Living And Working In Cardiff

The city of Cardiff is situated in the county of Glamorgan which is in the country of Wales. It is not only the largest city but is also Wales’ capital city. It is fondly nicknamed the ‘city of arcades’ because of the high amount of shopping arcades it has which are both modern and historic. It is situated towards the south east of Wales and is in close proximity to the coastline.

Cardiff is around one hundred and fifty miles from London with a regular train service and has its own busy international airport - Cardiff Airport. The M4 motorway is the main motorway connecting Cardiff to other major UK cities and runs directly through the city, providing easy access.

Cardiff began to expand substantially during the latter half of the 18th century with the development of coal mining and iron ore mining which initially stemmed from around Merthyr Tydfil. With the opening of the Glamorganshire Canal, then Cardiff's first dock followed shortly afterwards by the railways, Cardiff was able to export its coal at a rapid rate. As more docks appeared and with an interest in the iron industry, business was booming and Cardiff soon became the largest coal exporter in the world.

The city, uniquely located between an ancient fort, Cardiff Castle, and a modern waterfront, Cardiff Bay, is continuing to grow and diversify, solidifying its position as one of the leading cities in the UK for economic activity, innovation and investment. It has successfully transitioned from its historical roots in coal and steel to a more diverse, service oriented economy with strengths in several flourishing sectors. As capital of Wales, the city hosts key government institutions including the Welsh Parliament. The public sector is therefore a significant employer with numerous government agencies, administrative bodies and public services based within the city.

Cardiff is recognised as a major hub for financial and professional services and the city is home to several major financial institutions including banks, insurance companies and legal firms. This sector remains one of the largest employers in Cardiff with continued investment in office developments and financial technology initiatives.

Cardiff’s creative sector, particularly in television, film and digital media continues to flourish. The city is often referred to as the media capital of Wales and several  successful and well loved productions have put Cardiff on the map as a significant location for creative content creation.

Cardiff has been expanding its technology sector with a growing number of startups and established companies in areas such as software development, cybersecurity and digital innovation. The city’s innovation hubs and tech incubators are fostering a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs and tech talent. Cardiff’s status as a smart city is also evolving with investments in digital infrastructure and sustainability projects.

Cardiff is a leading educational centre which is driven by Cardiff University, one of the top universities in the UK. The university is a key player in research and development, particularly in fields like biomedical sciences, engineering and environmental studies with the student population contributing significantly to the local economy and supporting a wide range of businesses.

Tourism is a crucial part of Cardiff’s economy which draws in millions of visitors each year. The hospitality sector has adapted to increased demand with new hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues enhancing the city’s appeal as a tourist destination. There is so much to explore here which include St Fagans National Museum of History offering a unique glimpse into Welsh life from different time periods, the centuries old Cardiff Castle which is built on the ruins of an ancient fort and Cardiff Bay which is filled with shops, restaurants and a variety of fascinating attractions. Popular with tourists, the city of Cardiff itself is a vibrant, thriving and multicultural city yet is surrounded by some spectacular landscapes which include Bute Park, Castle Coch and Fforest Fawr, Sgwd yr Eira and Margam Country Park, just to name a few! In addition, there are several beautiful beaches nearby.

Shopping in Cardiff has everything you will need from large shopping centres to a thriving indoor market. The wonderfully architectured Victorian and Edwardian arcades are the real highlights though and totally worth visiting. The arcades are a significant part of Cardiff’s architectural heritage and shopping culture, making the city unique in the UK. The retail sector is supported by Cardiff’s role as a regional shopping hub which attracts visitors from across South Wales and beyond.

Cardiff is an increasingly popular and sought after place to live. With a welcoming atmosphere, a thriving job market and a mix of urban amenities coupled with natural beauty, Cardiff is an attractive choice for both living and working.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 20th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, CF10 1NS which is one of the most iconic sporting stadiums in the world!