Living and Working in Guildford

Guildford is a town in west Surrey, situated in the south east of England and is only around thirty five miles from London. A train can transport you into the capital in considerably less than an hour and due to its convenient location, Guildford is able to take advantage of all the London airports.

Guildford is well known for its diverse, robust economy and high rates of employment. There are several key sectors and these include technology and innovation, (the presence of Surrey Research Park and the University of Surrey have made significant contributions in this field), digital media and gaming, construction, financial and professional, education and research, retail and hospitality, arts and culture, healthcare and life sciences, logistics, manufacturing and engineering and aerospace and defense.The economy of Guildford remains prosperous and the town has a highly talented workforce with statistics showing that at least 75% of the working age population having two A levels or equivalent.

The University of Surrey, founded in 1966 is dedicated to life changing education and research. It has been highly placed in many league tables and rankings which includes being currently listed at 13th by the Complete University Guide 2024.

Guildford is a historic town which has a rich and varied history spanning over many centuries. It dates back to Roman times when it grew as a small settlement by the river. It gained importance during medieval times and the town's layout and historical buildings such as Guildford Castle where visitors can explore the grounds and enjoy panoramic views from the keep, Guildhall and St Mary’s Church reflect this. Today, Guildford is a vibrant and historically rich town that combines its heritage with modern amenities. Its historic sites, picturesque streets and cultural venues continue to attract residents and visitors alike. Guildford Cathedral was completed in 1961 and is known for its elegant and modern design and in addition to being a place of worship, it serves as an artistic, educational and cultural hub for the community. There are also several museums and theatres in the town.

Shopping is a popular pastime in Guildford and it is easy to see why. There is an interesting high street with a mixture of well known brands, department stores and independent shops, a choice of shopping centres, a shopping arcade, regular markets and a variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Guildford is surrounded by pretty countryside and charming towns and villages. To the east of Guildford, you will find the wonderful Surrey Hills Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The River Wey flows towards Godalming and Guildford, passing through the Surrey Hills before joining the Thames at Weybridge. Clandon Park is also nearby and the wonderful mansion and gardens are owned by the National Trust. Just a short drive from Guildford is Waverley Abbey where you can explore the ruins of one of the first Cistercian monasteries in England. Nearby Farnham is an attractive market town which is known for its cobbled streets and Georgian architecture with Farnham Castle standing as testament to its medieval past.

Guildford really is one of those exceptional places that has a unique and inviting atmosphere and where residents enjoy a high quality of life.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on February 28th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is G Live, London Road, GU1 2AA, which has established itself into one of the South East’s leading entertainment venues.