Living And Working In Plymouth

Plymouth is a coastal city situated in south west England which is in the county of Devon. It is the second largest city in the south west after Bristol and has an increasing population.  Bordering on to Cornwall in some parts, this Ocean City, as it is often referred to, is around 210 miles from London and its nearest airport is Cornwall Newquay Airport.

Plymouth has long been known for its maritime and established military connections with the Royal Navy. Sir Francis Drake himself apparently masterminded the defeat of the Spanish Armada from Plymouth. In 1690, the first Royal Dockyard was constructed just to the west of the city, followed by further docks and then a large Naval network. Plymouth Dock was renamed Devonport in the early 1800s. Plymouth had many important roles in both World Wars, despite being especially heavily bombed in the second World War.

The sea has always been of great significance and Plymouth has prospered from a small town that made its living mainly by fishing and trading to a thriving city which is now home to HMNB Devonport, one of the largest naval bases in western Europe. The base employs several thousand service personnel and civilians whilst also supporting hundreds of local companies. Various defence contractors and support services are based in the city, providing specialised engineering and maintenance services.

Plymouth is a key location for ship building with esteemed companies involved in significant naval and commercial ship projects. The port handles freight and passenger traffic, contributing to the city’s economic activity through logistics and transport services.

The city is further investing in marine energy technologies, including wave and tidal energy projects, with Plymouth aiming to be a centre for both innovation and renewable energy. Local initiatives focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, with several projects aimed at enhancing green infrastructure and energy efficiency.

Companies in Plymouth are involved in advanced manufacturing, including precision engineering and aerospace components and the city supports a range of services from civil engineering to high tech solutions for various industries.

The University of Plymouth not only provides education but also engages in research, innovation and collaboration with local businesses. It supports a vibrant student population and contributes to the local knowledge economy. Plymouth College of Art and City College Plymouth also play roles in vocational training and skills development.

A wide array of service industries, including finance, professional services and healthcare contribute to the economic diversity of the city with the local NHS Trust operating the largest acute hospital in the south west peninsula.

The regeneration of Plymouth is part of an ongoing series of ambitious development and revitalisation projects aimed at transforming the city into a modern, thriving urban centre while preserving its rich maritime and historical heritage. Plymouth City Council has been working on a long term regeneration strategy under its Vision for Plymouth, focusing on improving infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, boosting the economy and positioning the city as a regional hub for culture, business and education. Plymouth’s regeneration represents a comprehensive set of plans, incorporating culture, green living  and business, aiming to position itself as a vibrant, modern destination while celebrating its historical legacy.

Eating out is a real treat here and there are some tremendous places to try, with freshly caught seafood often on the menu! If you enjoy shopping then you won't be disappointed as Plymouth offers a fantastic shopping experience with a great mix of top brand names as well as independent shops.

Plymouth is host to an array of diverse performances, festivals and events all year round and there are so many interesting attractions here. The Barbican and Sutton Harbour are where the sea meets the city and  is at the forefront of Plymouth’s heritage. Having undergone substantial regeneration, the stunning and traditionally architectured waterfront location with its cobbled streets and historical buildings are where you can locate several of the city's most popular destinations. Major tourist sites include the Mayflower Steps and the Royal Citadel which are within Hoe Park, and the National Marine Aquarium. For those wanting quieter pursuits, Saltram House which is owned by the National Trust is a George II era mansion complete with a wonderful garden, orangery, shop, park cafe and a tea room. There are plenty of parks such as Central Park and Victoria Park as well as Cann Woods, a woodland area near to the city, offering trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Living in Plymouth will probably find  you either surrounded by both water and countryside. The surrounding areas include the South Hams, Tamar Valley of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Dartmoor National Park, all which are all within easy reach. The cost of living here is substantially lower than many other towns and cities in the southern parts of England yet offers an unrivalled quality of life.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 10th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Grade II listed New Continental Hotel, PL1 3LD which is Plymouth’s largest independent family owned hotel and is conveniently situated in the heart of the city.