Living And Working In Bolton

Bolton is a large and culturally diverse town in northern England which although is officially a part of Greater Manchester and makes up one of the ten metropolitan boroughs, many people class Bolton as being in Lancashire. It is situated close to the West Pennine Moors and is ten miles northwest of Manchester. The nearest airport to Bolton is Manchester Airport and a typical train journey into London takes less than three hours.

Once just a small village, Bolton began to thrive and grow rapidly during the seventeenth century due to the cotton weaving industry. From the late eighteenth century onwards, Bolton was transformed due to the Industrial Revolution and became very popular as the cotton industry expanded and soon dominated the town. It became one of the biggest and most productive places for cotton spinning in the world.

Bolton has a diverse and evolving economy and while not as dominant as it once was, manufacturing remains a part of the economy with the town hosting companies in sectors such as textiles, food processing and engineering. Investments in green technologies and automation is becoming more common in local factories.

The Logistics North site, the North West’s largest live commercial development, continues to grow as a major hub for logistics and distribution, benefiting from Bolton’s strategic location  near to major transport routes. This sector is a key employer and contributes to the town’s economic stability.

The service sector, including healthcare, education and financial services remains strong. There is also a growing focus on the digital sector.

The University of Bolton, whose origins go back as far as 1825, is expanding its facilities, focusing on research and development in various fields which is attracting more students and professionals to the area. The university is a major employer as well as partnering and collaborating with local businesses and industries to conduct research and development projects.

Ongoing urban renewal projects are expected to further enhance Bolton’s appeal as a place to live, work and invest. These projects are aimed at modernising the town while preserving its historical character. Additionally, with the recent push towards sustainability, Bolton’s economy is likely to see more green initiatives, particularly in construction, manufacturing and energy and the town is working hard to balance its industrial heritage with the needs of a modern, sustainable economy.

The talented people of Bolton are renowned for being hard working and resilient characters with a typical northern warmth and wit in addition to their straight talking ways. The sense of community is especially important in the town and there are numerous celebrities who originate from here which include Sara Cox, Paddy McGuiness and Amir Khan.

Bolton is home to several historic landmarks such as Bolton Town Hall which was built between 1866 - 1873 and showcases some fascinating stonework and intricate carvings and Smithills Hall which is a historic manor house dating back to the 14th century in parts. Bolton is also well known for its football team, Bolton Wanderers F.C. The town boasts a rich cultural scene which includes the Octagon Theatre and the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery.

Bolton has a variety of shopping options available, from high street retailers to independent boutiques and a historic market experience ~ both indoor and outdoor. The retail sector remains a crucial part of Bolton’s economy with new developments in the town centre having expanded shopping and leisure options, helping to sustain local employment.

Bolton is surrounded by picturesque countryside which offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor pursuits and scenic walks. Nearby are Jumbles Country Park, Moses Gate Country Park and Smithills Country Park whilst just to the north of Bolton you will discover the beautiful Turton and Entwistle Reservoir. Rivington Pike is a stunning hilltop location which is popular with hikers and walkers alike.

Bolton is affordable in terms of both housing costs and general living expenses compared to other areas within the UK, has excellent transport links, breathtaking scenery and culture galore, all which makes the town an attractive place to live for those seeking a balance of urban and rural living.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 12th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is The Albert Halls, BL1 1RU. This stunning Grade II listed building, situated in the heart of the town, has a fascinating history attached to it and offers a spectacular space for a wide variety of conferences and events.