Living and Working in the South East

The South East of England is a diverse and dynamic region of the United Kingdom, known for its blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty and modern infrastructure. Bordered by London to the north and the English Channel to the south, counties include Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the Isle of Wight.

Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, is a historic county renowned for its picturesque countryside and coastal beauty. The county town is vibrant and historic Maidstone, situated on the River Medway. Nearby is Leeds Castle, often referred to as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’ with stunning grounds, a moat and a rich history spanning over 900 years!

Other major towns and cities include Canterbury, famous for its beautiful cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the city’s extensive and interesting medieval heritage. Dover is known for the iconic White Cliffs and its busy port while both Folkestone, a seaside town also known for its artistic scene and Ashford, a thriving market town are major transport hubs. Rochester boasts not only the second oldest cathedral in England but also Rochester Castle, one of the best preserved Norman castles in England, with a commanding presence overlooking the Medway River. The town is proud of its connections to Charles Dickens who spent much of his life in the area and featured Rochester in several of his works. Gillingham is a large town in the county of Kent and along with Chatham, Rochester, Strood and Rainham, it is part of the Medway Towns.

The county town of Surrey is Guildford, a major commercial and cultural centre which is popular with commuters due to its close proximity to London. Guildford is known for its cobbled High Street and historic architecture, Guildford Castle, the leading University of Surrey and the tranquil River Wey. Although there are no cities in Surrey, the area ranges from bustling hubs such as Epsom to quiet and picturesque villages like Shere and Tilford.

East Sussex lies on the south east coast and is known for its rolling countryside, iconic seaside towns and rich history. Although administratively separate, Brighton and Hove is often associated with East Sussex and is a lively, bustling and diverse city. Other major towns and cities include Hastings, a historic coastal town, famously linked with the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

West Sussex offers everything from the serene South Downs to lively coastal towns and a wealth of cultural heritage. Chichester is the county town of West Sussex and is rich in both Roman and medieval history. Other major towns include Crawley, a modern town and hub for business due to its proximity to Gatwick Airport. Horsham is a charming market town known for its quality of life and Littlehampton, Worthing and Bognor Regis are all unique and popular seaside towns.

Key towns and cities in scenic Hampshire include Southampton, a vibrant port city, famous for its maritime history and Portsmouth, a historic naval city. Winchester is the county town of Hampshire, known for its Gothic cathedral and Great hall, the site of King Arthur’s legendary Round Table while Winchester College is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in England.

Berkshire is a county of rich history, beautiful countryside and royal connections. Reading is the largest town and is a bustling cultural and commercial hub. It is also an important business centre especially in finance and technology. Other key towns include Windsor, renowned globally for its royal heritage and Slough, a major business and industrial centre.

Oxfordshire is reputedly one of the most desirable places to live and visit in the UK! The county’s capital and home to the prestigious university is the historic city of Oxford, blending ancient architecture with modern life.

The modern, purpose built city of Milton Keynes is situated within the county of Buckinghamshire. It is a dynamic place, popular with commuters with excellent transport links to London and beyond.

The South East is a region rich in history, culture and significance. Spanning from ancient times to the present day, its historical evolution has shaped the entire nation. The economy of the South East demonstrates a resilient outlook, fuelled by its diverse range of industries, strategic investments and infrastructure improvements. One of the most prominent sectors is technology and innovation, particularly in areas like Oxford, reading and the Cambridge Oxford corridor. These cities are hubs for cutting edge industries, including life sciences, pharmaceuticals and green technology. The region is home to numerous tech startups and global research institutions, particularly in bio-pharma and med-tech sectors The government’s investment in infrastructure projects promises to further boost connectivity, facilitating the region’s role as a vital part of the Oxford - Cambridge Arc, a leading area for tech innovation.

Another key driver of economic growth in the South East is finance and professional services. The proximity of London has established a strong presence of finance related jobs across towns like Reading, Guildford and Basingstoke. These areas are home to multinational financial institutions and fintech companies, benefitting from access to both London and international markets. The region’s emphasis on skills training including collaboration with universities, ensures a continuous pipeline of talent to sustain this vital sector.

Manufacturing in the South East of England remains a significant part of the economy with key industries like aerospace, automotive and electronics leading the way. The region hosts major companies in automotive and aerospace, especially around Surrey and Kent. The area’s proximity to London also enhances its desirability for advanced manufacturing, including, for example, high tech electronics and medical devices. Sectors such as food production, chemicals and pharmaceuticals are also important parts of the region’s manufacturing landscape.

Additionally, construction and renewable energy are flourishing industries. Large scale projects such as redevelopments of waterfronts and town centres, in places for example, Gosport, are supported by government funding initiatives such as the Levelling Up Fund. The expansion of hydrogen production and clean energy projects is also gaining fast momentum with significant investments driving job creation and sustainable growth.

Tourism and creative industries continue to thrive especially in coastal areas like Chichester and Brighton which draw visitors with their cultural attractions and vibrant arts scene. The South East’s historic landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace attract millions of tourists annually, making tourism a strong pillar of the economy.

The region benefits from its close proximity to London with many businesses choosing the South East as their base in order to access skilled labour and global markets. This has led to higher employment growth rates and job increases expected to continue. As a major driver of national prosperity, the South East continues to be one of the wealthiest and most influential areas in the UK.

The South East of England is home to some of the country’s most picturesque locations, offering a variety of landscapes from rolling countryside to coastal beauty. The South Downs National park stretches from Hampshire to east Sussex and provides some stunning walking routes with fantastic views over chalk cliffs and valleys. For a different experience, the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, spanning Sussex, Kent and Surrey, features ancient woodlands, rolling hills and charming villages. For history lovers, Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is certainly worth a visit as is the charming market town of Arundel, with its grand castle overlooking the River Arun. The Isle of Wight, with its rugged coastline and tranquil villages, offers a peaceful retreat with scenic beaches and great cycling routes. Henley on Thames is another gem of a town, set on the River Thames and known for its annual regatta and splendid riverside views. This, of course, is just a small sample of what the South East has to offer!

Choosing to live and work in the South East offers proximity to the region’s economic opportunities while benefiting from a high quality of life with beautiful natural landscapes and access to thriving sectors such as technology, finance and life sciences. The region's excellent transport links and prestigious educational institutions make it an ideal place for both professional growth and personal well being.