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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.

Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far

Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far

More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption.  Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...

Latest Article

Half of SMEs Using AI -With Limited Headcount Impact So Far

More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption.  Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up...

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Member News

Patron & Strategic News

Practical Steps to Reduce the Impact of Flooding

Practical Steps to Reduce the Impact of Flooding

Recent flooding incidents this autumn have shown just how devastating and unpredictable flooding can be, leaving many homes damaged and people feeling overwhelmed. We understand the distress that flooding can cause, and we are here to help you take proactive steps to...

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Chamber News

Woo bikes scheme for businesses

Woo bikes scheme for businesses

Students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts are collaborating with the University of Worcester and Worcester City Council on a project to expand an electric bike (e-bike) share scheme with employers in Worcester. The team have some funding to run...

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Securing the ‘New Normal’

Securing the ‘New Normal’

When Covid-19 hit, businesses desperately sort news ways to maintain some sense of continuity, which for a large majority, saw entire business functions move online for the first time ever. The demand for remote access and technology was on a scale that had never been...

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Policy News

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Skills News

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Charity News

Can you help Community First promote our rural businesses?

Can you help Community First promote our rural businesses?

Government figures for Worcestershire and The Marches LEP areas show that out of 66,330 business units 31,165 are in rural areas. That’s 47% of our capacity to succeed and benefit both businesses and the communities. Community First is a charity whose mission is to...

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Funding Boost for Worcester Based Menopause Retreat Company

Funding Boost for Worcester Based Menopause Retreat Company

A Worcester-based company that hosts menopause retreats across the UK has secured a £75,000 funding boost from BCRS Business Loans. This follows a period of substantial growth for Menopause Retreats, which is the largest company of its kind in the world. Additional...

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PAC report right to focus on SME benefit from trade deals

PAC report right to focus on SME benefit from trade deals

The Department for International Trade (the Department) has a target for 80% of UK trade to be covered by free trade agreements by the end of 2022. It has a challenging programme ahead which includes concluding ongoing trade negotiations, launching negotiations with...

BCC News

PAC report right to focus on SME benefit from trade deals

The Department for International Trade (the Department) has a target for 80% of UK trade to be covered by free trade agreements by the end of 2022. It has a challenging programme ahead which includes concluding ongoing trade negotiations, launching negotiations with...

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Worcestershire News

MHPP Regional Showcase

MHPP Regional Showcase

A Midlands pilot scheme has been heralded as a positive regional approach to tackling the stigma around mental health in the workplace by the head of a major national charity ahead of a key online event. Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind, has...

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Local Business Expands Team with Kickstarter Initiative

Local Business Expands Team with Kickstarter Initiative

A Worcestershire business has created three new jobs for young people thanks to the Government’s Kickstart scheme. Smile Box is a subscription box and corporate wellbeing gift service which encourages people to focus more on self-care, wellbeing and positive mental...

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Herefordshire News

All Latest News

Autumn Budget 2024: Key Points

Autumn Budget 2024: Key Points

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered Labour’s first Budget since 2010, after the party’s return to power in July’s general election. Here are some key points to take away from the Autumn Budget. Personal Tax and benefits The Minimum wage for adults over 21 is set to...

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Worcester Graduate Leads Lionesses to the World Cup

Worcester Graduate Leads Lionesses to the World Cup

A University of Worcester graduate is heading off to Colombia as he leads the England Women’s Amputee Football Team in the sport’s first ever World Cup. Harry Smith, who studied Sports Coaching Science, has been working in amputee football for the last five years but...

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Top Lawyer Delivers Talk on AI

Top Lawyer Delivers Talk on AI

The Master of the Rolls, one of the most senior legal professionals in the UK, has spoken about AI and the law at the University of Worcester. Sir Geoffrey Vos’ talk was attended by staff and students at the University, as well as several legal professionals and...

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