Living and Working in the East of England

The East of England is a region known for its mix of historic cities, picturesque countryside and coastal areas. The region consists of six counties, each with key towns and cities.

Bedfordshire is known for its countryside, the riverside town of Bedford, its multicultural community and historic landmarks such as Woburn Abbey.

Luton is a major town with an international airport and known for its cultural diversity. Leighton Buzzard is a market town with a historic narrow gauge railway and vibrant local life.

Cambridgeshire is famous for the historic city of Cambridge and its prestigious university, historic colleges, punting on the River Cam and a thriving tech industry. Peterborough is a cathedral city with a rich history and excellent transport links. Ely is also famous for its cathedral and is often referred to as Ship of the Fens and is known for its charming riverside setting. Huntingdon is a historic market town with associations to Oliver Cromwell.

Essex is known for its coastline, historic sites like Colchester, which is Britain’s oldest recorded town and commuter towns close to London. Chelmsford, a cathedral city, has a lively shopping area and also has strong commuter links. Basildon is a modern town with shopping and leisure facilities while both Southend on Sea and Clacton on Sea are known for their classic seaside resorts and coastal scenery.

Hertfordshire is a blend of rural and urban areas like the city of St Albans, known for its cathedral and Roman history. Hertford is the county town known for its castle and charming market square while Watford and Stevenage are modern towns with great shopping and leisure facilities.

Within Norfolk is Norwich, a medieval city  with a stunning Norman cathedral, a medieval castle and a vibrant arts and shopping centre. Kings Lynn is a historic port town with a wealth of maritime history and Georgian architecture. Great Yarmouth is a popular seaside resort known for its beaches, amusement arcades and maritime heritage while Thetford is known for its ancient forests.

In Suffolk, the county town is Ipswich which is known for its waterfront, historic sites and cultural attractions like Christchurch Mansion. Bury St Edmunds is famous for its Abbey Gardens, historic breweries and Georgian architecture. The coastal town of Lowestoft is known for being the most easterly point of the UK with some really beautiful beaches.

The history of the East of England is rich and varied, shaped by its geography and its connections to other areas. Early humans settled here due to the rivers and fertile land and by the time of the Roman era, there were significant settlements in the region, including Colchester or Camulodunum as it was then known, which became the first capital of Roman Britain. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the East of England saw the construction of numerous castles and the development of market towns. Wool and cloth production became major industries, making the region one of the wealthiest in medieval England. During the time of the Industrial Revolution, the region remained largely agricultural although cities like Cambridge and Norwich developed industries. The construction of railways in the 19th century improved connections with London boosting trade and population growth.

The East of England is one of the UK’s fastest growing regional economies, driven by its vibrant knowledge based sectors and diverse industries. Key industries that are driving growth include technology and innovation. Cambridge, at the heart of the region, is globally renowned for its innovation ecosystem. It hosts a robust technology sector supported by academic excellence from the University of Cambridge and the growing Silicon Fen network of tech companies.

The East of England leads in biotech and life sciences, with Cambridge playing a pivotal role. Companies in this sector contribute significantly to advancements in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

The region is home to a variety of thriving professional services particularly in administrative, legal and financial consultancy sectors. These industries not only create high skilled jobs but also attract domestic and international investment.

Norfolk and Suffolk, known for their agricultural heritage, are also advancing in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind farms. These projects solidify the region’s role in supporting the UK’s green energy goals.

Employment in the East of England is projected to grow annually over the next two years, surpassing the UK average. With its mix of cutting edge industries and traditional strengths, the East of England is not just a regional power house but also is a critical contributor to the UK’s economic resilience and innovation.

The East of England offers a diverse range of attractions, blending natural beauty, historic sites and cultural experiences. Many people visit the Norfolk Broads, a serene network of rivers and lakes, perfect for boating, kayaking and wildlife watching. Sutton Hoo is a historic Anglo Saxon burial site in Suffolk, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Dedham Vale, also known as Constable Country is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which gave inspiration to the painter John Constable. Just a snapshot of things to do here include a visit to Ely Cathedral which is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Visit Audley End House in Essex for its stately home and gardens or for something totally different, take a trip to Hertfordshire’s Warner Bros Studio Tour, home to the Harry Potter sets. The RSPB managed Minsmere Reserve, located on the Suffolk Coast, is a renowned destination for nature lovers and bird watchers with its diverse habitats, famous for not only bird populations but also otters, deer and a plethora of insects and flowers. Alternatively, one of England’s best preserved medieval villages is in Lavenham where you can stroll through the quaint streets and admire the hundreds of timber framed buildings.

Living and working in the East of England offers a perfect blend of vibrant economic opportunities and exceptional quality of life with thriving sectors like technology, life sciences and green energy complemented by picturesque countryside and historic places.The region boasts excellent connectivity to London, top tier educational institutions and a rich cultural and natural heritage, making it an ideal choice for families and professionals alike!