Living And Working In Birmingham

Birmingham is situated in the West Midlands and is the second largest city within the UK, apart from London. Birmingham is around one hundred and twenty miles from London and has the advantage of its own airport, one of the busiest in the UK, as well as a large main rail station and several other smaller train stations nearby. It has a large population and is affectionately known as Brum or the Black Country due to the thick smoke that historically came from the ironworks and coal seams, with locals from the city often called ‘Brummies’.

Birmingham has a strong identity with a history steeped in innovation and resilience and this is evident when you meet the strong willed and proud locals. Granted city status in 1889, Birmingham has centuries of interesting history. In medieval times it was known for its wool trade, then metal work and leather goods and remained a relatively small market town. By the 18th century, it was flourishing with industry and was fast becoming one of the country's biggest and more important regions. By the 19th century, metal was still big business as was glass, bicycles, train carriage manufacture and coal. At the end of that century, the cocoa and chocolate industry was introduced at Bourneville.

The economy of Birmingham continues to be one of the largest and most diverse within the UK, driven by a blend of traditional industries, growing technology sectors and service based activities. As the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham is a key economic hub, particularly in the West Midlands region. Birmingham has a long history of manufacturing and engineering and these industries remain crucial to its economy. The city is part of the wider West Midlands automotive cluster. Advanced engineering in aerospace and defence also plays an important role with firms in precision engineering, automation and robotics.

Birmingham is a major centre for financial services, home to many large firms and regional headquarters  of banks and insurance companies. This sector continues to be one of the most significant contributors to Birmingham’s economy, including activities such as accounting, legal services and business consultants.

Birmingham’s technology and digital innovation sectors are experiencing rapid growth and the city has developed into a tech hub for startups and digital companies, particularly in fields such as fintech, digital health, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The city’s creative sector continues to thrive , encompassing film, media, design, music and gaming. The city has long been known for its cultural diversity and this is reflected in its dynamic creative industries. With more investment into media production, Birmingham is becoming a hub for TV, particularly following the BBC’s increased presence in the city.

Birmingham is home to a growing healthcare and life sciences sector. With the University of Birmingham and a range of research institutions driving innovation in medical research and clinical trials, the city is increasingly becoming a hub for biotech and pharmaceuticals. The city’s universities contribute to Birmingham’s talent  pool, innovation and economic diversification. The University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University  are all involved in cutting edge research and innovation.

The series Peaky Blinders was partly filmed in the fascinating open air Black Country Living Museum, located in Dudley. It is one of the most prominent heritage attractions in the UK, showcasing the history of the Black Country. Explore the ever popular Cadbury World to see the world famous chocolate being made in the factory then stroll around the quintessential chocolate box village of Bourneville.  Explore Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or delve into the history of the lives of those who once lived and worked here at the carefully restored National Trust’s Back to Backs. As there is so much to see and do in Birmingham, a good idea would be to book one of the many guided tours that are readily available.

Birmingham is a multicultural and diverse city with a great variety of experiences which include shopping, fine dining, theatre and music. The hospitality sectors play an important role in the economy and as a major shopping destination, helped by redevelopments of areas like Grand Central, the Bullring and New Street Station. Birmingham attracts visitors from across the UK.

There is an interesting network of canals here which is one of the most intricate in the world. Several peaceful and picturesque villages surround the area and Birmingham itself has more than 8000 award winning acres of green spaces and parks which is more than any other city in Europe. Birmingham has also made a substantial contribution towards cleaner air within the city due to its Clean Air Zone, in operation twenty four hours a day.

Birmingham’s appeal as a great place to live and work lies in its unique blend of cultural richness, economic opportunities and quality of life. The diverse community ensures a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. The city’s thriving economy offers abundant job opportunities and career growth while the abundant green spaces, world class education and a vibrant arts and culinary scene compliment the city. Its central location in the UK ensures easy access to other towns and cities, making it an ideal business hub.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 11th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the spacious and stylish 4 star Leonardo Royal Hotel, B1 2HQ, which is conveniently situated in the heart of the city.