Living And Working In Exeter

Exeter is a small city in the county of Devon, around 175 miles from London and is situated in the south west of England. It lies by the appropriately named River Exe which originates from Exmoor before reaching its destination ~ the sea at Exmouth. Exeter has its own airport, regular trains to London and major routes out of the city via the M5.

Centuries ago, historic Exeter began as a small Roman town which transformed much later on by successfully trading in wool. Now Exeter is a flourishing and ambitious city with a fast growing, strong economy which  often outperforms many locations within the UK regarding the ability to create jobs.

There are numerous large employers in the area and several smaller yet highly innovative companies. The economy of Exeter continues to attract investment and it is predicted to maintain its rank as leading city in the south west region throughout the year. Key factors driving this growth include a robust job market and a strong focus on innovation.

Exeter’s economy is both diverse and dynamic and is supported by several sectors and industries. The city is experiencing significant growth in digital technology, driven by ongoing digitalisation and the need for tech skills across various industries. This includes roles in IT, software development and digital media. Construction is another major sector, focusing on both traditional building projects and new initiatives aimed at sustainability and the net zero agenda. Health and social care remains crucial with ongoing needs for skilled professionals. The city is also creating growth in creative arts and culture which not only contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy but also drive economic activity through events, tourism and digital content creation. Education and research, supported by establishments such as the university, plays a critical role in providing a skilled workforce and fostering innovation. The blend of a thriving knowledge sector and a fantastic variety of business accommodation and commercial premises help to make Exeter unique as a place to work with the city, especially appealing to creative and scientific based start ups.

The city places strong emphasis on education and the University of Exeter is ranked highly, offering world class research opportunities for its students which come from all over the globe.

A town with a long and fascinating history, Exeter boasts a wealth of attractions such as  Exeter Cathedral which is one of Europe's most splendid Gothic cathedrals and is over a thousand years old. The city’s walls are a significant historical feature, tracing back to the Roman era and around 70% of the original wall exists today with sections around Rougemont Castle (once a Norman military stronghold), Northernhay Gardens (one of the oldest public open spaces in England) and the medieval Cathedral Close. The walls serve as a testament to Exeter’s enduring legacy. The fascinating Underground Passages were originally built to contain pipes that supplied medieval Exeter with drinking water and are open to the public. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery has a wealth of fascinating displays and of course not forgetting the Historic Quayside which has undergone a fantastic transformation whilst still managing to retain its historical atmosphere. Choose from the many activities, shopping experiences, coffee shops, restaurants and places of interest and you can see for yourself why Exeter is so popular with people of all ages.

Exeter is considered to be one of the healthiest places to live in the UK and due to the many parks and green spaces, Exeter has been listed as one of the greenest locations within the UK and the city centre has been identified as the greenest in Britain.

On the outskirts of Exeter, there are six Valley Parks which are managed by the Wildlife Trust and are often described as ‘countryside within the city’. The river offers some spectacular scenery, much of which is rich in wildlife including otters, kingfishers and is renowned for its well stocked salmon. Exeter is a thriving city which is set within a network of equally thriving rural and coastal towns and villages. Due to the superb quality of life, the balance between urban and rural and the charming green spaces, Exeter is a fantastic choice for both living and working.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 8th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, EX4 3SP. This spacious and elegant four star hotel dates back from the Victorian period and maintains many original features while offering all modern amenities.