Living and Working in Newport

Newport is a small yet vibrant, multicultural city and county borough situated in Wales. It lies just on the border to England and as Wales’ third largest city, it has a growing population. The city is easily accessible from London and a drive up the M4 will have you arriving in Newport in around three hours whereas a train journey can typically take you there in around two hours. The nearest airport is Bristol International Airport which offers well over one hundred international destinations.

Newport has an interesting history which dates back over two thousand years and the river that flows through the city ~ the River Usk ~ has been of great importance over the centuries and has been used for trading and transportation, as well as attracting many visitors. However, it was during the industrial revolution in the 19th century that transformed Newport into a seaport town to one of the most important places for the production of steel and for the export of coal. In the 20th century, the importance of the docks began to decline yet the town remained a hub for manufacturing and engineering. Newport was granted city status in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Newport has a diverse economy with a strong manufacturing sector with several companies producing advanced components, automotive parts and medical devices. Other sectors in the area include logistics and distribution (which are favoured due to Newport’s close proximity to major transport routes), creative industries, financial and business services, education, research and tourism.

Significant regeneration of the town is happening with various investments delivering carefully planned transformation and creating new business opportunities. £17 million of Transforming Towns funding has been put into use in Newport which is designed to help reverse decline, with £125 million over three years to reinvent towns across Wales. Good things are happening here and it is predicted only to get better.

The original University of Newport merged with the University of Glamorgan in 2013 when it became known as the University of South Wales. However, the legacy continues with a modern and well regarded campus in Newport which is home to a number of faculties.

Newport is a friendly and affordable city with several notable landmarks such as Tredegar House which is a 17th century mansion, Newport Castle - the ruin of a 14th century castle which is now a grade II listed building and Newport Cathedral - the smallest cathedral in Wales which has been a sacred site for over fifteen hundred years and founded by St Woolos. The Transporter Bridge, which is temporarily closed for necessary restoration, is a remarkable operational bridge which is effectively a suspended ferry which operates far more efficiently than a conventional one and is well worth viewing. There’s an interesting Museum and Art Gallery, a Theatre and Arts Centre and Newport Wetlands Reserve which is one of the most important places in Wales for birds and wildlife, a traditional covered market plus so much more.

Newport offers an ideal lifestyle with excellent schooling, friendly locals and wonderful scenery everywhere you turn. The Brecon Beacons are only thirty minutes away, as is the Wye Valley Area Of Outstanding National Beauty.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on March 8th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Rodney Parade, NP19 0UU. This spacious and popular stadium is conveniently situated in the city centre by the River Usk and is just a short walk from Newport’s bus and train stations.