Living And Working In Portsmouth

Portsmouth is in the county of Hampshire and is situated on the south east coast of England, only 70 miles from London. Southampton Airport is the nearest airport to Portsmouth while the much larger Gatwick Airport is a little further away. The city is also located on Portsea Island, making it one of the few island cities in the UK.

Portsmouth is a port city and holds a strong affinity (which goes back centuries) with the Royal Navy which is why you will often hear Portsmouth being described as ‘Home of the Royal Navy’. Portsmouth is generally considered to have been founded in 1180 by a wealthy merchant who established a town with a church dedicated to St Thomas, now Portsmouth’s cathedral. The cathedral is built in Gothic Revival style, characterised by pointed arches, ribbed vaults and a detailed facade. The style reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the building was significantly renovated and expanded. By the 13th century, Portsmouth was emerging as a key naval base and played an important role in several major conflicts. By the 19th century, Portsmouth dockyard expanded  and employed thousands of workers, becoming the largest industrial complex in the world and was leading the way in technological advancements regarding shipbuilding.

The economy of Portsmouth remains robust, driven by a mix of traditional industries, particularly maritime and defence, alongside growing sectors such as digital innovation, education and tourism. Portsmouth has capitalised on its maritime heritage while embracing new economic opportunities. The maritime and defence sectors are central to the city’s economy, with the city continuing to be one of the UK’s most important naval hubs. Portsmouth Naval Base supports the UK’s naval operations and is home to several important vessels which play key roles.The city hosts major defence contractors which significantly contribute to local employment and work closely with the MOD on naval shipbuilding, maintenance and technological innovation in defence systems.

The digital sector in Portsmouth has been expanding, supported by growing investment in tech startups and innovation. Portsmouth is increasingly becoming a hub for cybersecurity and digital defence technologies, with firms working on secure communication systems and digital infrastructure for the defence sector. The city has also seen growth in the digital media and software development sectors with several tech startups emerging. Innovation hubs like Portsmouth Technopole offer support and infrastructure for technology driven businesses.

The presence of the University of Portsmouth plays a crucial role in the local economy. The university not only provides employment but also drives innovation and research in various fields. The university is active in research, particularly in fields like marine biology, engineering and environmental sciences.

Portsmouth’s strategic location on the south coast, with excellent connections to Europe make it a critical hub for transport and logistics. The port is a key player in both passenger and freight transport and the port’s role in logistics has grown in recent years.

Tourism remains a key pillar of Portsmouth’s economy, leveraging the city’s rich naval history and cultural attractions. The historic dockyard on the Naval Base allows members of the public to explore and admire maritime attractions such as The Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory and some interesting museums and galleries offer insights into days gone by, often with a maritime or military theme. Many historic buildings are still standing, having been well cared for and maintained over the centuries. The Spinnaker Tower, an observation sky garden and viewing platform is an interesting experience with views that can stretch over 20 miles on a clear day! The town of Gosport, situated on a peninsula on the western side of the harbour, is only a few minutes ride on a ferry. Until the end of the 20th century, Gosport was a major naval town associated with the defense and supply infrastructure of HMNB.

Gunwharf Quays is a modern outlet shopping centre, both indoor and outdoor and has many shops, bars and restaurants. Both traditional and high street shops, as well as a fantastic selection of bars, cafes and restaurants are found in the ever popular Portsmouth city centre and Portsmouth has a vibrant nightlife.

As well as the attraction of the coast, the city has plenty of spectacular countryside surrounding it, including the New Forest, The South Downs National Parks and the Isle of Wight which is easily accessible by hovercraft or ferry and remains popular with both day trippers and holiday makers.

Portsmouth is undergoing several significant regeneration projects aimed at revitalising various parts of the city and improving the quality of life for residents. Current regeneration reflects a comprehensive approach to urban renewal, focusing on revitalising the city centre, enhancing waterfront areas, expanding retail and leisure options and improving housing and infrastructure.

Portsmouth offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern opportunities. The maritime heritage is ever present and residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches. Thriving industries provide a dynamic jobs market making it an extremely desirable place to pursue career ambitions and ensure a high standard of living.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 11th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Portsmouth Guildhall, PO1 2AB. This beautiful Grade II listed building was completed in 1890 but after being bombed during the Second World War, it was carefully rebuilt during the 1950’s. It now operates as a concert, wedding and conference venue.