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.
Get Festival-Ready For OrchardFest
Our accessible music festival OrchardFest 2026 is just around the corner, and the official merchandise shop is now live! From comfy hoodies to classic T-shirts and stylish bucket hats, it’s a brilliant way to get into the festival spirit. Merchandise Deadline: Order...
Latest Article
Get Festival-Ready For OrchardFest
Our accessible music festival OrchardFest 2026 is just around the corner, and the official merchandise shop is now live! From comfy hoodies to classic T-shirts and stylish bucket hats, it’s a brilliant way to get into the festival spirit. Merchandise Deadline: Order...
Member News
Local Business Backs Young Footballers and KEMP Hospice with New Team Sponsorship.
Young footballers in the Wyre Forest are set to take to the pitch in brand-new kits this season thanks to the support of local business R Albert Accountancy Ltd – with KEMP Hospice proudly featured on the front of the shirts. The new kits will feature the KEMP...
Why your website costs what it costs
When a business owner gets a quote for a new website and it comes in at £3,000, £8,000, or £15,000, a fairly reasonable question follows: why? It’s not always obvious, websites look like websites and you can’t always see what’s under the bonnet. A...
Patron & Strategic News
Sutcliffe becomes a new BIBA Accredited Cyber Insurance Broker (ACIB)
Sutcliffe & Co has become a BIBA Accredited Cyber Insurance Broker (ACIB), featuring in the new BIBA Cyber Insurance Broker Directory, which launched at the BIBA Conference 2026 on Wednesday 13th May to help protect UK businesses via specialist accredited BIBA...
Hive Events to Challenge Stereotypes and Share Lived Experiences of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities
A series of events at Worcester’s Hive Library will celebrate Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month this June, highlighting lived experiences and tackling discrimination. Three free talks have been organised by Dr Peter Unwin, Principal Lecturer in Social Work at...
Chamber News
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber launches Business Manifesto 2026/27 at the Annual Economic Conference
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has launched its Business Manifesto 2026/27 at the Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference, setting out the organisation’s priorities for the year ahead and highlighting the key issues facing businesses across...
Chamber Hosts MPQ Sessions for Members Across the Region
On 6 February, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce members had the opportunity to meet with Jesse Norman MP and Ellie Chowns MP during the Chamber’s MPQ sessions. The event offered a valuable forum for businesses across the county to discuss key...
Our Latest Member
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Bluebox Software Marks 20 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth
Worcester-based Bluebox Software is celebrating 20 years of helping businesses evolve through technology – alongside the launch of a bold new brand identity that reflects its continued focus on innovation and collaboration. Founded in 2005 by Richard Cullen,...
Policy News
Rates Held As Inflation Risks Rise
Reacting to the latest interest rate decision, by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The geopolitical kaleidoscope has been dramatically shaken since the Bank last met to set the interest rate. Today’s...
Diplomatic Advisory Hub Offers Middle East Conflict Insight
Hundreds of businesses have gained unique geopolitical insight into the Middle East crisis, thanks to a joint initiative by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The first event organised by the new...
Skills News
BetaDen Expands to New Base in Kidderminster’s Historic Old Court
BetaDen, Worcestershire’s award-winning provider of support programmes for technology businesses and entrepreneurs, is expanding its footprint with a new base in the north of the county at the newly renovated Old Court in Kidderminster. This move marks an exciting new...
‘Credit to Nursing’ Lecturer Wins Prestigious Nomination
A senior lecturer at the University of Worcester has been shortlisted for a prestigious prize at the British Journal of Nursing Awards. Dr Paul-John Alegado is in the running for the Educator Nurse of the Year award, which celebrates nurses who have demonstrated...
Charity News
Local Charity launches entrepreneurial fundraising challenge during Mental Health Awareness Week this May
West Midlands-based mental health charity Kaleidoscope Plus Group has launched a new fundraising initiative, inviting individuals, schools and businesses to turn just £5 into vital support for its mental health services across the Midlands. The Fiver to Thrive...
Why I’m taking on The King’s Trust Challenge
Why I’m taking on The Kings Trust CEO Challenge “I didn’t think I was good at anything… now I know I just needed a chance.” That’s the voice of a young person whose life has been changed through The King’s Trust. One of many who have moved from uncertainty to...
Steel Tariffs Risk Serious Damage To UK Manufacturers
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that changes to UK steel quotas and tariffs could add millions of pounds to manufacturers’ costs. In a letter to the Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, the BCC said the proposed regime risks creating ‘real financial and...
BCC News
Steel Tariffs Risk Serious Damage To UK Manufacturers
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that changes to UK steel quotas and tariffs could add millions of pounds to manufacturers’ costs. In a letter to the Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, the BCC said the proposed regime risks creating ‘real financial and...
Worcestershire News
Businesses called to the crease as Worcester Street Sixes returns this July
Worcestershire businesses are being urged to bat up for a day of sporting fun and community connection as Worcester Street Sixes returns to the heart of the city on Tuesday 15 July 2025, when the event will unfold across Cathedral Square and Worcester High Street....
‘Scots Guardsman’ to replace ‘Tornado’ at the SVR’s Railway 200: Trains through the Ages event
The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed that LMS 46115 ‘Scots Guardsman’ will appear at its Railway 200: Trains though the Ages event on 5 and 6 July, as a replacement for 60163 ‘Tornado’. Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director said: ‘As one door closes,...
Herefordshire 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...
Branding with Purpose: Wye Valley Brewery Leads the Conversation at The Marketing Meetup – Worcester
Last week, the Worcester marketing community came together for The Marketing Meetup, this was only the second event – this time sponsored by Nifty Communications and hosted at the co-working space Vinegar Works on Foregate Street. This impactful event brought together...
All Latest News
UK Steel Strategy
From 1st July, the government will be reducing the amount of steel that can be imported without tariffs, meaning that there will be 50% import tariffs on companies that exceed the 60% quota set by the government. There is some uncertainty over the reasoning behind...
ATA Carnets Go Digital from 1 June 2026
From 1 June 2026, ATA Carnets will begin transitioning from paper to a digital format across the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland. This marks the start of a global shift, with both paper and digital Carnets running side by side until 31 December 2027, allowing customs...
More Help Needed on Business Costs
Responding to measures announced by the Chancellor this lunchtime, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of...
Firms Warn of Rising Costs from Iran Crisis
New research shows 80% of surveyed firms report an existing or expected impact from the Iran conflict, including energy price increases, shipping disruption and rises in raw material costs The manufacturing sector is seeing the biggest impact, with 68% of firms...
Wyevale Nurseries supports landmark tree planting project at Cotswolds Distillery
WYEVALE Nurseries has supported a major tree planting and landscape enhancement initiative at Cotswolds Distillery in collaboration with Gloucestershire County Council’s Greener Gloucestershire Trees Team and landscape architects Rachael White Designs (May 2026). The...
Why work-life balance is a business issue, not just a people issue
Having spent much of my career in food, drink and FMCG manufacturing, I know how easy it is for long hours and constant availability to become normal. When production targets need hitting, staffing is tight and problems keep coming, stepping in can feel like the only...
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