverages too. The 5 Star Hygiene rated...
Introducing Nicole’s Bistro
We are proud to announce the opening of a brand new Bistro in the heart of Bromsgrove Town Centre. Nicole’s Bistro opened in October 2022 and offers delicious fresh cooked food as well as being fully licensed for alcoholic beverages too. The 5 Star Hygiene rated...
Policy News
Latest Quarterly Economic Report provides snapshot of business performance during final months of 2021
Today the latest Quarterly Economic Report has been released, providing the most up to date snapshot of local business performance and confidence. The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) has been conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce within its UK network since...
The UK’s National Security and Investment Act 2021 – new guidance
The UK government has made a significant upgrade to investment screening, for national security purposes. The National Security and Investment Act (NSI) ensures predictability and transparency, while mitigating any risks to national security. The new system will come...
Skills News
The Importance of preparing our future workforce
Photo Caption: Current apprentices of the Herefordshire Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce together with past apprentices who have continued their journey at the Chamber together with Dawn Hardman, Director of HR. As we enter a new decade, demographic, technological...
BCC comments on National Apprenticeship Week
Commenting on National Apprenticeship Week 2020, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Head of People Policy, Jane Gratton, said: “Businesses support the drive for more and better apprenticeships, but the system needs urgent reform if they are to help our workforce reach...
Charity News
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...
Chamber Members Team Up to Raise Funds for Charity Business of the Year
The Wyre Forest Business Book club, organised and run by Chamber members Human Everything, has completed it’s first year of book club meetings and is thrilled to be supporting Chamber charity Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire Nightstop and Mediation with a donation...
Rising Real Wages Pile On More Pressure
Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ONS data suggests that the jobs market is continuing to loosen as unemployment rises, vacancies...
BCC News
Rising Real Wages Pile On More Pressure
Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ONS data suggests that the jobs market is continuing to loosen as unemployment rises, vacancies...
Worcestershire News
Invitational Franchise Roundtable Lunch
In conjunction with Knights Plc & NatWest, we’d like to invite franchisors and franchisees to a roundtable lunch event as follows; Venue – Knights Plc, Two Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3AX (easily accessible from New Street or Snowhill stations)...
Japanese Professor’s Year in Worcester Learning about British Law
An academic from Japan has spent a year at the University of Worcester learning about British law. Professor Ning Han is the second member of staff from Toin University in Yokohama to take part in an exchange programme between the two universities. She spent a year...
Herefordshire News
Herefordshire and Worcestershire to ‘Level Up’ with Government Funding Announced
Almost £40 million of funding from the government’s £2.1bn Levelling Up fund will be granted to projects in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, it was announced today (19 January 2023). Over 100 projects from across the UK have been awarded funding from Round 2 of the...
DEFRA’s new five-year plant biosecurity strategy features Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries
One of the country’s leading commercial nurseries based in Hereford is featured as a case study in *DEFRA’s recently published five-year plant biosecurity strategy – it also quotes the company’s Production Manager, Kyle Ross. The document covers areas of potential...
All Latest News
Calls For Change to Student Finance Payments
The President of Worcester Students’ Union has joined calls for changes to the way that maintenance loans are paid to students. Ronke Akintan said payments made to university students should be paid monthly to better align with the way wages are received and bills are...
Why Team Dynamics Matter More Than Strategy
January often feels like a fresh start. New goals are set, plans are refined, and organisations look ahead with renewed focus. But while strategy is important, long-term success depends on something far more human: how people work together. When teams struggle, it’s...
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
Were you lucky enough to visit the Valley over the festive period? Things were humming from Boxing Day through till 4 January. And what a high we ended the season on! Two days of sunny but cold weather and a Winter Steam Gala as well. What more could we ask for? No...
New Collaboration to Make Cricket More Accessible in Herefordshire
A new collaboration between Herefordshire Cricket, Hereford Sixth Form College and the University of Worcester will transform access to cricket for young people in the region. The initiative, which is already underway, sees weekly coaching sessions delivered at the...
Community generosity at Christmas helps Herefordshire families
As families across Herefordshire face increasing pressure, a series of quiet but meaningful acts of generosity by business and individuals are helping to support those most in need through local charity Vennture. With demand for emergency accommodation and family...
NMITE Appoints its First Head of Learning and Teaching To Support the Institution’s Ambitious Development Plans
NMITE has appointed Dr Richard Lillington, as Professor in Engineering and its first Head of Learning and Teaching, marking a key milestone in shaping the institution’s academic growth and strategic direction. He joins NMITE this month (January 2026) from Aston...
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