Living And Working In Chester

Chester is a city in Cheshire which is located near to the border with Wales, approximately 20 miles from Liverpool and 40 miles from Manchester. The nearest airport to the city is Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Chester Railway Station provides regular services to various destinations with a train to London taking around two hours.

Known for its well preserved Roman walls, medieval architecture and its picturesque streets lined with historic buildings, the River Dee runs through the city, adding to its charm. Chester is a city steeped in history, dating back nearly 2,000 years. It was initially founded as a Roman fort around 79 AD which was of great importance, serving as a military base to control the area and to launch campaigns into Wales. The medieval period saw the extension and strengthening of Chester’s walls which are some of the best preserved city walls in the UK today. The city also became an important religious centre around this time with the establishment of Chester Abbey, now Chester Cathedral, in the 11th century. The city experienced a revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city expanded beyond its walls and many of its famous black and white timber framed buildings, known as ‘The Rows’ were either constructed or renovated during this period. Like many other places, the arrival of the railway boosted the local economy, connecting it more effectively with the rest of the UK.

Chester’s economy is diverse and has evolved from its historical roots to include a mix of traditional and modern sectors. Chester has a significant presence in the financial services sector with several major banks and financial institutions having offices in the city and the city is home to a number of law firms and professional service companies, contributing to the economy by providing high skilled employment.

The University of Chester is a major employer, bringing in revenue and supporting local businesses. Linked to the university are initiatives and partnerships that focus on research, particularly in areas like health, social care and environmental sustainability. The large healthcare sector benefits from collaborations with the university in health and medical research.

While Chester is not heavily industrial, it is close to the Deeside Industrial Park in North Wales and the proximity to this industrial hub supports sectors like manufacturing, logistics and distribution. It is also close to significant aerospace and automotive industries which further contribute to the regional economy.

Chester is developing its digital and tech sector with a growing number of startups and small businesses in IT, software development and digital marketing.

Chester remains a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its well preserved Roman walls, medieval buildings and attractions like Chester Zoo, one of the most visited in the UK. Tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, retail and entertainment sectors. Additionally, the rich history of the city continues to be a major draw with sites such as the beautiful Gothic Chester Cathedral and the Roman Amphitheatre being central to the local economy. Chester Races is held at the historic Chester Racecourse and there are several events held throughout the year such as Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival and the magical Christmas Markets. A fantastic destination, Chester is now a protected heritage site with many of its historic buildings and structures carefully preserved.

Chester is known for its unique shopping experience particularly along The Rows, two tiered medieval shopping galleries, which feature a mix of independent shops, boutiques and well known retail brands. The main shopping centre in the city plays a key role for the local retail economy and generally the city can boast a reputation for high end shopping, catering to both locals and tourists.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 11th between 10am -2pm. The venue is The Chester Grosvenor, CH1 1LT. This magnificent five star hotel is a Grade II listed building and is conveniently situated in the heart of the city.