Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent
The South East of England has always been a popular place to live and work and it’s easy to see why, as it doesn’t matter if you dream of living by the beach, in the middle of the countryside or a thriving historical town - the South East of England can provide it all.
Indeed, the region enjoys a wealth of scenic countryside and mesmerising coastlines, from the rolling hills of the South Downs to the ancient woodlands that make up the New Forest. It is one of the most visited in the UK and can offer something for everyone.
Its location surrounding London certainly doesn’t hinder its popularity either. Almost every part of the South East is within commuting distance of the capital, thanks to the area having some of the best public transport links in the UK. It is home to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and is served by a good network of train lines and national motorways, which has led to the area becoming a major economic hub. In addition, its coastline along the English Channel offers frequent crossings to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel and frequent ferry crossings.
Career Opportunities
The region has a varied economy that includes industries such as information and communications, pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, high-tech engineering and aerospace. There are also flourishing financial and creative industries emanating out from London. Salaries are competitive too. The average salary in the South East as at September 2019 was around £33,000 pa - around £4,000 more than the national average.
The region is home to many affluent and HNW individuals who are attracted to the many opportunities available in London and surrounding areas, as well as the excellent range of residential properties and schools for their families. This means that there are plenty of private household roles on offer for the right candidates.
The Area
The South East is very much considered an economic powerhouse of the UK (second only to London), which means there are lots of career opportunities throughout the region. It is home to 7 thriving cities: Oxford, Brighton and Hove, Southampton, Canterbury, Portsmouth, Chichester and Winchester, as well as the newer towns of Reading and Milton Keynes, all of which have flourishing economies.
Many of the UK's most recognisable sights are in the South East of England, including the world’s largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle, where you'll know if the Queen is in residence if the royal standard is flying. Another recognisable site is the White Cliffs of Dover, and two of the most enchanting national parks, the New Forest and the South Downs, as well as 8 designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The region's cities have something to offer everyone; from Oxford, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the United Kingdom, to the charming town of Chichester with its beautiful cathedral, and of course the ever-popular bohemian towns of Brighton and Margate.
Eating and drinking
It's no surprise that the entire region is well served by renowned chefs and their restaurants, including Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, which has three Michelin Stars and the title of "best restaurant in the world" and Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, a fabulous hotel and restaurant with two Michelin Stars in Oxford.
Housing
The South East continues to be a popular place to live, and property in the region has continued to see growth. Property prices are higher, reflecting the attractiveness of the area, although they are now showing signs of decline, with Rightmove’s latest House Price Index showing a 1.1% reduction in the average asking price in the area over the past 12 months.
Education
The South East of England is home to some of the UK’s (and indeed the world’s) finest schools, both state and private, including the ancient public schools of Eton College and Winchester College. The region's selective education system makes it very popular for families.
The South East also boasts 17 universities - the University of Oxford being one of the best known as the oldest English-speaking university, having been founded in the 12th century.
There are plenty of opportunities in the South East for skilled household staff as well as for corporate catering and hospitality staff. If you are a professional looking for your next role in the South East, please contact us today. We’d be pleased to talk through your options with you, and provide an overview of the market in your particular area of specialisation.
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