Top 10 UK Cities for Remote Work in 2024

A Guide for Independent Recruiters

Remote working has quickly shifted from being a nice-to-have perk to an essential part of modern employment. For independent recruiters, understanding which cities offer the best support for remote work can be a game-changer when advising clients or candidates. While 'work from anywhere' policies have opened up new possibilities, the infrastructure—such as broadband speed, mobile coverage, and 5G readiness—is vital for making remote work successful. In this blog, we explore the top UK cities that have truly nailed it when it comes to supporting remote workers in 2024.

Why Infrastructure is Key for Remote Work

The rise of remote work has made us all painfully aware of how much we depend on solid digital infrastructure. Reliable broadband speeds and strong mobile coverage aren’t just perks—they’re essential for smooth communication and keeping work flowing. Ask any small business owner, and they'll tell you: slow internet is more than just a frustration; it can affect productivity and overall business success. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, this is especially crucial, as many rely on digital tools to manage teams, connect with clients, and deliver services.

The Top 10 UK Cities for Remote Work in 2024

Drawing on extensive research, we’ve ranked the top UK cities based on three key factors: broadband speed, 4G mobile coverage, and 5G readiness. Here’s our countdown of the best cities for remote workers.

10. Birmingham

Birmingham, often called England’s second city, has become a significant hub for remote workers. It was one of the first UK cities to launch 5G, which means fast, unlimited mobile broadband is readily available. However, the city has room for improvement in broadband speeds compared to others on this list. Birmingham’s business owners might want to shop around for the best broadband deals to ensure they aren’t left behind in the digital race.

9. Hull

Hull might not be the first city that comes to mind for remote working, but it boasts the fastest average internet speed in the UK, making it a strong contender for those working from home. The downside? Its 4G connectivity isn’t quite up to scratch, which could be an issue for businesses relying on mobile communication. Still, with lightning-fast broadband, Hull is a great choice for remote work setups that prioritise internet speed above all else.

8. Leicester

Located right in the heart of England, Leicester shines when it comes to mobile coverage, ranking fourth in the UK for 4G availability. This is a huge plus for remote workers who rely on mobile phones for video calls and other communication. Leicester’s strong digital infrastructure, combined with its central location, makes it an excellent spot for remote working.

7. Bristol

Bristol, known for its vibrant tech scene, ranks third for internet speed among UK cities, supporting its growing community of startups and tech entrepreneurs. However, its 4G coverage is less impressive, ranking fifteenth, which might be a downside for businesses heavily dependent on mobile internet. Nevertheless, with its strong tech ecosystem, Bristol remains a top choice for remote workers.

6. Newcastle

Newcastle takes the crown for the best 4G mobile coverage, making it an ideal city for remote workers who need reliable mobile internet. The city also ranks high for leisure activities, providing a great balance between work and life for digital nomads. For local shops, cafes, and bars, excellent 4G connectivity means smoother customer transactions and payments, which is a significant plus for business owners.

5. Brighton

Brighton is well-known for its stunning seaside views, but it also ranks second for internet speed in the UK. This, along with a thriving creative scene, makes it a favourite for remote workers, vloggers, and YouTubers who need high-speed internet for content creation. However, its 4G coverage is less stellar, coming in fourteenth, which could be a consideration for those heavily reliant on mobile data.

4. Nottingham

Nottingham might surprise some as the fourth-best city for remote work, thanks to its solid digital infrastructure. With multiple broadband providers offering competitive packages, Nottingham ensures that remote workers have plenty of options for high-speed internet. The city’s robust connectivity and central location make it an appealing choice for those looking to work remotely.

3. Coventry

Coventry has invested significantly in digital infrastructure, evident in its second-place ranking for 4G coverage. The city's commitment to digital innovation has made it a hotspot for remote working, with excellent support for cloud computing, high-speed internet, and mobile connectivity. Coventry's strong focus on sustainability also appeals to businesses and workers looking to minimise their carbon footprint.

2. Glasgow

Glasgow, known for its friendly vibe and as a global business hub, comes in second place. The city excels in digital infrastructure, making it perfect for remote teams needing robust internet connections and collaborative tools. Glasgow’s well-developed transport system complements its digital strengths, making it easy for remote workers to stay connected, both online and offline.

1. Liverpool

And the top spot goes to… Liverpool! With excellent mobile coverage, top-tier fibre broadband, and a thriving tech scene, Liverpool is the best city for remote work in 2024. The city’s readiness for 5G, alongside top rankings for both internet speed and 4G coverage, make it an ideal environment for startups and established businesses alike. Whether you’re in the trendy Baltic Triangle or one of the city’s high-tech campuses, Liverpool has everything a remote worker needs to thrive.

Final Thoughts

For independent recruiters, these insights into the UK’s top cities for remote work are invaluable.

Each city on this list offers a strong digital foundation, critical for successful remote work. As businesses continue to adopt ‘work from anywhere’ policies, choosing the right location can give them an edge in attracting top talent.

If you or your clients are based outside these top cities, don’t worry. Plenty of tools, like website builders with fast server response times can help optimise remote work environments.

While a city's digital infrastructure is crucial, the right tools and strategies can make remote work successful anywhere.

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