Living and Working in Greater London

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom, located in the southeast of England. It lies on the River Thames which runs through the city and is around fifty miles from the English Channel. London is the largest city in both the UK and Europe, serving as the country’s political, economic and cultural hub. In 2024, London has an estimated population of around 9.75 million people! The city is experiencing steady growth, largely driven by international migration and is one of the most diverse cities in the world with over 300 languages spoken by its inhabitants.

London covers an area of approximately 607 square miles. It is divided into 32 boroughs plus the City of London, a small historic centre that forms the heart of the metropolis and is distinct from Greater London. Areas of London include Central London, incorporating iconic areas such as Westminster which is home to the UK government and Parliament, the City of London which is the financial district, Covent Garden, Soho and South Bank.

West London is known for its affluent neighbourhoods like Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill and Hammersmith. Heathrow Airport is also located in this part and is the largest airport in the UK and is among one of the busiest in the world by international passenger traffic.

East London features areas like Shoreditch, Hackney and Canary Wharf, the latter being another financial district.

North London includes residential and green areas like Camden, Islington and Hampstead.

South London is home to areas like Greenwich, Brixton and Croydon and is known for its parks and historic sites such as Greenwich Park.

Beyond the central boroughs, London expands into more suburban areas like Richmond, Wimbledon and Barking.

This vast area incorporates a wide variety of urban, suburban and green spaces with each borough having its own unique character!

The history of London spans over 2,000 years, making it one of the most historic cities in the world! London was founded by the Romans around AD43 as Londinium after their conquest of Britain. It grew into a significant trading and administrative centre. The Romans built roads, a bridge over the Thames and a defensive wall around the city, remnants of which are still visible today.

It then moved on to become an important settlement under King Alfred the Great in the 9th century when it was refortified to resist Viking invasion and by the 11th century, it was a thriving town and an emerging centre of commerce. London certainly rose in importance after the Norman Conquest when William the Conqueror built the Tower of London. Around this time, prominent institutions such as Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral were established.

The Great Plague killed a significant portion of London’s population in 1665 and in 1666, the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city.

London’s population boomed during the Georgian and Victorian eras and it became the world’s largest city and the heart of the British Empire. This period saw significant industrialisation, the construction of the railways and iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

Today, London is a global financial centre and is one of the most diverse cities in the world with a healthy job market. Major events and its influence in finance, culture and politics, keep London at the forefront of global affairs. London’s economy remains a key driver of the UK’s overall economic performance and has several key industries. Interestingly, there are an estimated four million office workers based in London!

London is still one of the global financial capitals, home to institutions such as the London Stock Exchange, the Bank of England and countless banks, insurance companies and investment firms. London retains its position in FinTech, asset management and international finance.

The tech industry continues to boom in London, particularly in areas like Shoreditch. London is a leader in AI, cyber security, ecommerce and healthtech and biotechnology.

London is the hub for the creative industries, including media, film, fashion and design. Film studios in and around London serve worldwide productions while numerous media companies based in London also create a significant portion of content for global consumption.

London hosts several world renowned  universities such as Imperial College London, University College London  and the London School of Economics. The city is a global leader in higher education, drawing thousands of international students, strengthening the local economy. London is also a major centre for research and innovation, particularly in life sciences and health care which are driven by significant advancements in biomedical research, genetics, pharmaceuticals and AI driven health applications.

London is home to several world renowned hospitals that provide comprehensive healthcare services including specialised treatment, research and education. Major hospitals include St Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s Hospital, Royal London Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College Hospital, The Royal Marsden and numerous others!

The property sector is booming, driven by demand for both residential and commercial properties. Major developments reflect the city’s ongoing growth.

The transport and logistics sector is essential to both the city and the economy of the UK with a major focus on the London Underground, bus services and key international hubs like Heathrow Airport. Investment in infrastructure such as the new Elizabeth Line has further boosted this sector.

Public service sectors encompass a variety of essential services provided by the government and other public bodies to meet the needs of the residents. The emergency services include the Metropolitan Police with additional services from the City of London Police, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. Other sectors include housing and social services, utilities and environment, public health and social care, economic and employment services, culture, recreation and community services as well as local government and administration.  All these sectors work together to maintain the infrastructure and well being of London’s population, ensuring the city remains functional, safe and vibrant.

The hospitality sector is a busy and vital part of the city’s economy and includes a wide range of services that cater for both tourists and residents. Accommodation, food and drink, event and conference services, tourism services, nightlife, luxury and leisure services all blend together to provide a dynamic and varied experience, driven by the city’s status as a global destination.

Tourism remains a significant sector drawing millions of visitors annually, with 5.3 million foreign visitors recorded in the second quarter alone of last year. Historical landmarks and cultural institutions like the British Museum and Hayward Gallery, contribute to its global tourism appeal. Additionally, London is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations with areas like Oxford Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge attracting millions of shoppers all year round.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on November 15th between 10am - 2pm and the venue is Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 782 High Road, N17 0BX. With up to 190 exhibiting companies recruiting and hundreds of available job vacancies on the day, it promises to be a very busy and highly successful event for both employers and potential candidates!