Living And Working In Gloucester

Gloucester is a city which is located on the River Severn in the west of England, not far from the Cotswolds. Located in the county of Gloucestershire which is home to six districts, the city is approximately one hundred and fifteen miles from London with the nearest major commercial airport being in Bristol. It has good transportation links with easy access to major road networks and if travelling by train, you can expect to arrive in London in around two hours.

Gloucester’s origins go as far back as the Roman times when it played a significant role in the Roman road network and it became a strategic location. The city continued to grow in importance during the medieval period and the stunning Gloucester Cathedral was completed in the fourteenth century. By the time of the Industrial Revolution, Gloucester became an important inland port due to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and the River Severn, seeing significant industrial and economic growth. The city became a centre for the textile industry with several mills and factories becoming established. Other strong industries at this time included agricultural machinery, metalworking and shipbuilding.

Gloucester provides an attractive environment where businesses flourish and the region has several strong sectors which include technology, advanced manufacturing, retail and hospitality, education and research and financial and professional. Many world class companies have made the region their base and it is a good place for startups. The region boasts one of the highest rates of employment within the south west and is a sought after destination for companies who seek a highly skilled and dynamic workforce.

The vibrant and diverse University of Gloucestershire has three campuses based in Gloucester and Cheltenham with a community of approximately twelve thousand students and is recognised for its commitment to providing a quality education with world class facilities and opportunities. Data shows that 96% of graduates are in work or further education within six months of graduating from the university.

There is so much to experience in the city. The recently renovated historic docks near to the city centre is a perfect day out with several interesting Victorian buildings, quayside shopping and numerous cafes and restaurants to explore. Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of worship for over one thousand three hundred years and has some stunning architecture and examples of stained glass in the country with the Great East Window having been in several major films and television shows. Museums include the Tailor of Gloucester Beatrix Potter Museum and Shop, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and the National Waterways Museum.

Gloucester has some magnificent landscapes nearby including the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills and charming countryside, the ancient Forest of Dean and The Malvern Hills. Gloucester itself has several beautiful green spaces such as Robinswood Hill and the award winning Barnwood Arboretum.

The city’s historic streets are bursting with a fantastic variety of shops and there are regular markets held here which include farmers markets and a craft and food market. The city is proud of its local produce and locally sourced food and has a long held tradition with farming and agriculture. This all plays a vital role in the rural economy of the region.

Sport plays a significant role here with rugby being at the heart of the city’s sporting identity, in addition to football, cricket, athletics, golf and watersports! The rugby club, based at Kingsholm Stadium is one of the most prominent clubs in English rugby while fans of motorsport will be delighted to know that Prescott Hill is nearby, the famous motor racing venue.

The rich history and charming architecture of Gloucester creates a unique atmosphere. The city offers a great selection of both urban and rural, due to its proximity to the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. With a strong jobs market and ample employment opportunities, the city of Gloucester is an extremely attractive place to both live and work.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on April 17th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Gloucester Guildhall, GL1 1NS. This beautiful listed building is Gloucester’s premier arts and event venue.