Like the majority of other towns and cities in the UK, Birmingham businesses have seen major industrial changes during the last three/four decades, with numerous companies, both large and small, closing their gates for the last time.

Birmingham itself was the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution in England and became known as "the workshop of the world" and also the home of a thousand trades. Although its industrial importance has declined, it has since developed as a major commercial centre, probably second only to London, and named as the second best place in the United Kingdom to locate a business.

Birmingham businesses stand at the hub of the UK's road network with the M1, M6, M5, M40 and M45 motorways just a short distance away. It is also well served by the rail network with its three major stations and this will improve dramatically with the eventual introduction of the London to Birmingham High Speed rail link and its eventual extensions north, with the  proposed two new stations near to the NEC and the city itself. Birmingham Airport is only a short taxi, bus or train journey away and with all that the NEC and ICC has to offer, surely a better place to consider setting up a business than London itself.

Some of the main business commercial areas are associated with hotels, restaurants, bars, accommodation, bed and breakfast facilities, shopping centres and shopping, estate agents with their properties, flats and maisonettes for sale or to rent.

There are also numerous commercial attractions and events, things to do and visit, cars for sale, to rent or hire. Banks, insurance brokers, investment companies, employment agencies in Birmingham, solicitors and numerous sales organisations to name but a few also operate within the city centre.

In the hotel business arena you will find hotels of all kinds, from the very expensive four star types and although low in numbers, the occasional five star listed one, down to the low budget type and much cheaper hotels. There are numerous hotels which offer only bed and breakfast facilities or simply accommodation and pointing their clients towards the various restaurants and for those who can afford it some of the top restaurants, like Purnell's restaurant Birmingham.

If you wish to set up a hotel business and can afford the asking price the opportunities are endless.

Further information may also be obtained through the local business directory, business journal, or even the local phone book where you should also find numerous business addresses; the Birmingham Business Alliance will also be of assistance.

For those searching for full or part time employment through job vacancies or the availability of jobs, why not try one of the numerous businesses, or a particular business which suits your experience. The various business parks or a particular business park are also places to consider.

For those leaving school consider companies and businesses offering apprenticeships. The Chamber of Commerce may also be able to assist in your search, also try the local job centre or jobcentre plus. There are also the various recruitment and job agencies to consider. For those looking for work in the public sector why not make contact with the city council and see what jobs/vacancies they have on offer?

For those interested in retail in Birmingham, there are numerous bars, clubs and restaurants also offering job opportunities. There are also a number of job listings to be found in the free local newspapers, usually on a Thursday.

For those wishing to take up a career in journalism, why not try the Birmingham Mail or Birmingham Post for news of any job vacancies? Another area to consider is attempting to obtain a degree at a university business school or take an intermediate step with an OND or HND at college first.

For those who are keen to find work in the local area, then a job within Birmingham should be available for those individuals who really show a prospective employee that they are the person to choose. If at first you don't succeed then do continue with your job search and whatever your disappointments don't give up.

Estate Agents are now, with low interest rates and a slight easing of the job and economic situation, seeing an increase in business with their offers of property for sale, houses and apartments to rent, flats to rent and for individuals looking for a business or specific businesses for sale in Birmingham, these are also available either as existing businesses or the wide and varied retail businesses, plus various commercial buildings to suit individual needs which can be either purchased or rented. Always remember to check the city council business rates or you may be in for a major shock is these have not been included under your annual expenditure heading

The Bullring along with general shopping, plus the various shopping centres in Birmingham are also experiencing an increase in visitors, although for a number and because of the economic climate it is still window shopping only. 

For the visitors to the city looking for the various events, things to do, what to do, attractions, days out and the various places to eat, hotels etc, why not have a look at the various links on the Activ Birmingham home page for ideas. You may also need to obtain a map or you may get lost.