Living And Working In Wigan

The town of Wigan is situated in the area of Greater Manchester and is in between the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. It is approximately two hundred and ten miles from London with regular and direct trains from Wigan North Station and the town can take advantage of the close proximity to Liverpool Airport.

Wigan’s history can be traced back to Roman times and by the time of the Industrial Revolution, there was significant industrialisation in the town, particularly in coal mining and cotton mills. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal which was completed in 1774, played a crucial role in the transportation of goods.

Like many other towns and cities, Wigan has now moved away from heavy industry and has focused on sectors such as manufacturing ( especially food and drink), retail, healthcare, education, transport and logistics, digital and creative industries. The convenience of being so close to other major cities has contributed to Wigan’s economic success. Businesses have access to the ever busy Port of Liverpool along with the Manchester Ship Canal, a thirty six mile long waterway which handles cargo and is a popular route for cruises and tours. This contributes towards making Wigan an ideal distribution hub for global businesses. Many well known and successful companies are based here and new businesses are attracted to the town due to the growth potential, connectivity and the efficient and talented workforces which flourish in the diverse and resilient environment.

The award winning University Centre Wigan and Leigh College is the only university level education provider in the Wigan borough and offers a high level of learning with a fantastic range of facilities, resources and equipment available for students.

Wigan is famous for its rugby league team which has a highly successful history. The football team also has a significant following and the two sports share the DW Stadium. There is also a hub for athletics, several golf courses and a cricket ground!

Wigan offers a variety of attractions which include the historic Wigan Pier on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Wigan Little Theatre, the peaceful Haigh Woodland Park, the stunning Fairy Glen and the Victorian-era Mesnes Park. The town offers an energetic arts and culture scene with something always happening!

Wigan fulfills all shopping expectations and has many of the major retailers as well as independent shops, boutiques and markets. There are an abundance of places to eat and drink which cater for all preferences while Wigan’s nightlife is exceptional with the town ranking first in a survey of best places for drinking within the UK, due to the number of bars, pubs and clubs as well as the prices!

Wigan easily manages to blend the charm of a historic industrial town with modern living. Its rich heritage is reflected in its vibrant cultural scene. It strikes a balance between urban and rural life with easy access to beautiful countryside which offers serenity and plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its diverse employment opportunities and excellent transport links to other major towns and cities, it is a great choice for those who seek a high quality of life in a welcoming community.

If you’re looking for a new career in Wigan, we recommend attending our Wigan Careers Fair! Our career fair will offer candidates from all backgrounds, experience and education levels the opportunity to speak to representatives from an abundance of local employers. Book a ticket today!