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.
Sluggish Economy Demands Strong Business Support
Reacting to the latest GDP data published this morning by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With a backdrop of weak business and investment confidence, sluggish Q3 growth of just 0.1% is unsurprising. “But the data...
Latest Article
Sluggish Economy Demands Strong Business Support
Reacting to the latest GDP data published this morning by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With a backdrop of weak business and investment confidence, sluggish Q3 growth of just 0.1% is unsurprising. “But the data...
Member News
The Courtyard announces new 1400-seat summer venue: The Amp
A bold new chapter for live entertainment in Herefordshire. The Courtyard Hereford is set to be ‘amplified’ next summer with the launch of a brand-new large-scale live performance venue – The Amp. Located on The Courtyard’s site in a purpose-built Big Top tent,...
Worcester Law Graduate Becomes Partner Just Four Years After Graduation
After fulfilling her long-held dream of a career in law, a solicitor and University of Worcester graduate has been made partner at a law firm – just four years after graduating. Esme House reached this milestone with Worcestershire-based QualitySolicitors Parkinson...
Patron & Strategic News
Harriers Foundation donate kit to Aid through Football
Harriers Foundation has joined clubs across the country in donating kit to The RAF FA’s Aid through Football initiative. The RAF Football Association (RAF FA) Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal, Aid through Football sees donated football kit...
Worcester Criminologist Investigates Hate Crime Motivations in New Book Chapter
What goes through the mind of someone who is about to attack a religious space? What led them there, and how can we stop it? Those are just some of the questions an Islamophobia expert from Worcester takes on in his contribution to a new book analysing the mindset of...
Chamber News
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...
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Announces NEW Strategic Digital Training Partnership with Make Strides
Empowering Local Businesses with ‘Leadership Thinking’. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Make Strides, a digital-first learning and development company specialising in both early-career and...
Our Latest Member
Women In Business Network Joins H&W CoC!
What is WIBN? WIBN membership is for business women who own SME businesses, are self-employed or work as professional service providers for small businesses. WIBN’s purpose is to create communities of business women who build strong business relationships. Members...
Women In Business Network Joins H&W CoC!
What is WIBN? WIBN membership is for business women who own SME businesses, are self-employed or work as professional service providers for small businesses. WIBN’s purpose is to create communities of business women who build strong business relationships. Members...
Policy News
Business Still Sceptical On Employment Rights Bill
One third (33%) of businesses, in a BCC survey, think the current trade union proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would have a negative impact Only 2% of these firms think these proposals would be positive 79% of firms don’t feel the impact of new government...
Recruitment Static as Firms Assess NI Impact
Recruitment remains static with 55% of firms attempting to hire staff in the last three months (compared with 54% in Q1) Hiring remains challenging despite some respite, with 73% of firms reporting difficulties in Q2 (76% in Q1) Transport and logistics (80%) and...
Skills News
From Learners to Leaders – Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025
It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2025, and we’ve picked our own theme this year, to showcase the journey (our) apprentices take as they evolve on the job – From Learners to Leaders. Apprenticeships are more than just earning a qualification; they’re about...
Worcester Based Recruitment Firm Sees 60% Growth in Roles
Worcester-based Four Squared Recruitment has achieved a 60% growth in retained recruitment work throughout 2024, providing a much-needed boost to the slowing recruitment market. By prioritising a retained search model and committing to partnerships that go beyond...
Charity News
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives £13,000 donation from Hereford’s KGD Industrial Services
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is flying high after a generous donation of £13,000, following the success of a lively charity dinner held by Hereford’s own, KGD Industrial Services. KGD Industrial Services, which specialises in designing and manufacturing process...
Vennture Appoints Safeguarding Expert to Drive Innovation Amid Sector Pressures
Ex-Police Safeguarding Leader Joins Vennture as New COO Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025. Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience,...
Lords’ Amendments Give Firms Hope
Reacting to the news that the House of Lords has re-inserted key amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy, said: “We are fast reaching the end of the road for crucial changes, that businesses desperately want to see, to...
BCC News
Lords’ Amendments Give Firms Hope
Reacting to the news that the House of Lords has re-inserted key amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy, said: “We are fast reaching the end of the road for crucial changes, that businesses desperately want to see, to...
Worcestershire News
Severn Valley Railway makes steady progress towards landslip repairs
Although a firm start date for repairs to the landslip at the Severn Valley Railway’s Mor Brook bridge remains unknown, huge progress has been made in recent weeks. The railway has also shared details of how the work will be undertaken. Last week [1 May], the SVR...
Severn Valley Railway launches ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer this half term
The Severn Valley Railway is making family adventures more affordable than ever with the launch of its ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer for the May half-term holiday from 24 May to 1 June. For just £1 per child, families can enjoy an unforgettable heritage rail journey through...
Herefordshire News
Gwen Walford Care Home Celebrates Win at the Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards 2024
Gwen Walford Nursing Home is thrilled to announce its success at the prestigious Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards, where the home’s dedicated staff member, Gideon Kusi, won The Good Nurse Award. These awards celebrate the hard work, dedication,...
Rotherwood Healthcare Launches Pioneering Wellness Programme to Enhance Resident Well-Being
Rotherwood Healthcare, an award-winning healthcare provider, is excited to announce the official launch of its Rotherwood Wellness Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to enhance the health and well-being of residents across its care homes. This...
All Latest News
Joel Richards Scholarship Event Raises Thousands at University of Worcester
A special event at the University of Worcester has raised thousands for a new scholarship fund dedicated to the memory of former student Joel Richards. Held in the University’s conference suite, named in Joel’s honour, the evening included a special address by his...
Non-cancer patient numbers under the care of St Michael’s Hospice exceed cancer patients for first time
One of Herefordshire’s largest charities says the number of its patients with non-cancer conditions has exceeded those with cancer for the first time. The change is down to an expansion of services offered by St Michael’s Hospice including expert care and support for...
Friends of Isaac’s Foodbank – Christmas Appeal
Reaching out to the powers of the Chamber of Commerce and my awesome network here! If you know Santa, or have any connections that know Santa, can you please share this in the hope the man in the red suit can come to my aid again this Christmas! I want to be sure that...
Mayfield Report Can Help Renew UK’s Workforce
Responding to the publication of the ‘Keep Britain Working Review’ report, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The workplace health crisis is damaging for individuals, employers and the economy. So, this report is...
Act Now: Transform Rural Families and Strengthen Your Workforce
Herefordshire charity Vennture is urging local businesses to invest in families and schools to build a stronger, more resilient workforce. Across rural communities, unresolved parental conflict, isolation, and limited access to services quietly undermine children’s...
Hoople Training share life-saving techniques in Restart a Heart Month
‘Restart a Heart Month’ is a national campaign to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and to encourage people to learn CPR. Hoople Training proudly used their expertise to support the initiative by providing opportunities for the public to learn CPR, free of charge,...
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