Living And Working In Wakefield

Wakefield is a cathedral city located in West Yorkshire, approximately one hundred and seventy five miles from London. It lies on the River Calder, situated not too far from Leeds and only thirty miles from York. The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport. A direct train from either of the two main stations in Wakefield will get you into London in around two hours.

Wakefield dates as far back as prehistoric times. It flourished during the Roman occupation and then later became an important market town in the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, Wakefield grew significantly due to the Industrial Revolution , particularly in textiles and coal mining. Wakefield played its part in the famous War of the Roses - particularly in the early stages of the conflict, which were a series of civil wars fought in England during the 15th century, primarily between two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet - the House of Lancaster which was represented by a red rose and the House of York, represented by a white rose.

Wakefield’s economy is characterised by a mixture of traditional and emerging sectors. Manufacturing continues to be a cornerstone of Wakefield’s economy. The sector has deep roots in the region and while traditional manufacturing has faced challenges, there has been significant investment in modernisation. Companies are increasingly adopting advanced manufacturing technologies which enhance productivity and create high skilled jobs. This evolution is essential for maintaining Wakefield’s competitive edge, particularly in industries such as textiles, machinery and food production.

Wakefield’s strategic location near major transport routes, positions it as a critical hub for logistics and distribution. This sector has seen robust growth , driven by the rise in ecommerce and the need for efficient supply chain management. Distribution centres and warehouses have proliferated, providing employment opportunities and attracting investment.

Public services are a significant employer in Wakefield with healthcare, education and local government roles forming a substantial part of the economy while ensuring a steady demand for skilled professionals. Retail and hospitality are important sectors and the city centre hosts a mix of independent shops, national chains and a variety of restaurants which are vital for local employment and tourism.

The digital and technology sector is emerging as a growing industry and while traditionally the area is known for manufacturing and logistics, the region is increasingly embracing digital innovation. This includes the expansion of IT services, software development and digital marketing firms.

The construction sector in Wakefield is experiencing growth driven by new housing developments and infrastructure projects which not only support economic growth through job creation but plays a crucial role in the physical and social regeneration of the area. Wakefield has undergone significant regeneration efforts aimed at revitalising the city and key projects include the redevelopment of the city centre, residential developments, transportation links and a focus on digital connectivity. All these initiatives aim to create a more vibrant and economically resilient city and Wakefield is increasingly being seen as an up and coming city, boosting its appeal as a desirable place to live and work.

Wakefield College is the largest college in the district and has provided education and training in Wakefield and the surrounding area since 1868. It offers university level courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as apprenticeships and vocational courses.

There is much to keep you entertained in Wakefield. Just a sample of the many attractions include The National Coal Mining Museum which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of coal mining through interactive exhibits, guided tours and visiting the underground mine. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the UK’s leading outdoor art gallery and showcases modern and contemporary sculptures while The Hepworth Wakefield is Yorkshire’s award winning gallery. Enjoy the ruins of Sandal Castle which played its part in the War of the Roses while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside. The stunning Cathedral with its striking tower and beautiful stained glass windows has been welcoming people for over one thousand years and although it is one of the smallest cathedrals in England, it holds great historical and architectural significance.

Wakefield is surrounded by natural beauty and boasts numerous unique green spaces with several parks, open spaces and nature reserves which include Thornes Park, Pugneys Country Park, Newmillerdam Country Park and nearby Heath Common. The city is considered by many to be a great place to live and work . It offers a high quality of life, good employment opportunities and a strong sense of community.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 26th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Unity Hall, WF1 1EP. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this beautiful listed building consists of over twenty office spaces, five conference rooms and two hall spaces.