Living and Working in Glasgow

Glasgow is a city in Scotland and is situated in the west central part of the country, on the banks of the River Clyde which leads into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest city within Scotland and has its own international airport in Paisley. Glasgow is around 415 miles from London and a little over 40 miles from Edinburgh. A direct train from Glasgow Central will whisk you into London in less than five hours.

Glasgow can be traced back to around the sixth century and was a successful market place then later on prospered in trade, especially coal, cloth, tobacco, sugar and rum. More developments arrived at the time of the Industrial Revolution. Coal, iron, chemicals, linens, glass, soap and paper were all being produced and with a strong emphasis on ship building and locomotive construction, this further enhanced productivity.

Nowadays modern Glasgow, which is one of the largest city region economies in the UK and is an established global business destination, has a totally different economic story. With a growing jobs market, Glasgow’s economy is characterised by its diversity and strength in various sectors. The city remains a significant financial centre in the UK with a strong presence of banks, insurance companies and financial service firms. The financial services sector continues to be a major contributor to the city’s economy and is driven by major institutions.  The city has also seen growth in business services which include legal, consultancy and accounting, further bolstering its position as a key business hub.

Glasgow is increasingly recognised for its technology and innovation sector. The city hosts a number of technology startups and established companies working in fields such as software development, digital media and data analytics. The Glasgow City Innovation District is a key driver of this growth, providing a collaborative space for tech companies, research institutions and startups to innovate and develop new technologies. The city’s universities, which include the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde, play a crucial role in the economy through cutting edge research, development and education.

Glasgow’s creative sector encompassesa range of activities, including film television and design. The city is home to creative agencies, media companies and independent film producers. Glasgow’s status as a cultural hub is supported by its numerous festivals, arts venues and creative events which contribute to its vibrant creative economy.

The construction and infrastructure sector is active in Glasgow  with ongoing projects related to urban regeneration and development. The city is also investing in sustainable development including green building projects and initiatives.

Glasgow is a major centre for both healthcare and life sciences with several leading hospitals and research institutions. The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is one of the largest acute hospitals in Europe! The city’s life sciences sector benefits from strong links between academia and industry with research and development in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.

Glasgow has a thriving retail and leisure sector so when it comes to shopping, there's an exciting mix of high street brands, independent stores and quirky, stylish markets selling everything from hand crafted candles to seasonal fruit and vegetables that have been locally sourced. The same can be said for eating out whether you want to relax in an old pub steeped in tradition or try out one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes. Glasgow can also  boast that it is often described as one of the world's most vegan friendly cities!

Set within a rich splendour of exceptional Victorian architecture, Glasgow has a huge array of museums and galleries. For something completely different, visit the Necropolis which is known for its Gothic and Victorian designs or enjoy a sample of whisky at the Glengoyne Distillery before taking a relaxing walk around the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The stunning medieval Glasgow Cathedral which has been welcoming congregations for more than eight hundred years is also definitely worth a visit.

Within Glasgow itself, there are several scenic attractions, blending urban landscapes with natural beauty. Glasgow’s oldest park, Glasgow Green, boasts wide open spaces, historical monuments and the People’s Palace while the Botanic Gardens feature beautiful glass houses and a variety of plant collections. Around 30 miles away is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, with stunning landscapes of mountains, forests and lochs. Additionally, the Campsie Fells, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and even the Isle of Bute (this can be reached by ferry!) are all accessible. Whether you want the feeling of stepping back in time or prefer to be in the midst of a vibrant and cultural scene, there is so much variety, history and beauty within the city of Glasgow that you won’t want to be anywhere else!

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 4th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Hampden Park, G42 9AZ. This football stadium, where its hospitality has been voted amongst the best in the UK, is the national stadium of football in Scotland.