Expert Office Advice

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

Bristol, located in South West England, is the eight largest city in the United Kingdom. It is also one of Europe’s most powerful economies. It has the second strongest economy in England outside of London when measured by GDP per head. Historically, Bristol was one of England’s most important sea ports. Today, the Port of Bristol is UK’s largest car import dock.

Bristol is a beautiful city blessed with a picturesque landscape dotted with distinct neighbourhoods that offer a unique mix of architectural designs influenced by 800 years of history. Bristol’s exceptional blend of heritage, culture and thriving economy continues to attract people and businesses from across Europe and the whole world.

Population
398,300 – Mid-2005 Population Estimate
Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• 91.8% of the population is white. Asian and black communities form 2.8% and 2.3%, respectively.
• 91.8% are born in the UK, 2.5% are born elsewhere in EU and 5.8% are born outside of the EU.
• The average age range of the population is 20-24 years old.
Source: ONS Census 2001

Unemployment/employment rate
• 74.7% of the population is employed.
• 5.1% is unemployed.
Source: ONS Annual Population survey (July 2005-June 2006)

Average income/salary
• ₤445.4 – gross weekly pay
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings Workplace Analysis (2006)

Location within the UK and closest major location
• Situated between the cities of Bath, Gloucester and Newport
• Located 122 miles west of London and 81 miles south of Birmingham

Transport options to and within
• Bristol is situated next to the M4/M5 motorway making it easily accessible.
• The main train station, Bristol Temple Meads, provides direct links to all major cities in the UK with services to London every half hour.
• Bus and coach services operate from Bristol to cities across the UK.
• Bristol International Airport offers direct flights to and from across the UK, Europe and USA.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• Bristol International Airport – 8 miles southwest of the city centre
• London Heathrow Airport – 91.9 miles
• Cardiff-Wales Airport – 33.2 miles

Dominating sectors/industries

The aerospace industry is a major sector of the local economy. Important aviation companies are based at Filton. Bristol also acts as a hub for the environmental technologies industries such as wind power and waste disposal.

Over the years, Bristol has shifted from traditional manufacturing towards professional services particularly finance, media and information technology. Bristol has the largest employment in banking, finance and insurance services outside London. Its information communications technology (ICT) and electronics firms are on the rise. The printing, packaging and graphic communication sector is the UK’s sixth largest industry.

Bristol is also one of the largest media city in the UK, while tourism is also a major economic driver. Bristol is consistently one of the top 10 UK destinations for overseas visitors.

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• aerospace companies: BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce
• finance: Lloyds TSB, Bristol and West, Sun Life Assurance
• hi-tech and telecommunications: British Telecom, Hewlett Packard, Orange

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• Harbourside – a mix use area comprising of new housing and business centres, cultural facilities, tourist attractions, landmark developments
• Temple Quay – a development area for office, retail and leisure use

Major or annual business-related events
• Architecture Week – annual national celebration of contemporary architecture
• Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – one of Europe’s largest hot air balloon events held annually during August
• International Kite Festival – yearly kite competition and exhibition held in September

Awards won by the location
Bristol was shortlisted in its bid to become the European City of Culture in 2008 but was designated as a Centre of Culture.

Special business benefits/dispensations
• The Bristol Enterprise Development Fund (BEDF) grants loans to applicants who have viable business propositions but are unable to raise the necessary funds from traditional sources.
• BACEN offers help to people who want to go into business which brings social benefits to the community.

3 best things about the location
• Bristol is home to many of the most productive suppliers of goods and services.
• Bristol benefits from a comprehensive transportation network.
• Bristol has a reputation for having well-educated, skilled and motivated workforce.

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