Why London?
London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre – the international business capital of the world. As such, it represents the perfect place to start your career.
The Square Mile is a vital part of Britain’s economy – with financial services contributing £24 billion to national income in 2006. As a whole, London is said to generate roughly one-fifth of the UK’s national wealth. Little wonder, then, that over 250 banks and nearly 700 foreign companies choose to list on the London Stock Exchange.
History
London is steeped in history. It was founded by the Romans in AD43 (who named the city “Londinium”) and fragments of the original Roman Fort can still be seen at the Museum of London on London Wall. A short introductory article couldn’t do justice to its legacy. Suffice it to say that mention of England’s Royal Family – from William the Conqueror to Henry VIII to Victoria and Albert;
– its greatest writers – from Shakespeare to Dickens to PG Wodehouse;
– its finest architects – Christpher Wren to Richard Rogers;
scarcely scratches the surface of London’s heritage.
Around town
London is a vast city – but getting around town is facilitated by a myriad of transport options. The Tube, the Dockland Light Railway, the red London bus, Network South East and the famous black cab – all combine to make getting from A to B an adventure in itself.
London Life
It can’t be denied: going out in London can be expensive. But not everything is prohibitive, and there’s plenty that costs nothing at all: museums, art galleries or just a moonlit stroll along the Thames. Annual events are headed by the likes of the London Jazz Festival, London Fashion Week, London Film Festival and Notting Hill Carnival. The city is also well stocked with theatres and comedy venues, and offers probably a greater range of dining options than anywhere else in the country, from traditional English pubs to tea at the Ritz, and restaurants of almost any cuisine and price.
For those more concerned with keeping fit, most London offices are close to at least one gym. Sports clubs and classes are spread liberally across the city. and there’s no shortage of pleasant jogging (or walking) routes.
Why London? "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” claimed Samuel Johnson, the great 18th-century literary figure, “for there is in London all that life can afford".
