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.
Chef shortage putting huge pressure on hospitality industry
A Worcestershire hospitality jobs specialist is warning of a national chef shortage and has urged culinary talent to use their expertise, come forward and help rebuild the industry’s struggling talent pool. The alert has come from industry expert Kasia Krieger, who...
Latest Article
Chef shortage putting huge pressure on hospitality industry
A Worcestershire hospitality jobs specialist is warning of a national chef shortage and has urged culinary talent to use their expertise, come forward and help rebuild the industry’s struggling talent pool. The alert has come from industry expert Kasia Krieger, who...
Member News
All you can eat frites & more on our new menu
We’ve gone back to brasserie — back to bold, honest cooking, proper generosity, and everyday indulgence. Our frites are now a full-on, free-flowing centrepiece. Overflowing portions, unlimited top-ups, crispy, golden, glorious. If they come with your dish, they’re on...
Updating the Modern Staff Handbook: A Forward Thinking Guide for SMEs
In today’s fast-paced business world, a staff handbook should be more than a list of rules; it’s a living guide that communicates how your business operates, sets expectations, and reflects company culture. For SMEs, it’s about making it practical, accessible, and...
Patron & Strategic News
Research Sheds Light on Abuse Faced by Runners
A University of Worcester study has identified incidents of runners being shouted at from cars, chased by dogs, and having items thrown at them while out exercising. The new research asked people who run regularly in the county for their experiences of harassment and...
Lecturer Plays Role in New Worcestershire Walking Initiative
A University of Worcester academic has played a key role in new sustainability-themed walking routes around Worcestershire that incorporate transport by train. Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design, Andy Stevenson, has lent his expertise to the project, mapping and...
Chamber News
Co-locate with us!
We have an exciting opportunity for businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to utilise some space in our Worcestershire office, at Warndon Business Park, WR4 9NE. Our new flexible working arrangements, have freed up some space in our office, that we would like...
Inflation falls again to 7.9%
The UK’s rate of inflation dropped to 7.9% in the year to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Inflation is now at its lowest for more than a year, after several months of being stuck around the same level. The Office for National...
Our Latest Member
Lozboutique – Our Journey
Lozboutique is a fast growing online fashion store for ladieswear and childrenswear. The business started its online operations in the UK providing a variety of ladies casual and formal wear in different sizes. The business later launched its junior range for children...
Lozboutique – Our Journey
Lozboutique is a fast growing online fashion store for ladieswear and childrenswear. The business started its online operations in the UK providing a variety of ladies casual and formal wear in different sizes. The business later launched its junior range for children...
Policy News
Former Cabinet Minister to Give Special Talk at The Hive
Former Cabinet Minister, the Rt. Hon. Justine Greening, is to deliver a special talk as part of the HiveAt10 celebrations on Tuesday, June 14 at The Hive. The multi award-winning Hive, which was opened by HM The Queen during her Diamond Jubilee year in 2012, is...
Will R&D Tax Credits become more generous?
In the Spring Statement 2022, Rishi Sunak promised to make the UK’s Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits regime more generous. But what will he do? UK business R&D investment is less than half of the OECD’s average as a percentage of GDP, so the...
Skills News
Workplace Training and Development Commission Progress Report
On 4 September, the BCC’s Workplace Training and Development Commission (WTDC) published its Progress Report for consultation. The report marks the halfway point in the Commission’s Inquiry into adult skills in the workplace. It sets out our emerging recommendations...
Major expansion of post-18 education and training to level up and prepare workers for post-COVID economy
The Prime Minister has today set out plans to transform the training and skills system, making it fit for the 21st century economy, and helping the country build back better from coronavirus. Adults without an A-Level or equivalent qualification will be offered a...
Charity News
Randy Langford, 98, Receives Honour for Voluntary Work at St Michael’s Hospice
A 98-year-old volunteer who has devoted almost 30 years of his life to St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford has been honoured by the King. Ernest Randolph Langford – affectionately known as ‘Randy’ – was described as “a bit of a legend” and an “incredible...
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...
Challenging Spring Outlook As Firms Struggle to Bloom
Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today the Chancellor saw a small dip in inflation, however her statement was made against a backdrop of downgraded economic growth for...
BCC News
Challenging Spring Outlook As Firms Struggle to Bloom
Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today the Chancellor saw a small dip in inflation, however her statement was made against a backdrop of downgraded economic growth for...
Worcestershire News
WCWFC’s Rise: A Winning Streak and an FA Cup Challenge
In an unprecedented feat, Worcester City Women FC has secured a spot in the Second Round Proper of the FA Cup, marking a historic moment for the club. The draw pits them against third-tier powerhouse MK Dons, and the clash promises to be a thrilling encounter on...
See Your Lost Loved One Shine as Charity’s Special Festive Celebration Returns
A moving celebration will see the memory of lost loved ones shine this Christmas with the return of a special festive campaign from Acorns Children’s Hospice. Celebrate Your Star invites friends and family members from across Worcestershire to pay tribute to...
Herefordshire News
Caplor Energy Certifies as a B Corporation
Renewable Energy company Caplor Energy Ltd has announced on March the 1st its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp), joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. Caplor Energy has been certified by B Lab, the...
Wyevale Nurseries’ Perennial charity salvias ready for garden centres to order for summer
Garden Centres keen to support the horticultural industry charity Perennial can this month order two special salvias for delivery in the summer to help raise funds for the organisation (March 2023). Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries says the new plants, which were...
All Latest News
Hereford Military History Festival
The Hereford Military History Festival has announced the next 10 events for its debut festival, which will take place from Friday 26th – Sunday 28th September 2025. Featuring internationally renowned writers and thinkers, including Philippe Sands, Clare...
Initial Wave of Innovators Join Business Support Programme with Worcestershire’s First AI Testbed Facilities
A bold new chapter in Worcestershire’s innovation landscape begins as 15 early-stage technology businesses commence BetaDen’s newly opened incubator programme at the Old Court in Kidderminster. BetaDen is Worcestershire’s provider of support programmes for innovative...
US Tariff Relief For Automotives And Jet Engines
Reacting to news that the US President has signed an Executive Order on the trade deal with the UK, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said: “News that the trade deal with the US has been agreed on automotives and jet engines will be music to the ears of affected...
Spending Review Must Be A Catalyst For Growth
Responding to the Comprehensive Spending Review, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “Business has been waiting for Government to show it understands the deep-rooted problems holding back our economy and how they can be solved. “Today we have seen signs...
From Relocation Dreams to Financial Freedom
Your Next Home, Made Easier: A Family’s Success Story with SN Financial I’m Zoe Blount, a mortgage adviser here at SN Financial. Life’s big moments often bring big financial questions, especially when it involves family growth and a change of scenery! I truly love...
Worcester hospice gardens get spruced up by volunteers at property consultancy in city
Colleagues from a leading Worcester property consultancy spent a day giving back to the community by sprucing up the gardens of a well-known hospice in the city. Staff from Fisher German’s Worcester office spent the day volunteering at St Richard’s Hospice to help...
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