United Kingdom
Working in Birmingham
The UK's second-largest city and the centre of its manufacturing history. Now a professional services market as well, and the cheapest of the big three to live in.
What the city runs on
Automotive and advanced manufacturing in the surrounding region, professional and financial services in the city — several large accountancy and banking employers have built substantial offices here — and a large university and public sector presence.
Where it sits between London and the north
Salaries and housing costs both sit below London and broadly in line with other large regional cities. The city is roughly an hour and a half from London by train, which puts occasional attendance at a London office within reach without London rent.
What to check before you sign
The going rate again, and whether the role is city-based or regional. Manufacturing employers in the West Midlands are often outside the city itself, and the practical commute can differ substantially from what the advert implies.
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