Careers

Careers in the Square Mile

More opportunity than meets
the eye

Over that past decade, the type of industries working in the Square Mile have been changing, and that pace of change increased after the pandemic.

Caption to be added

Financial and
Professional Services

In the past you might have assumed that most jobs available were in Financial and Professional Services (FPS) businesses. FPS still ranks highly with 20% of all UK jobs in FPS located in the Square Mile – that’s around 340,000 jobs. But, there are three other fast growing industries:

(Source: City of London Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Landscape)

Tech

Technology is by far the biggest growth sector in the Square Mile. It includes communication services, AI, software development, and IT services. It benefits from the close proximity to potential business partners.

Creative Industries

Creative workers also benefit from the ecosystem created by being close to potential partners, collaborators, and supporters. There are big organisations like arts centres and museums, but also smaller design practices, and media and marketing agencies.

Retail & Hospitality

The increase in both workers and visitors in the Square Mile means there is opportunity for those in retail and hospitality. Small businesses have been growing, new businesses have been starting. Whether it’s a product you’re selling or a service you’re providing, the Square Mile is a great place to test or expand your offer.

Why get invovled?

A young and vibrant city

1 in every 52 workers in the UK works for a business in the Square Mile, so there’s a huge amount of opportunity. Contrary to what you might think, the workforce in the Square Mile is younger that their UK counterparts, with 56% aged between 22 and 39 compared to only 44% in the UK overall. Transport connections, creative institutions, and a vibrant night-time economy all contribute to a Square Mile that is attractive for younger ages.

(Source: City of London Factsheets February 2023)

It's not all big corporations

Beyond the bigger companies, there are more than 21,000 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that call the Square Mile home, and SMEs account for almost half (45%) of businesses in the Square Mile. Sectors include the Creative Industries, Retail and Hospitality, and Tech.

(Source: City of London Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Landscape)

Tech is booming!

There are 2,830 active Tech SMEs headquartered in the City, and in 2023 there was an increase in SME tech jobs of more than 5,000 and it continues to grow. Fintech is the leading tech sub-sector in the City. Other sub-sectors include Business and Enterprise Solutions, Data and AI, and Cybersecurity.

(Source: Tech Small and Medium Enterprise Landscape Report)

The City is getting creative!

The top three creative sectors that are booming in London as compared to the rest of the UK are:

There are also many roles available in architecture, design, music, performing arts, and publishing.

In the Square Mile, creative industry businesses are on the rise, with a 50% increase in creative jobs from pre-pandemic levels. Businesses are in close proximity to companies in tech, finance, and other business services, giving access to potential networks and partnerships.

(Source: London’s Creative Industries – Sector deep dive + Appendix 1 Cultural Strategy Research and Insights Report.pdf)

London Careers Festival and the Square Mile

The London Careers Festival plays its part in connecting young Londoners to opportunities in and adjacent to the Square Mile.

The festival is coordinated and hosted by the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile. The majority of businesses that take part in the festival operate either in or adjacent to the Square Mile.

Some companies may even be based further afield, but have projects or operations within the Square Mile and are wanting to support young Londoners through the London Careers Festival.

Case
studies

Take a look at our case studies to see how students gain skills, confidence, and real-world insight through these powerful experiences.

E.ON Raises their Profile

Energy

Post 16

To raise awareness of its good work, E.ON provided a showcase stall, site tour, and follow-on work insight session.

Keltbray and Animate Arts

Creative

Keltbray engineering joined forces with Animate Arts to bring built environment careers to life for primary-age pupils.

London Careers Festival

Ready to book?

Take a look at the events that are ready to book. More events are being realised through the autumn term, so sign up to our newsletter and be in-the-know!