Living And Working In Doncaster

Doncaster is a large city situated in south Yorkshire. Up until recently it was still a town but was granted city status as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in 2022. The local airport closed down towards the end of last year but Leeds Bradford Airport is only a little over thirty miles away. A  direct journey of less than two hours by rail from the city will get you to London, making it a popular choice for commuting especially as Doncaster is on the East Coast Main Line. As it is situated in the midst of a network of motorways, driving in any direction is easy. In fact, Doncaster is often described as one of the best connected places within the whole of the UK!

Doncaster has a long and interesting history that started in the Roman times and began to grow from there. By the 1700’s, Doncaster was known as a coaching town due to the volume of stagecoaches passing through and by the next century, as well as being dominated by mining and the engineering industry, the Great Northern Railway had relocated its engine works to here which became a major employer. The famous Mallard engine was built here and made its debut in 1938. It is now housed at the National Railway Museum in York.

Doncaster’s economy is experiencing strong growth and diversification. The city is held in great esteem for its excellent reputation within certain sectors such as logistics and transport and this sector remains a cornerstone of the local economy with major distribution centres and transport hubs driving growth.

Manufacturing and engineering have strong roots in the city and the presence of major companies and investments in modern facilities have bolstered this sector. Aerospace and aviation continues to thrive despite the closure of the airport and is supported by local firms involved in aircraft maintenance, repair and manufacturing. There is a growing emphasis on digital technologies and innovation with tech startups and established firms contributing to a digital economy and supported by local initiatives.

Significant investments have been made in both residential and commercial property development which are driving growth, especially since Doncaster received city status.

Education, healthcare and life sciences are also expanding, as is retail which has seen this particular sector revitalised, attracting both businesses and consumers. Many successful and well known companies have set up home here, having been attracted by the prosperous and dynamic area which is brimming with local expertise.

Doncaster College and University Centre offers a wide range of educational programmes, including vocational courses, apprenticeships and higher education degrees. It has strong ties with local businesses and industries, ensuring that courses are aligned with current job market demands.

Doncaster is within easy reach of main towns and cities such as York, Sheffield, Rotherham, Scunthorpe and Leeds. It has a great mix of urban and rural environments and while the town is urbanised, it is surrounded by countryside and green spaces.

The beautiful grade 1 listed Minster dates back from the 11th century and sits in part of the St George’s Conservation Area. Other top places to visit are The Yorkshire Wildlife Park where you can see some fascinating at risk species as well as over seventy different types of animal, Cusworth Hall Museum which is set in magnificent parkland and of course the well known racecourse which is one of the oldest in Britain. Beyond the city, the surrounding areas feature open countryside, agricultural land and small villages, contributing to a greener and more rural atmosphere.

Doncaster can entertain you with a host of shopping and eating out experiences so make sure you visit the Frenchgate Shopping Centre, the Mallard Retail Park which is located just outside of the city centre and Doncaster Market, a historic market which offers a diverse selection of goods.  Nightlife is spectacular with everything from historic pubs to award winning cocktail bars.

Doncaster is a friendly city and an exceptional place to live and work. Its affordable cost of living ensures financial stability while a diverse jobs market offers fantastic employment opportunities.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 22nd between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Eco - Power Stadium, DN4 5JW. This multi-purpose stadium is home to Doncaster’s prestigious sporting teams.