Living And Working In Preston

Preston is a city located in the county of Lancashire, in the North West of England. It is situated on the north bank of the River Ribble, approximately thirty miles from Manchester. Manchester Airport is the nearest airport to Preston and the city is slightly over two hundred and fifteen miles from London, depending on the route taken. However, regular and direct rail services can get you into the capital in a little over two hours.

The lively and dynamic city of Preston has an interesting history which dates back to the Roman period and by the medieval times, it was already an important market town and producing textiles. The Industrial Revolution brought engineering works, canals and railways which all helped transform Preston. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Preston was a major centre for the cotton industry with mills and factories dotting the landscape and employing thousands of workers. The textiles were being shipped all over the world as the industry flourished. However, the decline of the industry in the mid twentieth century led to a period of economic uncertainty as it struggled to adapt to changing economic conditions.

Preston is the administrative centre of Lancashire and can boast a highly talented and motivated workforce in a city that offers a superb quality of life. The city has established itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing with numerous high tech firms driving innovation and contributing significantly to job creation and economic output. The overall economy reflects a dynamic and resilient urban centre with a promising future. Other strong sectors include digital and creative, healthcare and biomedical and transport and logistics. Preston’s strategic location and excellent transport links make it a key logistics and distribution hub in the North West of England. The retail and service sectors are flourishing, supported by a vibrant city centre that has benefited from regeneration projects, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

The University of Central Lancashire which was founded in 1828 has a campus in the city centre and continues to play a pivotal role, not only in education but also in fostering research and development.

There's an abundance of things to see and do in Preston due to its rich cultural heritage. A small selection of these includes the recently refurbished Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library is highly impressive with a vast collection of art and artefacts. The wonderful River Ribble runs through the city where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks and admire the scenery. Avenham and Miller Parks, which are situated next to each other, offer a great place for a picnic or just to relax. There is also a wonderful Japanese garden. You can discover the history of the city by visiting places such as the Museum of Lancashire and St Walburge’s Church or visit the Docks which is a fun way to spend an afternoon with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants as well as a marina and museum. For train enthusiasts and families, the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum offers rides on vintage steam trains and exhibits which detail the history of railways in the region. The Guild Wheel is a lovely twenty one mile long cycling and walking route that takes you around the city’s green spaces and heritage sites, whilst the city itself is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Preston offers a fantastic choice for those seeking a high quality of life in a dynamic and affordable city with plenty of opportunities for career growth and cultural enrichment.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on August 28th between 10am - 2pm and the venue is Deepdale Stadium, PR1 6RU. Preston has a strong sporting history and Deepdale is considered to be the oldest and continuously used football stadium in the world.