Living And Working In Portsmouth

Portsmouth is in the county of Hampshire and is situated on the south east coast of England. It is only 70 miles from London and is well connected by rail, road and sea. Southampton Airport is the nearest airport to Portsmouth while the much larger Gatwick Airport is a little further away.

Portsmouth is a port city and holds a strong affinity (which goes back centuries) with the Royal Navy which is why you will often hear Portsmouth being described as ‘Home of the Royal Navy’. The Portsmouth International Port is a major UK port and has the responsibility of both cargo and passengers. Last year, the port secured a multi million pounds grant from ZEVI, allowing the port to embark on a groundbreaking decarbonisation project. One of the major projects is the SEA CHANGE initiative which has the potential to revolutionise the maritime sector within the UK.

As a historic maritime city, Portsmouth has successfully leveraged its naval heritage to become a leading centre for maritime and defense industries, hosting several major employers.  

The city’s economy stands out as a dynamic fusion of innovation, tradition and resilience. It had cleverly harnessed its maritime legacy to drive cutting edge advancements in marine technology and renewable energy, making it a global leader in these fields. The thriving digital and creative sectors, spurred by initiatives such as the Portsmouth Innovation Hub have attracted a wave of startups and tech giants alike, creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Other key sectors include renewable and marine technologies which benefit from the strategic coastal location as well as the strong maritime expertise and  advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace and precision engineering. Healthcare and life sciences are strengthened by advanced medical research and a network of healthcare facilities. The life sciences industry, including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals is also emerging as a vital component to the economy. Retail and commerce is vibrant and strong, having been strengthened by the introduction of new retail spaces and redevelopment of commercial areas.

The University of Portsmouth plays a pivotal role by integrating research excellence with industry partnerships to fuel economic growth. Established in 1992, the highly regarded university is a top choice for students from around the world.

The historic dockyard on the Naval Base allows members of the public to explore and admire maritime attractions such as The Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory and some interesting museums and galleries offer insights into days gone by, often with a maritime theme. Many historic buildings are still standing, having been well cared for and maintained over the centuries.

The town of Gosport, situated on a peninsula on the western side of the harbour, is only a few minutes ride on a ferry. Up until the end of the 20th century, Gosport was a major naval town associated with the defense and supply infrastructure of HMNB.

Gunwharf Quays is a modern outlet shopping centre, both indoor and outdoor and has many shops, bars and restaurants. More traditional and high street shops as well as a fantastic selection of bars, cafes and restaurants are found in the ever popular Portsmouth city centre and Portsmouth has a vibrant nightlife.

There are an abundance of things to see and do here - many of the museums and galleries have a maritime or military connection. The Spinnaker Tower which is an observation sky garden and viewing platform is an interesting experience with views that can stretch over twenty miles on a clear day.

The city has plenty of spectacular countryside surrounding it which  include the New Forest, The South Downs National Parks and the Isle of Wight which is easily accessible by hovercraft or ferry and is popular with both day trippers and holiday makers.

Portsmouth offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern opportunities. The maritime heritage is ever present and residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches. Thriving industries provide a dynamic jobs market making it an extremely desirable place to pursue career ambitions and ensure a high standard of living.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 21st between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Portsmouth Guildhall, PO1 2AB. This beautiful Grade II listed building was completed in 1890 but after being bombed during the Second World War, it was carefully rebuilt during the 1950’s. It now operates as a concert, wedding and conference venue and is managed by the Guildhall Trust.