Living And Working In Sheffield

Sheffield is the fourth largest UK city and is in South Yorkshire. It is situated close to the border of Derbyshire, near to the stunning Peak District. It is approximately one hundred and sixty five miles from London with direct trains having you there in a little over two hours. The nearest major airport is in Manchester.

It is often nicknamed ‘Steel City’ because of its connections with the production of steel which first started in the 18th century and swiftly gained a reputation for producing the best steel in the world. The history of Sheffield and its steel is a rather interesting one with several notable individuals such as local man Benjamin Huntsman and Sir Henry Bessemer, contributing to the city’s success. Sheffield played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and the abundance of coal and iron ore fuelled the growth of the steel and cutlery industries. Innovations in steel making led to the production of crucible steel, renowned for its quality. However, events in the 1970’s caused the steelworks (and sadly, the coal mines at around the same time) to rapidly diminish and now steel production is now a smaller and more specialised trade.

The city, which is the second fastest growing city with a growth rate exceeding 12%, has seen vast regeneration over the years and Sheffield has shown huge potential with many exciting developments having been approved and moved forward. It is part of the Governments ‘Northern Powerhouse’ initiative which combined together different cities, towns and more rural areas of the North of England in order to improve productivity, investment and to generally lift the economy. Sheffield is set to benefit from further investment as South Yorkshire was named as the first UK Investment Zone. It has been recognised by Startups Cities Index as a fantastic place for entrepreneurs who initiate their own businesses and was recognised in 2023 as the best city in the UK to start a business.

Sheffield boasts several strong sectors which include advanced manufacturing and engineering, education and research, energy, digital and creative, technology, healthcare and energy. Tourism and culture also significantly contribute to the economy and in turn supports the hospitality and leisure sector.

The University of Sheffield is a world class university which is globally recognised for its research excellence. Sheffield Hallam University is another popular and prominent higher education institution. Both universities contribute to the city’s cultural and economic vibrancy, attracting students from all over the world to study in Sheffield. They also play a vital role in research, innovation and community engagement within the region.

There are many interesting activities to do in Sheffield and it has some really beautiful parks, wooded areas and gardens such as the Sheffield Botanical Garden to explore. With several compelling museums and galleries which include the National Emergency Services Museum and Kelham Island Museum, there is something here for everyone. The pretty River Sheaf runs through the city.

The city offers a diverse shopping experience with a fantastic mix of shopping centres, historic markets and independent shops. Whether you are looking to buy extravagant gifts, unique vintage finds or locally crafted goods, you will most certainly find them here. Eating out is just as good and there are a huge range of options here from locally produced to continental restaurants and more! In fact, Sheffield has been recognised as 2023’s UK ‘foodie hotspot’.

Much of the great heritage of Sheffield is apparent in the many splendid buildings. Sheffield Cathedral is a beautiful and historically significant building and was originally built in the late 12th century, with later additions and renovations over the centuries.

Over sixty per cent of the city is what is considered green space and the city has more trees per person than any other city in Europe with a third of Sheffield situated within the stunning Peak District National Park. In fact recently, a study revealed Sheffield to be the UK’s greenest city and the local councils ‘Grey to Green’ award winning scheme proved highly successful in converting and regenerating areas within the city.

Sports enthusiasts will be intrigued to learn that Sheffield Football Club, founded in 1857, is recognised by FIFA as the oldest playing football club in the world. Additionally, the World Snooker Championships have been held here in the historic Crucible Theatre since 1977.

Tourism is big business for Sheffield with millions of visitors annually and was voted second Best City Break Destination Europe 2023 by TimeOut.

People are discovering the charms of a place that has, at times, been voted as the UK’s safest and friendliest city. With its low cost of living, large working population and great transport links, Sheffield is a dynamic and vibrant city that combines its industrial heritage with modern advancements in many areas. Both within its history and in modern day Sheffield, the city is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the face of economic and social changes.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on March 1st 2024 between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Sheffield Town Hall, S1 2HH. This is a stunning Grade 1 listed building, situated in the heart of Sheffield.