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.
LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT REHAU WINDOWS UK TO SET THE COURSE FOR 2030
On the heels of yet another strong year of growth, REHAU Windows UK has announced a series of structural changes to its senior management team in line with its ambitious Vision and Strategy 2030, taking effect from June 2026. Most notably, after 38 years’ service,...
Latest Article
LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT REHAU WINDOWS UK TO SET THE COURSE FOR 2030
On the heels of yet another strong year of growth, REHAU Windows UK has announced a series of structural changes to its senior management team in line with its ambitious Vision and Strategy 2030, taking effect from June 2026. Most notably, after 38 years’ service,...
Member News
Worcester Creator with 5m Followers Reveals the Reality of YouTube Career
One of Worcester’s most successful digital creators, with more than 5 million followers worldwide, will reveal the reality behind life as a full-time Youtuber in a free public talk at The Hive. Terrarium creator Ben Newell will share how he turned his hobby into a...
“This has to stop” – Resilience coach Dr Lizzy Bernthal on toxic workplaces
Dr Lizzy Bernthal has led teams in extreme conditions across 18 countries, including Afghanistan, survived a landslide in Nepal, and extreme conditions on Mount Snowdon, but it was a much smaller moment that made her decide on her mission to end workplace toxicity....
Patron & Strategic News
Empowering Local Employers with AI & Automation: Free Apprenticeship Insights Webinar Announced for 13th February
Local employers are invited to join a high‑value, free online event designed to help organisations understand and embrace the fast‑evolving world of artificial intelligence and automation. Coinciding with National Apprentiecship Week 2026, the AI & Automation...
Exploring God’s Presence in Jewish Responses to the Holocaust
An academic from the University of Worcester will examine how Jewish thinkers have understood God’s presence before, during and after the Holocaust in a free event at The Hive. Dr Luke Devine, Head of History and Sociology at the University of Worcester, will deliver...
Chamber News
Inflation eases but rising prices increase pressure on businesses
UK inflation has eased in March, however rising food prices has meant inflation remains higher than expected above 10%, adding to the speculation that the Bank of England will raise interest rates again on Thursday. According to data released from the Office for...
Labour market struggles continue, according to the Office for National Statistics
The UK continues to struggle with labour shortages despite the estimated number of vacancies falling on the quarter, data released today from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown. April’s labour market overview revealed that between January and March...
Our Latest Member
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Herefordshire Alcocks Limited – Alcocks Ltd are experienced chartered surveyors with an in-house architect. Black Mountain Clothing Ltd – Here to help you create a...
Welcome new Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members this month: Herefordshire Alcocks Limited – Alcocks Ltd are experienced chartered surveyors with an in-house architect. Black Mountain Clothing Ltd – Here to help you create a...
Policy News
BCC Forecast: business investment set to be left behind in record economic recovery
UK business investment is expected to decline this year despite the prospect of record economic growth, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast. The leading business group predicts UK GDP growth for 2021 of 7.1%, which, if realised, would...
A summary of today’s health and social care announcement
The NHS is getting £36bn over the next three years “to fund the biggest catch-up programme in the NHS’s history, tackling the Covid backlogs.” Prime Minister Rt Hon Boris Johnson, MP, said: “The pandemic has illuminated chronic problems in our health and...
Skills News
Digital Transformation: Are you ready for the roaring 20’s?
According to the World Skills Economic Forum, more than half of the current workforce will require new skills by 2022 in order to maintain relevance in the workplace. That’s more than half of all employed people in the developed World, requiring training or reskilling...
What do businesses want and need from our colleges in ten years’ time?
The Independent Commission on the College of the Future is asking the simple question – “what do we want and need from our colleges in ten years’ time?” The Independent Commission recognises that seismic shifts are taking place across the UK – from demographic...
Charity News
Fundraising event at Fusion Salon!
Earlier in the week, our Fusion salon, based in Redditch, took part in the Style Against Cancer for Children with Cancer UK! The Fusion reception was decorated with Style Against Cancer balloons and banners and the Level 2 hair students were offering clients a wash,...
Children’s Charity Wins Worcestershire Health & Social Care Award
The Feeding Trust are delighted to have won the Adolescent and Child Health Care Award at this years Worcestershire Health & Social Care Awards. The Feeding Trust, the UKs only charity supporting those affected by Paediatric Feeding Disorder’s (PFD), were...
Fragile Growth as Business Confidence Struggles
Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “Today’s GDP figures, showing growth of 0.5% in the three months to May, but a fall of 0.1% in the month, reinforce the view that UK growth remains...
BCC News
Fragile Growth as Business Confidence Struggles
Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “Today’s GDP figures, showing growth of 0.5% in the three months to May, but a fall of 0.1% in the month, reinforce the view that UK growth remains...
Worcestershire News
Malvern St James Girls’ School Appoints New Head
Malvern St James Girls’ School has announced the appointment of Dr Gareth Lloyd as the new Head of the school, taking up post as of January 1st 2024. He comes from Stoke College in Suffolk and succeeds Mrs Olivera Raraty, who retires at Christmas having been Head...
Rare Opportunity in Worcester as Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Building Comes on the Market
Investors can take advantage of a rare opportunity in Worcester as a purpose-built student accommodation building which is already fully let for the next academic year comes on the market. Leading property consultancy Fisher German is marketing Court Mews – a...
Herefordshire News
Tim swaps L’Oréal for top finance role at Wyevale Nurseries
Tim Fawbert whose previous role was with the French cosmetics giant L’Oréal has joined one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries as Group Finance Director (December 2022). In his new position at Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, Tim is managing the...
Marches LEP event to highlight access to finance hailed a huge success
An event to highlight the many funding options available to businesses in the Marches has been hailed a huge success. The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership hosted the event for intermediaries working with businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford...
All Latest News
Storm Environmental’s Westminster transformation recognised at National Recycling Awards
UK manufacturer of environmental products Storm Environmental is proud to have been recognised at this year’s MRW National Recycling Awards, winning the award for Innovation in Recycling Equipment and Vehicle Design. The award-winning project, ‘Smart Housing and...
University Leader Welcomes Return of European Study Scheme
The University of Worcester’s Vice Chancellor has welcomed the UK’s decision to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange scheme from 2027, ending a six-year absence. The move will give UK students the chance to study, train, or volunteer across Europe once again. Professor...
Worcester Runner Goes for a Second World Record
A University of Worcester colleague is aiming to become the world’s fastest man to complete the London Marathon in full graduation attire. 50-year-old Chris Garratt, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the University, has had his attempt formally accepted by Guinness...
Rate Cut Christmas Cheer for Business
Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 3.75%, is a much-needed Christmas gift for businesses across the UK. However, unwrapping growth...
Giving Charities a Voice: Dandelion Video Production Commits to Monthly Free Videos
Worcestershire-based video production company Dandelion is giving small local charities the opportunity to have a professional video produced to help them share their stories. As part of a Chamber of Commerce pledge, they have committed to producing twelve videos...
School Leaders Take Part in Climate Assembly
Teachers and educators from across Worcestershire got together to discuss the implications of the climate and ecological crisis in schools across the West Midlands. The Educators Climate Assembly, hosted by the University of Worcester, saw senior education leaders and...
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