Economy
With a thriving economy, contributing about £5 billion of value to the national economy, York’s assets and opportunities are first class: a highly skilled population, world-class universities, excellent transport links to both national and international markets, pronounced strengths in a range of high value sectors, a pioneering digital infrastructure, outstanding business support networks and an unrivalled quality of life.
Talent
For businesses looking to relocate, York provides a significant recruitment pool, powered by its highly educated human resource, two world-class universities, two higher education colleges, top ranking schools and a wider regional network of universities to which the city is connected.
Of York’s residents, 49% have a degree level qualification or higher, outstripping both the regional and national average.
York’s two universities, University of York (part of the prestigious Russell Group) and York St John University, offer critical partnerships to develop projects put forward by businesses.
Connectivity
York’s connectivity with the rest of the UK and further afield provides a distinctive benefit to businesses located here.
The city enjoys an enviable position at the heart of the national railway network with direct trains to every major city in England and Scotland, and more than 140 rail connections around the UK. York is under 2 hours by rail from London, and only 2 hours and 20 minutes from Edinburgh.
Several international airports are within easy reach of York, and the city’s positioning close to the UK’s main north-south and east-west arteries provides easy access to many of the UK’s main business centres. With the UK’s largest multi-purpose port complex just over an hour away, York also has great shipping access to Europe and the rest of the world.
Living in York
Located in the heart of the UK, York is one of the country’s most visited cities, and offers a wealth of things to see, do and enjoy. With its excellent transport, public services and educational facilities, York offers an unrivalled quality of life.
The combination of rich heritage and culture with a contemporary vibrancy offers a unique lifestyle, juxtapositioning some of Europe’s best-preserved history alongside a dynamic leisure offer.
Shopping and leisure
Attractions, events and festivals
Sport and recreation
Beyond York
Transport connections
City Regions
York’s connectivity with its wider region is further strengthened through membership of two Local Enterprise Partnerships:
• York & North Yorkshire – urban growth centres benefiting from a rural powerhouse.
• Leeds City Region – the UK’s second largest economy and population centre.