Living And Working In Worcester

Worcester is a cathedral city which is located in the county of Worcestershire in the West Midlands region of England. The city is well served by its transport links and is easily accessible with the M5 nearby. London is approximately 120 miles away and a direct train service can take you to London in a little over two hours with the nearest airport being only an hour's drive to Birmingham.

Worcester has a long history spanning back to Roman times and around the time of the Industrial Revolution, Worcester became an important place for porcelain manufacturing with the Royal Worcester Porcelain Company being one of the most renowned and influential producers. In 1789 the company was granted Royal Warrant by King George The Third , allowing it to use the ‘Royal’ prefix.High quality items such as figurines, dinnerware and vases were in demand and before long The Royal Worcester factory was developing distinctive styles, techniques and intricate artistry which soon became collectable. Unfortunately, as with many long standing and traditional industries, the factory sadly closed in 2009 but the impact Worcester had on porcelain is still celebrated to this day and the history and legacy is showcased in the local Museum of Royal Worcester. Worcester was not as heavily industrialised as many other towns and cities and in addition to porcelain, it had a modest industry in cloth and textiles, ironworks and the printing and publishing of newspapers and other printed materials.

Worcester has a diverse range of industry sectors and has a dynamic economy with some of the most notable including manufacturing and engineering, healthcare and medical, technology and IT, education and research, public and professional services as well as retail, hospitality, tourism and heritage roles. Worcester’s economy continues to grow and is the main service and employment centre for the county with almost three quarters of the workforce living and working in the city.

The University of Worcester is located in the city and has been focused on providing excellent education since 1946 and was recently placed in the top 100 universities according to the Complete University Guide. It has four campuses and welcomes students from around the world.

Worcester has some fantastic attractions and Worcester Cathedral is a must. Its stunning medieval architecture, intricate stained glass windows and historical significance make it a highlight of the city. Construction of the cathedral started in the late 11th century and it was consecrated in 1218, making it over 800 years old.

The city offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Cathedral Plaza in the heart of the city features a mix of high street brands, fashion stores and other retail outlets. There is a retail park, a shopping centre and interesting local markets to browse around. There are many stylish restaurants, cafes and bars - some with beautiful views overlooking the River Severn. You may be interested to note that Worcester sauce does originate from here! Worcester is quieter than many other places once the sun sets but If you like staying out late, you could watch a film at the cinema, experience live music at one of the venues, visit the Casino or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Worcester is surrounded by picturesque countryside and charming towns. Slightly further afield, the town of Malvern is famous for its spectacular Malvern Hills and the town itself has a Victorian spa heritage. You can also visit the wonderful Malvern Priory which was originally founded as a Benedictine monastery. Evesham is a market town situated on the banks of the River Avon and is known for its historic abbey. Broadway is a pretty village in the Cotswolds and is known for its pretty honey coloured limestone buildings, art galleries and quaint shops.

All of these destinations offer a mix of history, natural beauty and cultural experiences and are a great choice for those seeking a unique blend within a close knit community.

Looking for a new job or career in Worcester? Be sure to attend our upcoming Worcester Careers Fair, taking place at Worcester Guildhall on Wednesday 23rd August, between the times of 10am-2pm. Download your free ticket.