City Guide

Birmingham

City Overview

About the City

Birmingham is the 2nd largest city in the UK located in the West Midlands, sometimes dubbed as the engine of the UK, due to its industrial past and present. The city is home to some the UK’s significant industrial and commercial areas, having been the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Economy and Employment

Birmingham’s economy relies heavily trade, finance and research. In the city core, you’ll find the banking and financial services district, surrounded by several niche quarters. One of which is Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, described by English Heritage as a ‘national treasure’; a hub for over 800 businesses where 40% of the UK’s jewellery is produced. The young and vibrant workforce has ensured that the city has the highest number of start-up businesses outside of London.

Transport

With its extensive and well-networked public transport system, you can be confident that you can get around Birmingham at ease. There are eight railway lines providing access across the city and to other UK locations. Its advanced bus network and the Midland Metro tram ensure a comprehensive local system. Birmingham Airport is conveniently located 10 minutes away from the city centre.

Education

Birmingham is an academic hub with five universities near the centre, these include Aston University, University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham and Newman University. All of which have a high level of education and reputation.

Retail

From high-end fashion boutiques to high-street favourites, Birmingham is a shopper’s paradise. The city boasts a mix of modern centres and traditional markets such as The Bullring, Grand Central, The Mailbox and the Jewellery Quarter.

Leisure and Recreation

Whether you are looking to spend your free time visiting the city’s rich industrial past or finally taking that well-deserved spa break, Birmingham has the variety to match everyone’s idea of enjoyable. If sports are more your forte, the city holds some of the most exciting Sports venues including Arena Birmingham and Alexander Stadium. The city played host to the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Hotel

With its variety of hotels, Birmingham can cater for all needs. If you’re on a business trip and want a standard room or need a large family-friendly suite, you can guarantee you will find an ideal hotel within your budget.

City Key Facts & Figures

Population

1,124,000

GVA (Billions)

£ 27,613

Working Population

64%

Employment Rate

71%

Top 5 Business Sectors in Birmingham

Business Count by Size (%)

Key Employers

Employment by Occupation (%)

Local Transport

New Street Station
Snow Hill Station
Moor Street Station
Midland Metro
HS2 (2026)

Birmingham International Airport

"We were very satisfied with the service provided. You helped us find the perfect office to meet our needs and were prompt and effective in negotiating the deal on our behalf."

"We are delighted to have found a home at Seven Dials Warehouse and commercial real estate framework that is not just fit-for-purpose now, it enables us space to grow in the future. DeVono has helped us to realise our ambition of providing a sustainable and appropriate long term home for the business."

"I have worked with DeVono for many years. I value their approach; always looking at the big picture, not just the deal. They consider the real estate challenges we face through our eyes, understanding not just the real estate reporting requirements but also the complexity of our organisation's structure and stakeholders. I'm always very happy to work with the team and value their support."

"DeVono provided E.ON Ruhrgas with excellent support, guidance and valuable industry knowledge during the search for our new office location. Their service provided our Management Team with an extensive list of the options available both on and off the market so that we felt an informed decision could be made on our move. It is evident that DeVono is a dynamic company, that put the interests of the tenants as their sole priority in the London commercial office marketplace."

"Our second time using DeVono and again I was very impressed with the team - friendly, efficient and extremely commercial and honest. They understood the brief and worked hard to deliver the right property for our needs. In what was an unfamiliar area to me, they provided guidance on key issues and negotiated very good terms, highly recommendable."

City Guide

Birmingham

City Overview

About the City

Economy and Employment

Transport

Education

Retail

Leisure and Recreation

Hotel

City Key Facts & Figures

Population

GVA (Billions)

Working Population

Employment Rate

Top 5 Business Sectors in Birmingham

Business Count by Size (%)

Key Employers

Employment by Occupation (%)

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Birmingham