The UK has some of the most beautiful cities and rolling countryside. It also has some of the most expensive property values. What a wonderful place to live and work! If you’re looking to move to a larger town but don’t want to leave the south or west of the UK, then consider the areas surrounding the city of Cheltenham. Famous for its prize-winning gardens, parks and magnificent castles, Cheltenham also has all the makings of a modern, progressive city. It has excellent transport links, with the closest rail station being Cheltenham Spa, which is 15 minutes away by train. What’s more, there are daily buses to and from the city centre.
If you’re looking to market an online business in the Cheltenham area, then consider these five excellent options.
1. Local Markets And Online Shopping
One of the best things about Cheltenham is its range of markets. Weekly markets run throughout the year and offer a great opportunity to purchase all kinds of goods including food, clothes, accessories and more. If you can find a market that suits your needs, then this is the place to be. Most of the markets offer a variety of foods from around the world, and some of them even have international food trucks serving up delights from countries such as Mexico and Brazil.
If you run an online shop or business, then you can take advantage of the town’s markets by setting up a small stand or cart. Many of the markets feature local businesses, so this is a great opportunity to gain some much-needed exposure in your area.
2. Festivals And Events
One of the best things about Cheltenham is its festivals and events. Not only do they feature some of the best local bands and musicians, but they also host some amazing performers from the world of film and TV. The most popular event is the Big Feastival, which is held in early June and is one of the largest arts festivals in the UK. It features stages across the city, with performers including world-class soloists, orchestras and jazz bands. It’s not cheap, but it’s definitely worth it! The other major festival is the City of Cheltenham Music Festival, which takes place in late June and features an impressive range of classical and world music. It’s definitely one of the biggest and most prestigious festivals in the city, and it’s a great place to network and get your name out there.
If you’re running an online shop or business, then you can take advantage of these festivals and events by putting up a stall or stand at one of the many markets that fit perfectly within your marketing plan. The Big Feastival is only a couple of weeks away, so start preparing your sales pitch.
3. Traditional Markets And Parks
Cheltenham’s main street, George Street, is home to a variety of markets and parks. These offer some great places for you to market your business. George Street also has plenty of independent retailers, eateries and bars, making it a great place to while away a Saturday or Sunday.
One of the best and most established markets in the city is the Park and Ride, which is located on the northern outskirts of the town. The market there offers a range of local produce including food, flowers and plants, along with a whole range of traditional British products. If you’re a fan of antiques and collectables, then this is the place to be. You’ll also find lots of independent traders selling their goods including clothes, jewellery and accessories. There’s also an outdoor cinema which shows films every Wednesday evening in the summer. Traditional British products which can be found at the market include Scotch pies, scotch eggs and even whole Scotch bonnets. If you live in or around the area, then it’s an excellent place to do some shopping and eat out.
4. Science And Medicine
Cheltenham is home to a number of highly regarded universities, including one of the famous UK research institutes, which focus on science and medicine. If you’re looking for a place to work, then this is the place to be. There are lots of clinical trials and medical research jobs available, and even if you don’t have a specific career in mind, then this is the place to be if you’re looking to make a difference.
One of the best things about the university and science-related industries in Cheltenham is their focus on sustainability. The majority of the buildings are either BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rated Excellent or Good, and many have received awards for their eco-friendly practices. You’ll be working in a place where energy is Sustainably Used, which is extremely good for the environment.
5. Stunning Architecture And Landscapes
If you’re looking for a place to work, then consider the stunning architecture and landscaping surrounding the university. There are lots of brownfield sites located within a 5- to 10-minute walk of the city’s centre. These can be found on Google Maps under “Construction sites, open areas and green spaces”, and they’re all available for occupation. The best part is that many of the sites are suitable for development, which means there’s plenty of scope for new homes and businesses.
So, what are you waiting for? If any of these locations sound familiar, then why not give them a quick visit? They’re all minutes away, so you can’t get much more central than that!