The region is looking to 2026 with fresh optimism. Meet the pioneering firms helping drive that mood shift and see how they’re turning challenge into opportunity in the year ahead…
Herefordshire and Worcestershire are entering 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose. Across the two counties, businesses are responding to economic uncertainty with creativity, collaboration and a clear focus on long-term impact.
From fast-growing technology specialists and purpose-led consultancies to creative agencies and biodiversity pioneers, the region’s business community is showing that innovation does not have to come at the expense of values. Instead, many of the companies gaining momentum are those placing people, wellbeing and sustainability at the heart of their growth.
That momentum is reflected in Business Direction’s inaugural Ones to Watch 2026 list – a selection of five standout organisations poised for a breakout year ahead. Spanning AI, wellbeing, creative production, neurodiversity and environmental innovation, this year’s cohort highlights the breadth and depth of enterprise across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Sharon Smith, CEO of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chambers of Commerce, says the list captures some of the most inspiring businesses in the region at the most creative.
“Over recent years, businesses here have faced the same pressures seen across the UK – rising costs, skills shortages and rapid technological change,” she says. “What stands out is how many have responded with ambition and creativity. They are investing in people, embracing new ideas and finding ways to grow responsibly.”
She adds: “The Ones to Watch for 2026 reflect the direction our economy is heading. These are organisations that are innovative, values-led and outward-looking, with a strong sense of place. They show why Herefordshire and Worcestershire can move into the year ahead with confidence.”
Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s Ones to Watch 2026
AI EXPERT
AI Expert is helping SMEs cut through the noise surrounding artificial intelligence and focus on practical, measurable business impact.
Operating as both an AI consultancy and developer, the Worcester-based business works with organisations to strip out manual inefficiencies, build smarter systems and unlock productivity gains through tailored AI solutions. Its free AI Readiness Assessment has become a key entry point, giving business leaders clarity on where AI can genuinely add value.
Having spent 2025 productising services and refining its delivery model, AI Expert is now entering a new phase of growth. The year ahead is firmly focused on scale, expanding its reach across the UK, launching a partner programme and preparing for international opportunities. New initiatives include an AI Directory for business leaders, a suite of diagnostic tools and further solutions scheduled for launch in early 2026.
Monthly thought-leadership events, national training programmes and the launch of The New Age podcast will further position the company as a trusted guide in an increasingly complex AI landscape. With collaboration at the heart of its strategy, AI Expert is well placed to support businesses that want to move fast, but do so with confidence and structure.
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BETTER ME BETTER YOU
Better Me Better You is built on a simple but powerful belief that a positive mindset is the foundation for long-term success, particularly for children and young adults.
Working directly with schools, the organisation delivers engaging programmes designed to build resilience, confidence, emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging. Its work supports young people not only to perform better academically, but to thrive personally as they move through education and into adulthood.
Looking ahead to 2026, the business sees its biggest opportunity in reaching more schools that need support most. Plans are underway to expand the team and deliver programmes nationally, ensuring access to confidence-building resources regardless of background or circumstance.
To fund this expansion, Better Me Better You is growing its corporate wellbeing offering – working with businesses to improve mindset, connection and performance within teams. These programmes generate sustainable income that enables the organisation to support schools and families who would otherwise be unable to afford the service.
Positioned at the intersection of education, wellbeing and social impact, Better Me Better You enters 2026 not just as a growing organisation, but as a movement committed to shaping healthier, happier futures.
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DANDELION
Dandelion Video Production is a creative agency with a difference, shaped by neurodivergent leadership and a commitment to listening deeply to clients and communities.
Founded by Adam Hanslow-Smith, creative director and co-founder, and Carolin Heel, marketing director and co-founder, the business combines high-quality video production with strategic marketing expertise. From case studies and explainer videos to motion graphics, every project is designed not just to look good, but to achieve clear outcomes.
Purpose sits at the heart of the company’s growth. Dandelion has pledged to produce one free video each month for Chamber charities, already supporting organisations including the ELY Memorial Fund and Herefordshire Mind, with further projects in production.
In parallel, the business is launching a new podcast spotlighting local business owners and sharing the stories behind their success. In just six months, Dandelion has worked with 15 clients and recently secured its largest project to date – clear evidence that growth and social value can go hand-in-hand.
As demand for authentic, accessible storytelling continues to rise, Dandelion is well positioned for a standout year ahead.
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MAISIE CASS
Maisie Cass is a Neurodiversity Specialist and founder of Diversity Does, a consultancy helping organisations become more confident, compassionate and effective in supporting neurodivergent people.
Blending professional expertise with lived experience, Maisie works with businesses to modernise people practices, improve wellbeing and embed neuroaffirming approaches to leadership, culture and talent retention. Her Neurodiversity in Business training has gained strong traction, supporting organisations to meet evolving ESG, DEI and sustainability expectations while unlocking the strengths of a neurodiverse workforce.
Looking to 2026, Maisie sees significant opportunity to expand her impact beyond business and into education. Her new Neurodiversity-First Education training will equip schools with practical tools to support neurodivergent students — helping young people understand how their brains work best, build self-advocacy skills and experience greater wellbeing.
Alongside consultancy work, Maisie is an in-demand keynote speaker and advocate for women with ADHD, particularly those balancing entrepreneurship with family life. With an ambitious programme of partnerships, training and thought leadership already underway, 2026 is set to be a defining year for both Diversity Does and the wider neuroinclusion movement.
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NICHE
Niche is redefining how towns and cities can work harder for biodiversity and for people.
Over the past year, the Herefordshire-based business has celebrated a series of milestones, including projects showcased at BBC Gardeners’ World, new product launches and appearances at RHS flower shows. Partnerships with sports clubs, landscape architects, educational institutions and businesses across the UK are helping to scale its impact far beyond the region.
The next 12 months mark a major step forward, with the opening of Niche’s first dedicated premises in Herefordshire and the expansion of its team nationwide. The new base will act as both headquarters and living demonstration site, combining ecological science, creative design and new technologies to develop innovative habitat solutions.
With biodiversity in continued national decline, Niche’s mission has never been more relevant. Through scientifically proven approaches and collaborative partnerships, the company is helping set new standards for urban biodiversity and positioning itself as a national leader in the sector as it enters 2026.
