Living And Working In Hereford

Hereford is a Cathedral city and small county town which is situated in the West Midlands and borders on to Wales, encompassed by the Malvern Hills and the Black mountains. It is approximately 145 miles from London and if travelling by train, you can expect to be in the capital within less than three hours. The nearest airports are Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol.

Hereford’s history dates back a long way which has played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the region. During Roman times, the town served as an important military and administrative centre in the region. The Saxons, Vikings and Normans all played their part and by the Medieval times, Hereford was beginning to be known for its wool and leather industries. The town continued to thrive as an agricultural and market town and the construction of the Old Market in the nineteenth century solidified its role as a trading centre. The Industrial Revolution had a positive impact upon the area, bringing innovations for farming and agriculture and the Hereford and Gloucester Canal provided means of transporting goods to and from the town along with improved road infrastructure and the railway.

Although not known for heavy industry, there were several smaller scale enterprises, one of which was the production of cider presses, textile and brewing. Hereford has a history of cider making and during this time many traditional cider makers adopted newer technologies and methods to increase production and the industry expanded. There are currently still several distilleries and cider makers located in the area.

Hereford has strong ties with its unique rural heritage and has not lost its identity. However, today, key sectors include advanced manufacturing and engineering, food and drink, defense, construction, healthcare, education and retail. The city has many enterprises and opportunities with the average unemployment rate within the county being lower than the national average

Hereford is a highly ambitious city with high standards. It has seen significant investments, attracting new businesses and jobs as well as redevelopments and regeneration projects. It is a green and sustainable city, set to become one of the greenest and fairest cities in the country.

Although Hereford does not have its own university, there are several highly regarded colleges in the city while the nearby University of Worcester is within commuting distance.

Shoppers will delight in browsing the Independent Quarter sauntering through cobbled streets and admiring the unique shops. High street stores are close by and just outside the city is Hereford Retail Park. There are a selection of fantastic markets here too, in fact it is a city where modern retail gently blends with traditional charm, making it a delightful destination for shoppers.

Hereford is known for its rich and fertile agricultural land and the county is particularly renowned for Hereford cattle breeding with a number of farms in the vicinity.

There is plenty to see and do in Hereford. Visit the stunning Hereford Cathedral which dates back over 1,300 years, home to the famous Mappa Mundi - a Medieval map of the world created around 1300. Within the Cathedral you will discover the Chained Library where ancient books and manuscripts are chained to the shelves.. The Black and White Museum allows you to step back in time to admire the carefully preserved Jacobean townhouse and its contents. Berrington Hall is an elegant eighteenth century mansion and gardens designed by Capability Brown and you must not miss the chance to visit Hereford Cider Museum which gives a glimpse into the history and heritage of cider making from the area.

Smaller than many other cities, Hereford offers many cultural experiences which include theatre, art and music. The Courtyard is the city’s cultural centre and hosts a variety of performances.

Hereford is a picturesque and serene area. The River Wye flows through the county, offering peaceful riverside walks. The Wye Valley is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just east of Hereford are the beautiful Malvern Hills and to the west are the unique Black Mountains. The countryside is dotted with charming villages and market towns, each with their own character such as Ledbury, Leominster and Ross on Wye.

Closely connected to nature, Hereford offers a peaceful and community orientated lifestyle where you can strike a good balance between your career and your well being in an idyllic setting.

Looking for a new job or career in Hereford? We are hosting an event at Hereford Town Hall on Thursday 14th September, between the times of 10am-2pm. Our events are free to attend - download your ticket now!