Popular with students due to the two universities, one in eight residents studies at university.
87% of employees work in the service sector, and the city has been hailed as “a place for innovative businesses and individuals to thrive”, due to the growth in digital, energy and life science sectors.
Nottingham’s positioning means most cities in England can easily be reached by train or car within a few hours, so you can easily spend your weekends visiting family and friends.
Working in Nottingham
Whether you want to work in-house for big name brands like Pentland, Boots or Experian; or would prefer to specialise in the likes of SEO, PPC, content, PR or social media at an agency; then Nottingham could be the perfect place for you.
In need of some job inspiration? Take a look at our list of top 10 agencies in Nottingham.
Top 10 agencies in Nottingham
When I finished uni, I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do, just that I wanted it to be vaguely mathematical. Fortunately, I found Hallam and PPC, and it was the perfect fit. Here, I get to apply my technical expertise to an ever-changing environment, constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the competition. For other grads, I would just advise to get stuck into work somewhere. Even if it’s not what you originally imagined yourself doing, you’ll surprise yourself at what you find interesting by the end.
Jonathan Catton, Hallam
My advice to graduates considering a career in digital is there will definitely be an area of digital that suits your skillset and lines up with your interests, so go for it. The industry is super fast-paced so you’ll never be bored in your line of work. Agency work I believe is the most rewarding and the steepest learning curve, so shop around and find the agency with the best development plan for a graduate.
Elliot Haines, Hallam
When looking for graduates, we would look for someone who is passionate to learn and develop, and isn’t afraid to ask questions and for help. We will believe in the graduate and want them to have that same faith in their self. They need to have the self-drive and determination to challenge themselves, and they need to keep up-to-date with new techniques and trends in the industry.
Sam Briggs, Vitty
Does degree subject matter?*
0%
Have degrees
0%
Have marketing degrees
0%
Have business degrees
Other
Degrees include media, fashion and history
*stats from included agency owners/managers
Career-building opportunities
If you’d like to build up your network of contacts whilst learning about the latest innovations in digital marketing, make sure you check out these events.
Offering the perfect work-life balance, Nottingham is actually the cheapest city to live in, on our list! Compared to London, Nottingham is 184% cheaper; and it also beats the likes of Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
So, if you want your money to go further, Nottingham is the ideal place!
Living Costs*
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£578.95 (city centre)
£464.17 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£55
Monthly gym membership
£28
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
Attenborough Nature Reserve prides itself on its rich wildlife. It is part of the wildlife trust, and focuses on creating the perfect habitats for rare species that you can spot during your visit.
The ideal escape from busy city life, there are multiple routes round this 226 hectare nature reserve, but the full route will take three hours.
The reserve is famous for its rare birds, and in the warmer months they have an impressive number of butterflies. With over 450 different plant species, Attenborough Nature Reserve is great for those who love the outdoors, and want to learn more about the environment.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down Carlton Street and you’ll see what looks like a boiler shop.
Venture inside, and you’ll see that in fact, it’s Nottingham’s not-so-secret cocktail bar.
On busy nights you may have to queue as you wait for a table, but it’s well worth the wait. This lot take their cocktail making seriously and mix up wonderfully creative drinks, served up with Hesten Blumenthal-like flare.
The cocktail menu changes every few months, so there will always be something new to try (although we do hate having to say goodbye to old favourites!).
Discover a treasure trove of antique gems at this vast vintage emporium, which covers a staggering 5,500 square feet.
An ever-changing array of vintage items are for sale on behalf of independent dealers – from ornaments to furniture and accessories, they stock it all. Whatever your taste, you stand a good chance of finding something unique to take home.
When you’ve finished shopping, you can pop into the adjoining cafe and bistro for a bite to eat.
Fancy testing your thinking skills under a high pressure situation? Escapologic does just that.
You’ll have to crack codes, reveal hidden doors and retrieve lost items to escape from a locked room – all against the clock.
The rooms are themed, so you can try something new every time you come back. If you’re feeling daring, try the haunted toyshop or 13utcher – both of them definitely add to the tension!
You don’t need a big group to go along, as couples are welcome too – although the more players you have, the cheaper the cost per person.
End your working week with a night full of laughter at the Glee Club, where you can watch four local comedians take to the stage and have you in stitches all night.
They also offer some amazing food as part of a deal, which we’d definitely recommend trying. Why not check out one of the burlesque and cabaret nights too?
You can look ahead at who is performing in advance, so you don’t miss out on your favourites. Just beware – if you’re near the front of the audience, you may get roped into some audience participation!
Hidden in the backstreets of Nottingham is this gem, a creative and social space for the perfect evening.
With three floors to choose from there is something for whatever type of night you are after.
The ground floor has the jostling atmosphere of a local pub and the central floor is full of comfy sofas and intimate booths. The top floor is themed, currently full of japanese blossom trees, it is great for your instagram!
The drinks are also incredible, with unique cocktail flavours and garnishings it is a place to impress.
Cat lovers will purr with delight at all the cute kitties at this quirky Nottingham cafe.
There are more than 20 cats at the cafe, all waiting for a cuddle and a play. However, it can get quite busy – especially on weekends – so booking is recommended.
The menu has pizza, paninis, snacks and more. The cake is pretty delicious too – we’d recommend trying the afternoon tea!
And if you just so happen to find your purrfect pet while you’re there, then let the Kitty Cafe know! The majority of kitties are waiting to be adopted, and you could be their forever home.
Whether you want to watch a Panthers hockey match, or fancy whizzing around the ice yourself, this is one of the most iconic places to visit in Nottingham.
In fact, it’s this very rink where Olympic medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean trained.
If you want to brush up on your ice skating skills, then you can take lessons – they offer them for people of all ages and abilities.
You can also hire the venue out if there’s a special occasion you have coming up.
Take a tour of the Galleries of Justice and witness enthralling historical reenactments of courtroom dramas.
The myths, legends and true stories you’ll hear will get you thinking, but are fun too. You’ll be told about real prison breaks, discover what prisons looked like in the Victorian era, and even get to visit the dungeon where folklore says Robin Hood was held.
The first castle at the site dated back to 1067, and since then it has had a chequered history that touches many seminal events in British history.
While Nottingham Castle is currently closed for refurbishment, it is set to reopen in 2021, when it promises to be a world class destination.
The renovations will give the castle’s vast collection of fine and decorative arts a new home that will allow visitors to truly appreciate them in all their glory. So, if you’re moving to Nottingham, put this on your list of things to do!
Located in Nottingham’s vibrant Lace Market area, Penny Lane is a cocktail bar that takes its inspiration from classic British seaside holidays.
Venture in and you’ll get to enjoy the full-size arcade where you can play favourites like air hockey, skee ball and table football.
The menu has a wide selection of food, from gyozas to seaside favourites like fish and chips – plus a whole range of cocktails, some of which come complete with poolside inflatables.
Nottingham is a city that has much to offer music lovers, and Rock City is one of its legendary venues.
Nirvana, Green Day and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have all taken to the stage here; amongst a whole host of other up-and-coming and established museums.
Gigs aside, Rocky City also run a number of regular club nights. So, put your trainers on and get ready to party the night away.
Bowling has long been a popular leisure activity and this venue is top notch, with lots of alleys available.
As well as bowling, they also have pool tables, table tennis, laser quest, and a state-of-the-art arcade – including dance mats!
There is an on-site fast food restaurant that also serves alcohol, but there are several eateries nearby, in addition to a Showcase cinema, so you can spend the whole day here if you really want to!
Where? Clifton Boulevard, Redfield Way, Nottingham, NG7 2UW Cost: £8.25 for one game, £14.30 for two Website:tenpin.co.uk