Bristol is the largest city in southwest England and the eighth largest in the UK, with a multi-ethnic population of about 470,000. The city has a lot to offer to expat professionals settling here with the aspiration of developing their careers while maintaining a healthy work–life balance. The industries that thrive in Bristol's labour market are the creative industry (Bristol is the home of Banksy street artists and activists), food & drink innovation, aerospace & advanced engineering, and tech. Among the city's many advantages is that it is pretty close — a 90-minute train ride — to London, as well as Cardiff in Wales. So, if you are looking for a more affordable and less crowded place than London to live and work, Bristol might be for you!
Why Bristol is a good place for work
What makes a real difference when budgeting your life in Bristol compared to London is the cost of accommodation, which is significantly less in Bristol. According to the University of Bristol figures, a three-bedroom property would cost you £1,500 for rent. On the other hand, buying property in Bristol would cost around £560,000 for a detached house. The average salary in Bristol is £35,000, with experienced professionals making up to £56,000 a year. Living in Bristol will mean more time for yourself, leisure activities, and family moments since commuting in Bristol is faster and more accessible due to the city's size and population. Besides, Bristol has one prime centre and few hubs dotted around the city like London.
Working and living in Bristol means that you can enjoy the coast and countryside either on foot or through the many cycle trails during the weekends. Some of the natural highlights that are easily accessible from Bristol are the Cotswolds rolling hills, the coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, and scenic Wales. If you are looking for some hustle and bustle, Bristol is renowned for its culinary scene, bustling nightlife, independent shops, and unique festivals such as the Bristol International (hot air) Balloon Fiesta, Bristol Harbour Festival, and Upfest, Europe's largest street art and graffiti festival.
Good to know:
Cameron Balloons is a Bristol-based manufacturer of hot-air balloons. While riding in a hot air balloon, you can get an amazing view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge!
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The economy of Bristol
Bristol has one of the most robust economies in the UK and is particularly very active in the cultural and educational sectors. Bristol is home to one of the country's most important ports, a vital economic hub of regional and international maritime trade. You will also find many alcohol factories (especially cider), auto parts manufacturers, and car import companies across the city. Additionally, many national and international firms, banks, and financial institutions have offices in Bristol.
Tourism in Bristol is booming, not only because the city itself has a lot to offer for all types of travellers but also thanks to the neighbouring regions of Somerset and Gloucestershire. Many British and international tourists flock to Bristol all year round to enjoy the scenery, warm weather, architecture, and cultural activities. The city has a strong education sector, largely thanks to its reputation as a student city. Bristol is home to three universities, including the University of Bristol, attracting large numbers of UK and international students. The media, electronics, aviation, and trade are other sectors significantly contributing to the city's GDP. Information and communication technology are also vital for Bristol's economy.
Bristol's biggest employers
Bristol's employment rate was 78.5% according to the latest 2022 figures, representing 255,100 working-age residents. The employment rate is one of the highest among England's cities.
The city's economy was based on sea trade and shipping. However, nowadays, Bristol boasts a thriving creative industry, tech job opportunities, and innovation in the aerospace sector. San-Francisco-based Strava, a global online community for athletes and active people, has its European offices in Bristol, thereby being a significant employer in the city in the tech and creative industry. Also, Bristol Temple Quarter is a vast redevelopment project focusing on housing, ecological infrastructure, education, and the modern workforce. The new zone aspires to host businesses in the tech, digital, and creative sectors that will open over 22,000 new jobs in the next few years.
The University of Bristol is a key player in Bristol's labour market, absorbing an existing workforce and creating a new one simultaneously. The university offers a supportive working environment with relocation packages covering relocation costs for staff members who must relocate to take up their roles with the university. Besides, the university offers competitive salaries, staff discounts, pension schemes, and training opportunities. Last but not least, the University of Bristol takes employees' well-being and mental health seriously and monitors employees' work–life balance, ensuring flexible working, family leaves, reasonable working hours, and an inclusive and community-inspired working environment.
Good to know:
Airbus, Europe's multinational aerospace corporation and the world's second-biggest aerospace company, has its offices in Bristol.
Good to know:
The NHS is one of Bristol's most prominent employers, with around 42,000 people working there.
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Everyday life in Bristol
Bristol has two train stations: Bristol Temple Meads railway station serving the city centre and Bristol Parkway on the South Wales Main Line in the northern suburbs of Bristol. Rural Somerset and South Gloucestershire are easily accessible, meaning that one can live there to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle and commute to work in busier Bristol. On the weekends, you can even cycle to the historic city of Bath along the scenic Railway Path. Swimming is an excellent stress reliever. Bristol has a publicly accessible lido worth visiting.
As mentioned above, Bristol has a great community feel. People in Bristol are keen on volunteering their free time and skills. If you wish to give back to the community, check out Bristol's Second Step mental health charity.
Good to know:
32% of Bristol's population participates in cultural activities at least once a month in museums, theatres, festivals, music, and events.
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Finding a job in Bristol
Qualified professionals holding valid visas are usually hired in various sectors in Bristol. You must, however, ensure you have good English, regardless of the type of job you are applying for. Some positions may require excellent written and spoken English, while others only need good oral English. The key to landing a job in Bristol is to be proactive, searching online and directly contacting the companies you wish to work for. If you are a non-UK citizen, you must obtain a certificate of sponsorship. You can carry out your job search before you even arrive in Bristol, but a local address will help you secure a job quickly.
Tip:
Check Expat.com's jobs in England link regularly, and don't hesitate to post your availability or discuss labour market topics in the England forum.
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