Expert Office Advice

Stats and information for businesses considering relocation to or setting up an office in Birmingham.

Birmingham is one of the metropolitan boroughs that comprise the West Midlands. It is considered as the largest of the core cities of England. It is also widely recognized as the country’s second city.

Birmingham has a very impressive reputation, having been the stage for the arrival of the industrial revolution in Britain. At one point it was even dubbed as the workshop of the world. This impressive history of the area has been preserved for all to see through the many museums that commemorate this chapter in Birmingham’s history. In fact, most of the buildings used for this purpose were built during that era and have been restored to their original state – a wonderful attraction for people who seek to know more about Birmingham.

Population
1,001,200

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
70.4% White
2.9% Mixed
19.5% S.Asian
6.1% Black
0.5% Chinese
0.6% Other

Unemployment/employment rate
• Based on the 1999 statistics, the unemployment rate in Birmingham stood at 7.2 per cent, compared to the regional unemployment rate of just 4.9 per cent.

Location within the UK and closest major location
• Birmingham is located in the West Midlands in England.
• It is part of the West Midlands Conurbation.

Transport options to and within
• Birmingham is highly accessible through road travel. A number of motorways pass through the area
• There are bus, tram and local train transport services available

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• Birmingham International Airport, which is considered the fifth busiest airport in the United Kingdom

Dominating sectors / industries
• Birmingham first became known for its manufacturing and engineering industries
• At present, Birmingham’s economy is rooted on the service sector.
• The service sector accounts for 78 per cent of the economic output of the city a as well as 97 per cent of its growth

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• Lloyds Bank (Lloyds TSB)
• Midland Bank (HSBC Bank plc)
• Jaguar
• MG Rover

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• Birmingham City Centre
• Moseley
• Acocks Green

Major business related events
• Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Festival

Other important events
• Birmingham has been awarded the right to host the 2010 World Championships of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation

3 best things about the location
• Birmingham is a great mix of the old and the modern as well as the industrial/commercial side and the residential side
• It has a great mix of arts and culture that will entice anyone
• It is highly accessible through all means of transportation

Comprehensive list of Birmingham office space including short term and serviced