
UK City Guides
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Birmingham
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
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 5 universities near to 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 & SPORT
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 will play host to the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
HOTELS
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.
Serviced Office
Price from £200 per workstation/month
24/7 Access Control
Communal Breakout
Tech Support
Air Conditioning
Secure Storage
Modern Lighting
WiFi
Serviced Office
Price from £300 per workstation/month
24/7 Access Control
24/7 Security Monitoring
Barista
Air Conditioning
Dedicated Internet Line
High Speed Internet
Kitchen
Meeting Rooms
Passenger Lifts
Private Offices
Staffed Reception
Key facts

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
Education
- University of Birmingham
- Birmingham City University
- Aston University
- University College Birmingham
- Newman University