Living And Working In Gloucester

Gloucester is a city which is located on the River Severn in the south west of England, near to the border of Wales Located in the county of Gloucestershire which is home to six districts, the city is approximately one hundred and fifteen miles from London with the nearest major commercial airport being in Bristol. It has good transportation links with easy access to major road networks and if travelling to London by train, you can expect to arrive in around two hours.

Gloucester’s origins go as far back as the Roman times when it played a significant role in the Roman road network and it became a strategic location. The city continued to grow in importance during the medieval period and the stunning Gloucester Cathedral was completed in the fourteenth century. By the time of the Industrial Revolution, Gloucester became an important inland port due to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and the River Severn, seeing significant industrial and economic growth. The city became a strong centre for the textile industry with several mills and factories becoming established. Other strong industries at this time included agricultural machinery, metalworking and shipbuilding.

Gloucester’s economy is diverse, combining traditional industries with modern sectors, reflecting both its historical significance as a trading and industrial hub and its adaptation to contemporary economic trends. Gloucester is part of a broader region that plays a key role in the UK’s aerospace industry. Major companies have a strong presence in the city, creating a significant aerospace engineering cluster.

Although manufacturing has declined from its historic peak, Gloucester still has a notable presence in high tech manufacturing and engineering. Companies specialising in precision engineering, automotive components and dedicated industrial equipment continue to operate in the region. The city’s strategic location near major transport routes, supports industrial operations.

The education sector in Gloucester is significant with institutions like the University of Gloucestershire providing higher education and research opportunities. The university is a key player in the local economy particularly through its links to business and innovation. Further education institutions like Gloucestershire College also support skills development, particularly in technical and vocational areas contributing to workforce readiness in key sectors such as engineering and technology.

Due to the strategic location of the city near the M5 and good transport links to major cities like Bristol, Birmingham and London, Gloucester has become an important centre for logistics and distribution. The Gloucester Business Park and other industrial estates host logistics companies, and the city’s canal network remains a useful asset for transport and freight services. The Staverton Airport also supports business aviation and plays a role in the logistics and aerospace sectors.

The healthcare sector is another significant employer with the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital  being one of the keymedical facilities in the region. The city also has a growing presence in healthcare technology and services, reflecting the national trend towards greater investment in health and social care infrastructure.

The digital and creative sectors are growing in Gloucester , driven by advancements in technology and the city’s focus on innovation. Digital marketing, media production and software development firms are increasingly establishing a presence in the region.

While the city itself is urbanised, the surrounding county of Gloucestershire remains important for agriculture. Dairy farming, fruit production and wine production are all key agricultural activities. The area is known for its high quality produce including cheese, cider and other artisanal products. Agribusiness in Gloucester benefits from the area's rich farming tradition and its accessibility to urban markets.

Tourism is a growing part of Gloucester’s economy, driven by the city’s rich historical and cultural assets and there is so much to experience in the city. Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of worship for over one thousand three hundred years and has some stunning architecture and examples of stained glass in the country with the Great East Window having been in several major films and television shows. Museums include the Tailor of Gloucester Beatrix Potter Museum and Shop, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and the National Waterways Museum. Heritage tourism is bolstered by events such as the Gloucester History Festival and the Tall Ships Festival which attract large crowds.

Gloucester has some magnificent landscapes nearby including the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills and charming countryside, the ancient Forest of Dean and The Malvern Hills. Gloucester itself has several beautiful green spaces such as Robinswood Hill and the award winning Barnwood Arboretum.

The city’s historic streets are bursting with a fantastic variety of shops and there are regular markets held here which include farmers markets and a craft and food market. The city is proud of its local produce and locally sourced food and has a long held tradition with farming and agriculture. This all plays a vital role in the rural economy of the region. There is a thriving retail sector here with Gloucester Quays being a major shopping and leisure destination. This popular waterfront retail development includes designer outlet stores, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

Sport plays a significant role here with rugby being at the heart of the city’s sporting identity, in addition to football, cricket, athletics, golf and watersports! The rugby club, based at Kingsholm Stadium is one of the most prominent clubs in English rugby while fans of motorsport will be delighted to know that Prescott Hill is nearby, the famous motor racing venue.

The rich history and charming architecture of Gloucester creates a unique atmosphere. The city offers a great selection of both urban and rural, due to its proximity to the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. With a strong jobs market and ample employment opportunities, the city of Gloucester is an extremely attractive place to both live and work.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 24th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Gloucester Guildhall, GL1 1NS. This listed building is Gloucester’s premier arts and event venue.