Those relocating to the UK have a wide range of living options. With major cities including, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff there is certainly no need to just consider London. The Lonely Planet guide to Britain describes many of the UK’s urban centres as ‘unmissable’ and with an average commuting time of just 26 minutes, it is clear why so many opt to do business here.

Prime location

There is a wide range of available property to buy or rent in the cities, towns and villages across the country. Buying and renting residential property is a relatively straightforward process and there are no restrictions for foreign nationals. House prices vary from location to location, with the average house price starting from around £222,000.

Healthy outlook

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to all UK residents, with access to GPs, dentists and general hospital treatment. Patients can also save time by calling NHS Direct, a 24-hour telephone helpline, or its Scottish equivalent, NHS24, or simply email their queries. In its commitment to healthy life, in July 2007 the UK also introduced a smoking ban at all indoor venues and across certain public places.

Superior education

For international executives choosing to relocate to the UK with their families, education is an important factor. The UK offers an excellent range of state-run schools and provides opportunities for children of all ages. There is also a wide selection of private schools and several international schools that cater for specific nationalities, including American, French and Japanese. Numerous colleges and universities offer a wide range of choices too. With around £73 billion spent on education each year and a further £20 billion on employment and training, learning is at the top of the UK Government’s agenda.

Centre for sport

The UK offers many opportunities to engage in sporting, cultural, leisure and entertainment activities. The country is renowned for its commitment to sport, being the birthplace of football (soccer), cricket, golf and many other internationally-renowned sports. London will host the 2012 Olympic Games and each year the UK attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy a range of world-class sporting events, including Wimbledon, the Open Golf Championship and Formula One motor racing.

Cultural nexus

The UK is internationally recognised for its culture, with a variety of restaurants, cinemas, museums, galleries and music venues. The choice is overwhelming and newcomers and residents alike turn to Time Out magazine to search an exhaustive list of cultural options in the UK capital.

Well-connected

The UK has also an extensive airline network, with international arrivals and departures from the newly-extended Heathrow airport, as well as Gatwick and the conveniently-located City airport. The new Eurostar terminal at London’s St Pancras station means residents can take advantage of short inter-city breaks to Paris and Brussels and with a short connection, networks throughout Europe.

Environmental technology

The UK has one of the most vibrant and internationally valued renewable energy and environmental technology sectors in the world. This has been achieved through progressive government policies, innovative and experienced companies, and vast natural renewable energy resources. The Government’s aim to reduce C02 emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 offers a robust framework for continued investment in the UK. The UK also has many areas of natural beauty, including several National Parks, including Dartmoor and Exmoor in the South, the New Forest in the South East and the Lake and Peak District in the North.

Ahead of its game

Despite the current economic downturn, the UK remains ahead of its competitors as one of the top European locations for business, living and leisure. London continues to grow at an extraordinary rate – by 2016 an estimated 800,000 more people will be living in the city and its surrounding areas, will you be one of them?

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