Living and Working in Guildford

Guildford is a town in Surrey, situated in the south east of England and is only around thirty  miles from London. The River Wey, one of the oldest navigable rivers in the UK, runs through Guildford and is a tributary of the River Thames, playing an important role in the town’s history and landscape. Guildford railway station is a significant transport hub with regular services to London, Portsmouth, Reading and many other key destinations. The closest major airport is London Heathrow.

Guildford is a historic town which has a rich and varied history spanning thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that the area around Guildford was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age and Iron Age and ancient burial mounds known as barrows have been found in the surrounding hills. Moving on, Guildford flourished and gained importance during medieval times  due to its location on important trade routes between London and the south coast. It also became a centre for the wool trade which was vital to the medieval economy. Although Guildford did not become heavily industrialised like many northern towns, it certainly benefited from improved transportation links and the arrival of the railway further stimulated growth. Guildford remained primarily a market town during this period with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy but began to grow as a residential and commercial centre due to its proximity to London. During the 20th century, it expanded rapidly, becoming a commuter town, while retaining its market town heritage. It became a borough in 1974.

Guildford’s economy is thriving and diverse, benefiting from its strategic location in the south east of England and its proximity to London. Guildford is often referred to as part of ‘Silicon Surrey’, a region known for its concentration of high tech companies, especially in software development, gaming and digital industries. Several companies have offices in the town, making Guildford a key player in this field.

Guildford has a strong presence in the financial and professional  services industries, with several insurance, accounting and law firms having offices in the area. In addition to Surrey Research Park, which is home to numerous technology and innovation companies, Guildford Business Park houses a range of companies in finance, IT and professional services.

The University of Surrey is one of the town’s largest employers and a major driver of the local economy. It attracts students from across the world, boosting the local economy through student spending and related services. The university also contributes through its research partnerships and collaboration with companies.

Guildford is home to Royal Surrey County Hospital, a major NHS hospital and a large employer in the area. There is also significant activity in the health and life sciences sector, partly driven by research at the University of Surrey and other biotech companies. Companies involved in healthcare technology and pharmaceuticals are increasingly prominent in Guildford, leveraging the university’s expertise and research output.

The town has a vibrant retail sector and the Friary Shopping Centre and Tunsgate Quarter are major shopping destinations. Guildford’s historical landmarks such as Guildford Castle, believed to have been built shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and the distinctive cobbled High Street, draw significant tourism. The hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants and events such as Guildford Book Festival and Guildford Beer Festival, contributes to the local economy.

Guildford Cathedral, completed in 1961 is known for its elegant and modern design and in addition to being a place of worship, it serves as an artistic, educational and cultural hub for the community. There are also several museums in the town such as the Spike Heritage Centre which was originally the workhouse and the popular Yvonne Arnaud Theatre which hosts a variety of performances and serves as a venue for touring productions.

Guildford is surrounded by pretty countryside and charming towns and villages. To the east of Guildford, you will find the wonderful Surrey Hills Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty with popular spots including Box Hill and Newlands Corner. Nearby is Clandon Park, a historic estate renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, owned by the National Trust. Just a short drive from Guildford is Waverley Abbey where you can explore the ruins of one of the first Cistercian monasteries in England. Nearby Farnham is an attractive market town which is known for its cobbled streets and Georgian architecture with Farnham Castle standing as testament to its medieval past.

Guildford really is one of those exceptional places that has a unique and inviting atmosphere and where residents can enjoy a high quality of life in beautiful surroundings.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 17th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is G Live, London Road, GU1 2AA, which has established itself into one of the South East’s leading entertainment venues.