Birmingham is a city with over a million inhabitants and is second on the list of the most populous cities in the UK. It has a GDP of some $90 billion USD which also makes it the second largest economy in Britain and in the top 75 worldwide. The service sector is said to be responsible for more than 85% of the city's jobs. In terms of employment for education, health and public administration, Birmingham is number one in the UK. In fact, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network has ranked Birmingham as a beta-world city.

By itself, Birmingham city centre is the third largest retail centre in Britain with an annual turnover of almost £2.5 billion. The House of Fraser outlet which is located on Corporation Street is the largest department store outside of London. Although manufacturing is only responsible for 10% of the city’s employment, important industrial companies such as Jaguar and Cadbury Trebor Bassett are still operating in Birmingham. Most of the skilled jobs seem to go to commuters from the surrounding area with Sparkbook and Small Heath and Ladywood two boroughs which have among the highest rates of unemployment in the UK.

Sectors

The above information about the areas of high unemployment suggests that the city still has lots of work to do. The Big City Plan is currently in effect and is dedicated to improving employment prospects as well as making Birmingham one of the best places to live in the world. The main issue with Birmingham is the fact that most of the job vacancies are of a skilled nature with many companies only accepting those with college degrees. With so few unskilled jobs available, the level of unemployment in the city remains higher than the national average. There are too few manufacturing jobs on offer in comparison to vacancies in finance and banking.

Transport

As Birmingham is at the centre of the nation, it is one of the most accessible cities in the UK. The city has an international airport and a host of major road and rail networks. London Midland and Network West Midlands are the main providers of the train service. The M6, M40 and M5 are all major routes to and from the city, leading to other cities in the UK.

Spaghetti Junction is one of Europe’s great motorway interchanges and is officially known as Gravely Hill Interchange. Yet approximately 90% of public transport in the West Midlands involves buses. National Express West Midlands are the major bus operator though they have recently undergone a name change and are now known as Travel West Midlands. The city also has a number of canals which are used for the purposes of tourism in the modern era.

Accommodation

If you are on the hunt for a luxury apartment, New Street and Hill Street should be right up your alley. The Rotunda building, which is located next to the famous Bull Ring, is being redeveloped and transformed into an up market living quarters. With a huge number of people employed in professions in the service industry, it’s no surprise to learn that Birmingham is second only to London in terms of offering high-end accommodation. Edgbaston is to place to go if you are in senior management because it has some of the cities most exclusive and expensive luxury homes and apartments.

There are also a number of areas laden with students. If you’re seeking a quiet life, you may wish to steer clear of these locations. However, they are the perfect spots for those looking for excitement. Kings Heath is located close to the city centre and is a bustling yet calm area of the city. Perry Bar is another famous student location and is also home to the city’s most important greyhound track. Less exclusive accommodation can be found in Handsworth which was once one of the most deprived areas of the city. However, the high rise blocks from the 1960s are disappearing and being replaced by cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing accommodation.

With the Big City Plan about to take effect, Birmingham could soon be one of the best places to live in the UK. You should move there now before the prices escalate and all suitable properties are taken.