The past two years have seen the landscape of work and business change in many ways – more people than ever are working from home at least part-time, and due to this, there has been an increasing movement away from some areas.
London, for example, has been seen as the main hub of arts, culture and business for as long as anyone can remember. However, due to the high cost of living and being a very competitive environment, other cities have risen up to become prime locations for businesses.
So, does geography matter in an increasingly remote-working landscape? And where should you consider heading to if you want to move to a top business location? Read on to find out more.
Does location matter in 2022?
While some businesses have been able to work from home over the past few years, some have been unable to operate as efficiently as they could be if they were in their usual offices or business premises. Many digital businesses like design agencies, ecommerce websites, and online gambling sites in the UK, have been able to operate quite efficiently as they operate online services. However, other businesses with physical premises such as restaurant businesses and high street retail shops have had to seek alternative ways to operate.
It might be tempting to imagine that it is all Zoom calls and email communication in 2022, the truth is that most work environments have moved to a more hybridised way of working, or are thinking of doing so in the future. Therefore, many businesses need to consider where is best to locate their offices. While some operations may be remote or partially remote, the need for a head office or a base is a benefit for a lot of different companies.
Birmingham
You might not expect Birmingham to top many lists like this, but England’s second-largest city has proven to be a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to kickstart their businesses. Home to top-notch universities such as Aston University and the University of Birmingham, this city is home to a thriving and youthful population from both the north and the south. With a local airport, it is well connected to the rest of the country, meaning you are never too far away from Birmingham. With nearly 40,000 businesses active in the Birmingham area and a business survival rate of 38.3%, it’s a promising time to try good old Brum.
Bristol
If you don’t want to go too far north, then Bristol is a wonderful southern option. Bristol is active in its approach towards startups, with the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone being dedicated to helping new businesses learn the ropes and do their best. Thanks to being home to two universities, the population of this southwesterly city tends to attract quite young and educated individuals, as well as being third in the country when looking at business survival statistics.
While you might know Bristol for its history as a port city, nowadays it favours creative and digital industries, as it works towards becoming one of the UK’s smart cities. For those who work in digital innovation, Bristol is hard to beat – while it is more expensive to live here, the rewards can be boundless. It is also worth exploring if your business is more arts and culture-based, as the indie art scene in Bristol is booming and looks set to grow more in the coming years.
Manchester
Heading a little further north, you might want to join the many creatives who choose Manchester as the place to begin their business adventures. With more than 20,000 businesses active in the city and two thriving universities, Manchester is actually a challenger to Birmingham’s second city status. Creative and digital industries are especially popular in Manchester, and there is a buzzing food scene. However, the business survival rate is lower than in some other cities, making it a little more of a gamble for startup business owners.
Leeds
Another jewel of the north, Leeds is a hotbed of entrepreneurial action. With an impressive business survival rate of over 40%, this leading Yorkshire city is one to watch. With four local universities educating locals and newcomers alike, it is perhaps unsurprising that Leeds excels at businesses that offer legal and financial services. However, those aren’t the only businesses with a good survival rate, as Leeds is also home to a host of digital industries, making it a good spot for those looking to the future.
Another well-located city, it is close to the Leeds Bradford airport, as well as having a large train station and being right by many great motorway networks. Not only that, but rents are lower than somewhere like Manchester, which is only a short train ride away. From becoming a pet groomer to becoming self-employed as a business consultant and from blogging to starting your own YouTube channel, there are plenty of business ideas you can start in 2022. Whatever the business startup, UK city locations are a great option for businesses wanting to increase customers and put themselves on the map. Perhaps Leeds could be the city to take your next steps this year.
These are just a few of the amazing options for UK-based businesses to explore. While London might be one of the top places you look to when deciding to launch or grow a business, it is not the only choice for businesses of any kind. As we can see, there are some great regional options for those looking to get the most from their business – with fantastic communities springing up to support startups all over the country.
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