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.
The college’s new Employer Patron Scheme
Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College is launching its new Employer Patron Scheme, which is a free-to-join initiative to bring businesses and education closer together, to strengthen local skills opportunities and long-term partnerships across The Marches....
Latest Article
The college’s new Employer Patron Scheme
Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College is launching its new Employer Patron Scheme, which is a free-to-join initiative to bring businesses and education closer together, to strengthen local skills opportunities and long-term partnerships across The Marches....
Member News
The college’s new Employer Patron Scheme
Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College is launching its new Employer Patron Scheme, which is a free-to-join initiative to bring businesses and education closer together, to strengthen local skills opportunities and long-term partnerships across The Marches....
The Westmead Hotel named a winner in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026
Based on reviews from happy couples, the Westmead Hotel are delighted to have been recognised as one of the UK’s top wedding venues in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026. Having received the accolade as “a reflection of their commitment, professionalism and the...
Patron & Strategic News
The college’s new Employer Patron Scheme
Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College is launching its new Employer Patron Scheme, which is a free-to-join initiative to bring businesses and education closer together, to strengthen local skills opportunities and long-term partnerships across The Marches....
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...
Chamber News
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce becomes a Certified B Corporation
The Chamber joins the growing movement of companies using business as a force for good. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has today announced its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp), joining a growing movement of companies that are...
Eight days left to file your Self Assessment
Eight days until 31 January Self Assessment deadline Miss the deadline and you may face an automatic £100 penalty File your return now at GOV.UK and pay any tax due by 31 January – help and support available online With just over a week until the Self Assessment...
Our Latest Member
Welcome New Members | December
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout December: Untapped Global Ltd – Specialists in inclusive communications and marketing, helping organisations reach diverse audiences with clarity and impact. Proelium Law LLP – A specialist law firm advising...
Welcome New Members | December
Warm welcome to our newest Members who joined throughout December: Untapped Global Ltd – Specialists in inclusive communications and marketing, helping organisations reach diverse audiences with clarity and impact. Proelium Law LLP – A specialist law firm advising...
Policy News
Eight days left to file your Self Assessment
Eight days until 31 January Self Assessment deadline Miss the deadline and you may face an automatic £100 penalty File your return now at GOV.UK and pay any tax due by 31 January – help and support available online With just over a week until the Self Assessment...
Business Rates Anxiety Hits Record High
A third of firms (34%) are worried about their business rates, the highest level since 2017. Concern is highest in the hospitality sector (49%), with manufacturing (44%) and logistics (43%) close behind. In 2024, 27% of firms said they had scaled back or...
Skills News
Worcestershire celebrates outstanding success at Annual Apprenticeship Awards
Worcestershire celebrated its commitment to developing local talent and skills at the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards on Thursday 13 November. Now in their eleventh year of the Apprenticeships Awards, the 2025 celebrations continued to recognise the amazing...
Worcestershire businesses urged to ‘power up’ productivity and plug skills gaps with Skills Bootcamps
Businesses across Worcestershire are being urged to take advantage of Skills Bootcamps – flexible training programmes designed to upskill staff, fill skills gaps, and support long-term growth. Funded by the Department for Education and managed locally by...
Charity News
Introducing Herefordshire Reuse and Recycling Organisation (HRRO)
Herefordshire Reuse and Recycling Organisation (HRRO) is a local charity working to reduce waste, support households in need, and keep reusable goods and materials in circulation across the county. We joined the Herefordshire Chamber of Commerce with a clear purpose:...
Massive new superstore with thousands of bargains on Bescot retail park
A massive new Acorns superstore has opened its doors in Walsall – the charity’s first ever store on a retail park – featuring a huge range of furniture and a dedicated book reading area. Thousands of items have been stacked on the shelves including pre-loved clothes,...
Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth
Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent...
BCC News
Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth
Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent...
Worcestershire News
Invitation for amateur musicians to be part of this year’s Elgar Festival
Organisers of the annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer have announced an opportunity for musicians of all ages to be part a very special project. The Elgar Festival – which will take place from Saturday 23 May until Sunday...
Start Now: Make 2026 a really BIG year
As the busiest season of the year approaches, you might be looking at the next few weeks with mixed feelings — hoping for strong sales but wishing you’d had more time to put new ideas, promotions or partnerships in place. Or perhaps you’re already feeling the strain...
Herefordshire News
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...
Mandatory certification requirements for professional rodenticide purchase came into force January 1, 2026 across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
PGM Pest Control is urging UK businesses, farmers, and pest control professionals to review their rodent management following major regulatory changes that came into force on 1 January 2026 under the UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime. The updated rules mean that...
All Latest News
The college’s new Employer Patron Scheme
Herefordshire Ludlow and North Shropshire College is launching its new Employer Patron Scheme, which is a free-to-join initiative to bring businesses and education closer together, to strengthen local skills opportunities and long-term partnerships across The Marches....
The Westmead Hotel named a winner in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026
Based on reviews from happy couples, the Westmead Hotel are delighted to have been recognised as one of the UK’s top wedding venues in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026. Having received the accolade as “a reflection of their commitment, professionalism and the...
Growing, Evolving, and Looking Ahead
After Bill’s retirement, Creative Mouse has seen a shift in leadership, with Rob and Steve stepping into co-ownership after more than 20 years at the studio. That’s right, 20 years – Rob and Steve have been part of Creative Mouse almost from the very beginning. Both...
Branch Line Weekend brings the Severn Valley Railway’s past to life
The Severn Valley Railway will be stepping back into classic branch line days on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March with its Branch Line Weekend, a special event marking 35 years since the arrival of the railway’s first diesel multiple unit (DMU). Across the...
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...
Want to submit a story?
If you would like to read our guide to submitting a story click here