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.
Lecturer Paddles the Equivalent of Worcester to Paris for Vital Local Charity
A University of Worcester lecturer will take on a challenge which will see him kayak 310 miles throughout the month of July, as he raises funds for a local charity which supports people who live with neurological disorders. Steve Ennis, Business lecturer and Managing...
Latest Article
Lecturer Paddles the Equivalent of Worcester to Paris for Vital Local Charity
A University of Worcester lecturer will take on a challenge which will see him kayak 310 miles throughout the month of July, as he raises funds for a local charity which supports people who live with neurological disorders. Steve Ennis, Business lecturer and Managing...
Member News
Supporting People Through Life, Loss and Learning
After more than 25 years working in the global corporate world across HR, leadership, learning and development, Deborah Meddins has built a career centred around people, communication and meaningful connection. Today, Deborah combines two very different but deeply...
Local communication specialist helping businesses communicate more clearly with their people
Internal communication specialist Caroline Waddams is launching a series of free webinars to help small and medium-sized businesses take a more strategic approach to communicating with employees. The webinars will take place on 24 June and 29 July and are free to...
Patron & Strategic News
Acclaimed Author to Offer Rare Writing Session
An award-winning author will share the secrets behind her success in a free masterclass for budding writers and readers at The Hive. Liz Hyder, who is also a Writer in Residence at the University of Worcester, will speak about her books and the novel writing process...
Modern Work Experience at Specsavers M&D
Work experience at Specsavers Manufacturing & Distribution has evolved into a hands‑on and meaningful introduction to the world of work. Across Vision Labs, Lens Online, IGS and Kidderminster, students now gain real insight into how eyewear is produced,...
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
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Herefordshire Hereford First Aid Ltd – Hereford First Aid was established to provide fun, interactive first aid training for local businesses. The Orchard at Munsley –...
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Herefordshire Hereford First Aid Ltd – Hereford First Aid was established to provide fun, interactive first aid training for local businesses. The Orchard at Munsley –...
Policy News
Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper
Yesterday (2 February), the UK government published its Levelling Up White Paper. Levelling up is a moral, social and economic programme for the whole of government. The Levelling Up White Paper sets out opportunity will be spread more equally across the UK. It...
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...
Skills News
BCC/Totaljobs: Budget must address critical skills shortages to ‘level up’ UK growth
Over half of UK firms attempted to recruit in the last quarter of 2019, but almost three quarters have struggled to find the right talent, the largest survey of UK employers has found. Labour market remains stable as over half (55%) of UK businesses attempted to...
BCC comments on Migration Advisory Committee’s report
Commenting on the release of the Migration Advisory Committee’s report on the UK’s immigration system, published today, BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said: “Businesses want a flexible immigration system that provides access to the staff they need, without...
Charity News
St Michael’s Hospice Calls on Local Businesses and Volunteers to Help Transform New Shop
This year marks a significant milestone for St Michael’s Hospice as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, and we are thrilled to announce the opening of not one but two extraordinary new shops, including our largest site yet at Whitestone Business Park. The 50,000...
Funky hair fun
A Hereford charity has the perfect idea for any business looking to support a great cause in a fun and engaging way this year. The Little Princess Trust launched its Funky Hair Funday campaign to support its work for children with cancer. The simple event sees people...
Inflation Heaping More Pressure On Firms
Reacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on...
BCC News
Inflation Heaping More Pressure On Firms
Reacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on...
Worcestershire News
University of Worcester to Host Careers Fair
Following the success of last year’s event, the Worcester Business School is holding another Careers Fair at our City Campus between 11am and 2pm on Thursday 19th October 2023 and we would love you to join us! This fair will have a focus on 12-month placements,...
Love it or List it
Lee and Mair Whittington are bringing their experience in buying and selling houses to anyone thinking of facing the challenges of making a move. When you’ve moved house over twenty times, you’re going to know a thing or two about the property market. Going through...
Herefordshire News
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...
What is an LSIP?
What is an LSIP? Further to the Government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper (January 2021), Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIPs) were created to put employers more firmly at the heart of the skills system to help ensure businesses and people have the skills they need to...
All Latest 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...
Eardington station takes centre stage at the Severn Valley Railway’s Branch Line Weekend
Severn Valley Railway’s smallest station is set for its biggest ever moment in the spotlight when trains call at Eardington in unprecedented numbers during the Branch Line Weekend on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March. For most of the year, passenger trains pass...
Join Us for Our Next Business Breakfast
We’re excited to invite you to our next Business Breakfast. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones. This event is for anyone who looks after people at work – leaders, managers, HR teams, and business owners...
Inflation Eases but Business Costs Still Biting
Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A further easing of inflation, to 3% in January, will be cautiously welcomed by businesses. Firms will be hoping it...
Chamber Hosts MPQ Sessions for Members Across the Region
On 6 February, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce members had the opportunity to meet with Jesse Norman MP and Ellie Chowns MP during the Chamber’s MPQ sessions. The event offered a valuable forum for businesses across the county to discuss key...
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...
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