Living And Working In Leicester

Leicester is a city set within the county of Leicestershire which is in the East Midlands of England. It is officially the largest city in this area with an expanding and diverse population. It is a cosmopolitan city which is rich in culture and for hundreds of years has attracted different races and nationalities. Leicester is only a little over one hundred miles from London and the nearest airport is East Midlands Airport which is only a short drive from the city. Surrounded by excellent motorway and rail links, travel to and from Leicester couldn’t be easier. Set in the midst of one of England's most attractive counties, Leicester is surrounded by pretty villages and rolling countryside.

This wonderful city dates back to pre Roman times. During the Industrial revolution, the city experienced significant growth, particularly due to the successful textile industry. The designing and manufacturing of textiles continues to be ever popular and given that in the middle of the 20th century, Leicester claimed to ‘clothe the world’ with its array of highly esteemed textiles, it does not show many signs of completely slowing down yet!

The economy of Leicester reflects a mix of traditional strengths and emerging sectors. The city has a long standing history of manufacturing, particularly in textiles, hosiery and footwear. In recent years this has evolved with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing and engineering. Companies in aerospace, automotive components and high tech manufacturing play a significant role in the local economy.

Leicester has a leading research intensive university which is committed to excellence. It is interesting to note that Leicester is the only European university founded by its community as a living memorial to those who made sacrifices in the First World War. Both this and De Montfort University contribute to research, particularly in fields such as space science, health and technology and are significant employers in the region, fostering innovation through partnerships with local industries.

The service sector, including finance, professional services and in particular healthcare, continues to grow. The diverse community has led to a wide range of services that are tailored to various cultural and social needs.

Leicester is being increasingly recognised for  being a hub for technology and innovation and the city is particularly focused on smart city initiatives, data analytics and environmental technology.

Leicester’s central location within the UK makes it a prime spot for logistics and distribution and this sector has seen growth due to the rise of ecommerce with several major distribution sectors in and around Leicester.

Leicester is a regional hub for retail, supported by large shopping centres. The city’s diverse population contributes to a vibrant retail sector, with a mix of high street brands, independent shops and ethnic markets. Ecommerce has seen significant growth with local businesses expanding their digital presence.

There is much to see and do in Leicester which include the National Space Centre which is one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions. Explore the city’s social and military history through exhibits at Newarke Houses Museum or choose to visit Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. A fascinating place to visit is to the King Richard III Visitor Centre opposite Leicester Cathedral whose remains were discovered in a car park in 2012 by a team of archaeologists and made headline news around the world. The Cathedral’s roots can be traced back to the 12th century and has played a central role in the history and cultural heritage of Leicester.

There are several charming parks which include the beautiful and serene Abbey Park and Victoria Park which is popular for picnics, sports and outdoor events, including events such as Leicester Caribbean Carnival.  

Leicester’s Golden Mile, located along Belgrave Road, is famous for its Indian restaurants, sweet shops and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to experience South Asian culture, cuisine and shopping while Leicester Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe.

Leicester offers a blend of modern opportunities and rich historical charm and the city’s multicultural ethos creates a vibrant and diverse community which is reflected in the array of cuisines and festivals. The city boasts a strong jobs market with plenty of opportunities within various sectors. With its friendly atmosphere, affordable living costs and a good balance between urban activities and natural beauty, Leicester is a great place to build a career and to call home.

The next event hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 18th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is The City Rooms, Hotel Street, LE1 5AW. This beautiful Georgian Grade 1 listed building is situated in the heart of the city. Built in 1792, it is steeped in history and retains many original features.