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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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Why flexible outsourcing can make more sense
In 2026, major changes to UK employment law will reshape how businesses hire, manage staff and plan for the future. The new Employment Rights Bill and related reforms will introduce day-one rights for some employees, strengthen protections and increase potential...
Latest Article
Why flexible outsourcing can make more sense
In 2026, major changes to UK employment law will reshape how businesses hire, manage staff and plan for the future. The new Employment Rights Bill and related reforms will introduce day-one rights for some employees, strengthen protections and increase potential...
Member News
Government updates on unfair dismissal rights (Day One Rights)
The government has confirmed that under the updated Employment Rights Bill (ERB), the qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal protection will be reduced from two years to six months. While the proposed “day-one” rights have been dropped, this six-month...
County Council launches new Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy
Worcestershire County Council has published its new Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy, setting out plans to expand access to charging facilities across the county. The strategy follows a countywide engagement exercise where residents and...
Patron & Strategic News
Government-backed Help to Grow Programme Helps Spark 50% Retail Growth for Local Business
The University of Worcester has announced it will be delivering the Help to Grow Management Course for a further 3 years. The part-government-funded initiative is designed for senior leaders to boost business performance and leadership skills. Run by Worcester...
Students’ Film Shortlisted for Festival Award
A film made by students at the University of Worcester has been shortlisted for an award at the Stratford Film Festival. Ben Monk and Joshua Prior’s film Celestial Intersect, created as part of their studies, is a finalist in the Best Feature category. Winners will be...
Chamber News
Chair’s Report – December 2022
On this occasion, I would like to reflect a little about our region and how your Chamber provides a business network-orientated organisation to help your company in many activities and growth strategies. Our two counties continue to be a dynamic and vibrant business...
Charities of the Year for 2023 Selected at the Chamber!
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce that they have selected two charities to support as their ‘Charities of the Year’ in 2023! We are overwhelmed by the incredible work that is carried out in our local community for so many...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members in the month of August: Worcestershire: Art is Ar’t the gallery – Retail fine art gallery offer a wide and vibrant range of contemporary art – Originals, Limited Editions and...
Welcome New Members!
The Chamber would like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest Members in the month of August: Worcestershire: Art is Ar’t the gallery – Retail fine art gallery offer a wide and vibrant range of contemporary art – Originals, Limited Editions and...
Policy News
UK-EU trading relationship inquiry extended until 31 December 2021
The International Trade Committee has launched an inquiry into the UK-EU trading relationship, which is being conducted under the terms of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA). The closing date for written evidence has been extended to 31 December 2021....
Government extend support for Northern Ireland agri-food traders
Defra announced yesterday (Monday 12 July) that traders moving agri-food from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will benefit from increased Government support until the end of 2023. The Movement Assistance Scheme helps traders by covering certain certification costs...
Skills News
Little Trinity Nursery’s Children in Need teddy bear’s picnic
Joining in the spotty-bear fun, children at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster are taking part in a range of Pudsey-themed activities over the week leading up to Children in Need. Manager, Gaynor Carter said: “We always support Children in Need as it’s a...
Week of Halloween fun at Kidderminster nursery
Children at Little Trinity Nursery in Kidderminster are having a Spooktacular Halloween week decorating biscuits, sampling creepy foods and creating fun water-tray witches’ potions. Nursery Manager, Gaynor Carter, commented: “They’re having a fabulous time decorating...
Charity News
Darren Wilkins Appointed as a New Trustee of Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust
Worcestershire business owner Darren Wilkins has been announced as a new Trustee at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust (GKCCT). Having supported the charity since Darren’s family business City Signs, celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2020, his dedication to the...
Worcestershire Community Foundation Seeks New Board Members!
Worcestershire Community Foundation is a local charitable body and one of the leading grantmakers in Worcestershire; we act as a conduit to local philanthropy, linking private and public funders with community projects across the county. We are an accredited member of...
Inflation Eases But Volatility Ahead
Reacting to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s data showing the CPI rate slowed to 2.8% in February is good news, but it’s too early to be certain on the...
BCC News
Inflation Eases But Volatility Ahead
Reacting to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s data showing the CPI rate slowed to 2.8% in February is good news, but it’s too early to be certain on the...
Worcestershire News
Worcester Mayor Praises University’s Efforts on Sustainability
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Louis Stephen, has welcomed the University of Worcester’s approach to sustainability on a recent visit. Cllr Stephen, who is the first Mayor from the Green Party, had a tour of the University to find out more about its work. He said:...
St Richard’s Hospice signs up to The Charity Shop Gift Card
Worcestershire’s St Richard’s Hospice is now accepting The Charity Shop Gift Card in its stores — the only nationally accepted, multi-retailer gift card that can be spent exclusively in charity shops. The Charity Shop Gift Card is a not-for-profit that has been...
Herefordshire News
Food for the Shire
Herefordshire Council are bringing people together to promote the importance and sharing of knowledge to prevent food waste in the county. The networking event, held at the Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford, on 10 November from 3.00-5.30pm, will encourage local farmers,...
Lots to consider – Postcards from Life gets ready to launch
Brighten your homes and support St Michael’s Hospice this Autumn by bidding for a miniature art masterpiece. More than 250 exquisite pieces go under the hammer from Monday 24th October during the Postcards from Life online auction. Over the years, this annual event...
All Latest News
Property consultancy’s first charity padel tournament raises £6,000
A national property consultancy’s first charity padel tournament raised £6,000 for four charities – and planning for next year’s competition is already underway. Fisher German’s Development Agency team successfully launched its first-ever charity padel...
McPhillips wins £10m bus station redevelopment contract
West Midlands-based construction company McPhillips has won a £10 million local authority contract to deliver a new and improved bus station. Herefordshire Council announced McPhillips as its official construction partner on the Hereford Transport Hub project, part of...
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Expands Podcast Platform to Support Young People with Cancer
‘Young Me vs the Big C’ Podcast Relaunches on Spotify, Amazon and Apple Podcasts’ The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has relaunched its podcast, Young Me vs the Big C, now available on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. This exciting step makes the podcast...
FZUK Welcomes Future Talent Through their Doors
Local Redditch Business opens its doors. FAUN Zoeller (FZUK) was delighted to welcome three enthusiastic students, Ashlea, Daniel and Leo, for a week of work experience across different departments of our business. This initiative reflects FZUK’s ongoing commitment to...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Announce Relaunch of Business Direction Magazine
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce their new partnership with Crosby Media Associates. The Chamber and Crosby Media will collaborate closely to ensure a seamless transition toward the end of 2025, with October/November and...
Ballards LLP Celebrating Double Award Shortlisting
L-R: James Syree CEO Ballards LLP and Adrian Sidaway Audit Director, Ballards LLP Midlands-based firm recognised for outstanding performance by the Accounting Excellence Awards. Leading Worcestershire Accountancy firm, Ballards LLP, has been shortlisted for...
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