Living and Working in the South East

Often described by many as affluent, the South East of England certainly lives up to its flattering portrayal and has long dominated the rest of the UK. With well over nine million people living here, it spans over several counties including East Sussex, West Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey. With many major and well known towns and cities such as Brighton, Guildford, Portsmouth, Dover, Reading and Southampton, it has a rich and varied history.

The regions nearby proximity to London, the close links to major motorways and the familiar M25 makes the South East an extremely prosperous focus with the largest economy in the UK after London.

The UK’s two most busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick are both within easy reach, by rail or road, making for effortless and uncomplicated international and national travel.

According to the Office for National Statistics at the end of last year, 2020, the highest employment rate in the UK was in this area and the good news doesn’t stop there. Recent data and analytics show that the latest regional economic forecast has predicted that the South East will become even larger in terms of economic growth in the next couple of years. COVID caused disruption everywhere but here, the South East is bouncing back with a steadfast determination of even bigger and better.

Many high tech companies are well established here and the region continues to attract expansion of scientific and technical sectors, banking, insurances, IT, professional services, manufacturing and finance. In fact, it seems that whatever your profession you will find your niche here especially as you will be earning the second highest average salary within the UK dependant on experience, skill, qualifications and personality.

As you would imagine, schooling is excellent and there are many top universities to choose from with the well known Oxford being rated one of the best in the entire world.

From the beautifully architectured cathedral cities of Winchester and Chichester to the stunning scenery of the New Forest where ponies, pigs and donkeys roam free. From the buzzing, cosmopolitan feel of Brighton, to Portsmouth with its fascinating Royal Navy history spanning back hundreds of years, there is always something to see and do.

An impressive coastline surrounds the area and offers a plethora of activity or relaxation for all tastes whether you prefer visiting one of the many blue flag beaches or escaping into a more rugged and peaceful location to explore at your leisure.

Undoubtedly, house prices are fairly high here in comparison to other parts of the United Kingdom because of the location but this should not deter you from living or working here. The main element to keep in mind is that there will always be a demand for housing as it is so near to the capital thus prices continue to increase rather than decrease.

Property here is often viewed as an investment because sometimes you have to spend more money initially to make more money ultimately.

Looking to start a #Career in the South East? Check out The UK Careers Fair's upcoming recruitment events here