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Thank you to everyone who was so helpful when I asked about Oxford and the outer London towns. It appears that and opportunity may be available but in Bristol. I have never been to Bristol just driven past it on the way to Cardiff. Would anyone be able to advise on areas to look at, we don't really want to live right in the heart of the city but maybe 20 mind away? Additionally is it a big enough city to find work in or do people commute?

Some answers here

and some more here

I don't know Bristol that well but have been a few times and its a decent size city. I have a friend who works at one of the recruitment agencies and they are always busy so I would think there is as much chance of employment as in any city.

I've liked Bristol when I've visited but I'm sure it has its good and bad areas like most cities! Its not far from Bath with is lovely and there are lots of pretty villages round there.

I've flown Newark to Bristol a few times and that was great way shorter lines than Heathrow!

When I've been trying to get an idea of what an area is like I've gone to google.co.uk and put in the cities name and then gone to maps and it shows you that city/town and then I zoom in or out to see surrounding towns and villages to get an idea of the lay of the land. Street views are great too!

I also look on www.Rightmove.co.uk and www.Primelocation.co.uk (think that's right) and searching for houses for sale and rent in an area also gives some idea of what its like.

A lot of people commute. There are some lovely villages and small towns that surround Bristol. So you get access to all the city type amenities but can also enjoy the countryside.

If you aren't aiming for any specific areas then I would suggest getting a map and homing in on some of the places just north of Bristol (along the M5) or maybe to the east of Bristol (along the M4). That way you get fairly easy access to Bristol. Traffic is a bit rough around rush hour, but then that's the same for any city I suppose.

I used to do this too, and was gutted when Continental pulled their route, which meant no more flights from Bristol to the US. It was so easy too. A breeze getting through customs and getting one's suitcases, and then I only had a 20 min drive to my dad's house.

Now I'm back to the long slog to Gatwick

Thanks again guys, Nihao I will PM you to potentially get your recruitment friends details?

The OH and I are now in the process of preparing our cases for each other to review then we shall make a decision on where to set up camp.

Its currently London & sorounds vs Bristol, none of us has ever been to or lived in Bristol so it will be new for both of us. With London we know the place which makes things easier but from a lifestyle perspective outside of London would might be better.

Its these kind of crunch time situations that make you wonder why you left in the first place, then again life would be quite boring...

golgo 13,

I've sent you a PM reply but thought I'd post the links here to in case its of any help to anyone else looking at moving to Bristol. My friend only handles accountancy vacancies.

http://www.reed.co.uk/job/searchresu...Avon&s=2&flj=1

However they have a sister company Reed Employment. Its a huge recruitment agency with offices throughout the UK. Here is a link to their website
http://www.reed.co.uk/LocalJobs/Bristol,-Avon

Adecco is another big employment agency with a Bristol branch
http://www.adecco.co.uk/

Select are also in Bristol
http://www.select.co.uk/bristol

Office angels are another but I think they are only secretary/PA jobs
http://www.office-angels.com/Pages/default.aspx

Here is a link to a full list of employment agencies in Bristol
http://www.agencycentral.co.uk/agenc...on-bristol.htm