Best cities in the UK to hire in
If you’re looking to expand into the United Kingdom, there are a number of great cities that you can focus your recruitment efforts in. Here we run down 3 of the best cities in the UK to hire people in:
London
Large Talent Pool
London has a population of over 8 million people, making it one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world. It has a large pool of skilled workers, including graduates from some of the top universities in the UK and around the world.
Strong Economy
London is the economic and financial capital of the UK, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of £497 billion in 2021. It is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, technology, media, and creative industries, providing ample employment opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
London is a hub for international business, providing ample networking opportunities for professionals across different industries. Employers can tap into a vast network of potential clients, partners, and investors.
Cultural Diversity
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with people from all over the globe living and working there. This cultural diversity can help businesses to connect with a global audience and to create more innovative solutions by bringing together different perspectives and ideas.
World-Class Infrastructure
London has world-class infrastructure, including excellent transport links, modern office spaces, and cutting-edge technology. This can help businesses to attract and retain top talent and to operate more efficiently.
Overall, London’s large talent pool, strong economy, networking opportunities, cultural diversity, and world-class infrastructure make it a great place to employ someone. However, it is also important to note that the cost of living and doing business in London is generally higher than in other parts of the UK, and this should be taken into account when considering employment in the city.
Manchester
Growing Economy
Manchester is part of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, which aims to boost economic growth in the North of England. The city has a thriving economy, with a GDP of over £62 billion and a growth rate of 3.3% per year.
Skilled Workforce
Manchester has a large and diverse workforce, with over 2.7 million people within an hour’s drive of the city. It’s also home to several top universities, including the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, which produce a steady stream of talented graduates.
Competitive Costs
The cost of living and doing business in Manchester is generally lower than in London and other major cities in the UK. This can make it more cost-effective to hire and retain staff.
Accessible Location
Manchester is well-connected to the rest of the UK, with excellent transport links via road, rail, and air. This makes it easy for employees to commute to and from work and for businesses to access markets and clients across the country.
Edinburgh
Highly Educated Workforce
Edinburgh is home to several top universities, including the University of Edinburgh, which ranks among the top 20 universities in the world. This means that the city has a highly educated workforce, with a high proportion of graduates and postgraduates in a range of disciplines.
Strong Economy
Edinburgh has a diverse economy, with strengths in financial services, technology, and tourism. The city has a Gross Value Added (GVA) of over £23 billion, making it one of the strongest regional economies in the UK.
Accessible Location
Edinburgh is located in the heart of Scotland, making it easily accessible from other parts of the UK and Europe. The city has excellent transport links, including an international airport and two major railway stations, making it easy for employees to commute to and from work.
Quality of Life
Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, with a high quality of life and a range of cultural and leisure activities. The city is famous for its historical landmarks, festivals, and cultural events, as well as its natural beauty, with hills and coastline within easy reach.
Vibrant Tech Scene
Edinburgh has a vibrant tech scene, with a growing number of startups and established companies in areas such as fintech, software development, and data analytics. This can make it an attractive location for tech talent, as well as businesses looking to tap into this expertise.
Overall, Edinburgh’s highly educated workforce, strong economy, accessible location, quality of life, and vibrant tech scene make it a great place to employ someone. These factors have helped to attract a range of businesses to the city, including major tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Skyscanner.
If you’re wanting to expand in the UK, then with our fully managed recruitment services, we can find you the right employee for your company. We offer the best UK EOR services of any employer of record in the UK. More resources about employing in the UK can be found here. You can also download our full guide to learn everything about employing in the UK.
Scott Winter
HR Director
