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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.
University Wins National EDI Award at Better Society Awards 2026
The University of Worcester has won a major national award recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed. The University was the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at last night’s 2026 Better Society Awards. The Awards...
Latest Article
University Wins National EDI Award at Better Society Awards 2026
The University of Worcester has won a major national award recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed. The University was the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at last night’s 2026 Better Society Awards. The Awards...
Member News
UK’S FIRST ON-SITE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING TRAINING FACILITY OPENS AT NEW COLLEGE WORCESTER, BUILT THROUGH INDUSTRY COLLABOARTION TO SUPPORT THE VISION IMPAIRED
New College Worcester (NCW), a national residential school for blind and vision impaired young people, has installed a state-of-the-art pedestrian crossing on its campus, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. The Noel Duffy Pedestrian Crossing provides a...
“They’re great… but something’s not quite right” – managing early employee performance concerns
You’ll likely know that feeling when someone joins your team and they’re lovely, they’re trying, but something just isn’t quite clicking. A lot of small employers sit with that gut feeling for too long… not because they don’t want to deal with it but...
Patron & Strategic News
University Research Backs Innovative Prison Scheme to Break Cycle of Reoffending
Experts from the University of Worcester have been working with men recently released from prison to evaluate the impact of an innovative rehabilitation programme centred around fitness. Their report on the pilot scheme could help make the case for rolling the...
Are Ageing Systems Holding Your Business Back?
Outdated IT systems can quietly create big challenges for businesses — from slowing productivity and increasing costs to exposing organisations to greater cyber risk. As technology evolves, keeping systems fit for purpose is no longer optional; it’s essential. As a...
Chamber News
arrangeMY Escape are hosting their second holiday show at the prestigious Guildhall in Worcester
The award-winning independent travel agency arrangeMY Escape are hosting their second holiday show. This is to be held in the historic city centre of Worcester at the prestigious Guildhall on Sunday 1st October from 11am – 3pm. Travel experts from both arrangeMY...
Commercial property landlords alerted over changes to minimum energy efficiency rating
Commercial property landlords could be faced with owning properties they cannot let or even sell if they fail to meet new energy efficiency rules which could be introduced by the Government. That’s the warning from specialist property solicitor, Phil Hunt, who says...
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
Upcoming COP27 Conference Vital to Provide a Sustainability Plan for Businesses
COP27 will be held in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh on 6-18 November. Every year, a different country from a different world region takes up the Conference of the Parties (COP) Presidency, to convene world leaders and define priorities. As an ‘All of...
New Prime Minister Must Listen to Businesses After a Period of Damaging Uncertainty
Reacting to the news of Rishi Sunak being announced as the new Leader of the Conservative Party, and new Prime Minister, Sam Merrett, Policy Executive at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I would like to congratulate Rishi Sunak on his...
Skills News
Higher technical education reforms
The Department for Education (DfE) is planning to improve higher technical education to help people train or retrain for high-skilled jobs. These reforms will cover learners studying for higher technical education qualifications. The reforms are designed to: improve...
2020 Employer Skills Survey
Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) are gathering information on the skills gaps and training needs SMEs face in Worcestershire, particularly in relation to the use of digital technologies. As part of this assessment, we are asking our colleagues, business support...
Charity News
Countdown to this year’s annual Elgar Festival
Organisers of the annual celebration of the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer are counting down the days until the event. The Elgar Festival’s 2024 event will take place between Monday 27 May and Sunday 2 June. The Festival – which was launched...
The Courtyard Announces Ambitious LED Lighting Project to Enhance the Performance Spaces and Substantially Reduce its Carbon Footprint
The Courtyard is thrilled to unveil its latest initiative to bring vibrant low-energy lighting to its performance spaces through the installation of 140, eco-friendly LED lights. This innovative lighting project promises endless possibilities for creative expression,...
SMEs Key To Defence Industrial Strategy
Responding to the announcement of the Defence Industrial Strategy, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “Raising defence investment is not only vital for the UK’s national security in an age of higher geopolitical risk but also to boost growth, jobs, exports and...
BCC News
SMEs Key To Defence Industrial Strategy
Responding to the announcement of the Defence Industrial Strategy, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “Raising defence investment is not only vital for the UK’s national security in an age of higher geopolitical risk but also to boost growth, jobs, exports and...
Worcestershire News
GLP Training Christmas Quiz – In aid of Worcester Food Bank
GLP Training are hosting a Christmas Quiz this December in aid of the Worcester Food Bank. They would love to see as many Chamber members and non members attend. £10.00 per person – Teams of 5 Bookings:...
You Do Better Ltd celebrates 6 years in business
You Do Better Ltd is thrilled to commemorate a significant milestone, as it proudly marks six years of providing pay-as-you-go Public Relations to SMEs across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and beyond. Since its inception in 2017, the company has...
Herefordshire News
A ‘Pug’ load of shunting in-store for the Cotswolds
Class 21 ‘Pug’ steam tank locomotive to visit the Cotswolds A shunting stalwart for the Cotswold Festival of Steam, 12-14 May 2023 Daily passenger workings from Toddington to Winchcombe and back 03 March 2023: A diminutive and characterful 123-year-old 0-4-0 steam...
Herefordshire IT Company Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation and Growth
ActiveIT, a leading provider of cutting-edge IT solutions and services, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. Since its founding in February 1998, the company – which has a base near Ross-on-Wye – has established itself as a leader in the industry...
All Latest News
Fully Funded Suicide Prevention Training opportunities
We’re excited to share that new fully funded suicide prevention training sessions are now open for booking! Please pass this on to your networks and local groups across Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Suicide First Aid Lite – Fully Funded Online Training Five...
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...
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