Living And Working In Taunton

Taunton is situated on the River Tone in the picturesque county of Somerset in the South West of England and is close to the border of Devon. At around 150 miles from London, there are regular direct train services which take approximately two hours. The nearest airport to Taunton is Bristol Airport which is only around 30 miles away.

Taunton has a long and interesting history which dates from at least the 7th century with tantalising tales of nobility, sieges and rebellions. The wool trade played a significant role in Taunton’s history, particularly in the medieval period. Surrounded by fertile land and abundant water sources, it was an ideal centre for sheep farming and the production of wool. The Industrial Revolution saw Taunton continue to prosper in the textile industry and other industries emerged such as ironworking, pottery and brewing.

Nowadays, the town of Taunton serves as an administrative and cultural hub for the surrounding region. Taunton’s economy is characterised by ongoing efforts to bolster innovation, infrastructure and sustainable growth. A key initiative is the Taunton Garden Town 2040 project which aims to transform the town into a more vibrant, interconnected and eco friendly urban area and this plan is set to attract significant public and private investment, particularly in housing, green spaces and transportation infrastructure. Taunton also continues to play a major part in Somerset’s broader economy which is part of a region known for innovation, particularly in sectors like clean energy, digital technology and biomanufacturing.

Employment is largely driven by managerial, professional and technical occupations, reflecting a strong service based economy. Taunton, being the county town of Somerset, hosts various public sector service offices and administrative offices, contributing significantly to employment in the area. The healthcare sector is also prominent, with hospitals and clinics playing a crucial role and the digital sector is rapidly growing, aligning with the broader regional push towards innovation.

While Taunton itself is more service orientated, the surrounding area is known for its aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. Companies in these sectors are important employers and contribute to the local supply chain.

Retail remains a vital part of Taunton’s economy with a variety of shops, restaurants and markets, catering for locals and visitors. The town’s hospitality sector, including hotels and tourism related services, benefits from its cultural and historical attractions.

The rich agricultural landscape supports a thriving food and drink industry, including local farms, producers and associated services. This sector is essential for the regional economy with Taunton serving as a key market town for the distribution and sale of these products. Taunton and indeed Somerset as a whole, has had a keen interest in the production of cider and is rather famous for the quality and craftsmanship of its apple based drinks!

Taunton offers a variety of attractions and activities, from historical sites to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences such as a visit to Taunton Castle and Museum of Somerset. Hestercombe Gardens, located just outside of the town, is renowned for its beautifully restored gardens that span three centuries of garden design. Vivary Park is an award winning park in the heart of Taunton and hosts events throughout the year such as the Taunton Flower Show while sporting fans can enjoy a match at Somerset County Cricket Club.

Bath Place and The Courtyard are home to some exceptional independent businesses while the Orchard Shopping Centre offers various well known retailers and a fantastic variety of places to eat.

If you venture slightly further afield you can visit Exmoor National Park with its landscapes of woods, farms, moors and natural habitats for british wildlife including the famous wild ponies. The well loved and ever popular beaches and holiday destinations of Devon and Cornwall are also within easy reach.

The town offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Taunton provides a high quality of life with its rich cultural heritage and pretty landscapes. Its friendly community and cultural events make it an inviting place to call home, where the past embraces the present.

The next event hosted by the UK Careers Fair is to be held on September 18th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is The Castle Hotel, Castle Green, TA1 1NF. This stunning, historic building is ideally placed in the heart of Taunton. This family owned Grade 2 listed landmark has been beautifully transformed by the owners who are extremely passionate about their hotel.