Living And Working In York

York is a cathedral city which is in North Yorkshire and situated in the north east of England. It is within easy reach of some spectacular and well known coastlines as well as the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.  York is well connected to the rest of the UK with great links to major roads and the nearest airport is Leeds Bradford International Airport. The railway station, which was opened in 1877,  offers direct services to London and Edinburgh, as well as many other towns and cities, making it a great choice for commuters.

York is one of England's most historically significant cities which is apparent as soon as you enter the city due to it being partly surrounded by ancient walls known as the City Walls and four gatehouses. These are also known as the Bar Walls or Roman Walls. Centuries ago, York often found the need to defend itself from enemies, hence the building of the walls and interestingly, there are remains dating as far back from Roman times. It is all carefully managed and maintained by the City Of York Council. The city of York is somewhat of a time machine where you can follow in the ancient footsteps of those who have left their mark throughout history.

With a heritage steeped in railways and chocolate, York’s economy is diverse and dynamic, combining its historic strengths with modern growth sectors. York is home to two major higher education institutions. The University of York is one of the UK’s leading research universities and is renowned for its academic strength. The university’s research facilities and collaboration with industries contribute significantly to York’s knowledge industry. The university is one of the city’s largest employers and a magnet for students, both nation and global. York St John University is smaller yet just as important. It is known for its academic excellence and like the University of York, contributes to the local economy through student spending, employment and research activities.

York is part of a growing science city network within the UK with particular strengths in biotechnology, IT and environmental science. York Science Park is located near to the University of York and is home to numerous technology and science related companies. The Biorenewables Development Centre is a key player in biotechnology and environmental sciences, focusing on sustainable solutions like green chemistry and bio based products. The digital economy is expanding rapidly with tech firms specialising in areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity and digital marketing.

York has a growing financial services sector and is home to several significant insurance companies, providing considerable employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy through services and finance related industries. A number of legal and consultancy firms operate in York, supporting the city’s thriving business environment, particularly in properties, finance and business consultancy.

Healthcare is a critical component of the city’s economy and infrastructure and several NHS institutions serve the region including York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation which is the main public healthcare provider in York and the surrounding areas.

York’s creative sector is thriving and the city has become a regional centre for media production, especially in film and television. Its picturesque historical sites have been used as filming locations for many productions, further boosting its profile.York’s vibrant arts scene includes theatre, visual arts and music. The York Theatre Royal and Grand Opera House are central to the city’s cultural offerings and there is growing support for local artists and performers through various initiatives. The digital creative sector including web design, animation and graphic design is also expanding rapidly.

Historically, York was a major centre for the railway industry and while this has diminished, Network Rail and other companies maintain a strong presence. York is well known for food manufacturing with various companies having a historical presence in the city.

Tourism remains one of the most vital sectors of York’s economy and it has been claimed that York has more attractions per square mile than any other city within the UK. There are many places to visit which include the famous Shambles, a fascinating ancient street lined with timber framed buildings which date as far back as the 14th century and is described as one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. York Minster is one of the most splendid and impressive Gothic cathedrals in the world which contains more than half of England’s medieval stained glass. Multi award winning York Castle Museum is where you can experience York’s fascinating history and next to it, you can choose to climb up the steps and admire the panoramic views of the city from the top of Cliffords Tower which was built by William the Conqueror. Sample the city’s gruesome history if you dare, by visiting the York Dungeon or step back in time to the year 975 AD as you enter the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre. The National Railway Museum is perfect for train enthusiasts and proudly showcases over 300 years of railway history. York’s numerous cultural events including the York Literature festival, York Food and Drink Festival and various art exhibitions, contribute to the city’s vibrancy. The tourism sector supports a wide range of hotels, restaurants and cafes including luxury boutique hotels and chains, making hospitality a significant employer in the city.

If you enjoy shopping then you will be enchanted by the array of shops which vary from typical high street stores to unique and quirky independent shops. The Shambles, Coppergate Shopping Centre, Stonegate and Petergate and Newgate Market all offer a diverse shopping experience, combining history with modernity. Fans of Harry Potter will delight in  themed shops and there is even a world famous ghost shop where you can purchase your very own unique ghost! By the way, York is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in England and there are numerous guided ghost walks on offer!

Bars, cafes and restaurants are everywhere and there is so much to choose from whether you fancy a traditional pub lunch or an afternoon tea in the delightful Betty’s which has an interesting history and a reputation for both delicious food and a traditional British tea experience!

There are several wonderful locations nearby which include the small town of Selby, known for its collection of small villages, Malton which is a delightful and historic market town and the affluent Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

The next event to be hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 24th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the prestigious four star Hilton York, YO1 9WD. It is situated inside the 2,000 year old city walls adjacent to Clifford's Tower.