The Leicester Effect
One of the readers of this blog, is a US-based Corporate Lawyer, who specialises in doing the legals for US companies, which are often hi-tech companies at the smaller end, who want to have a presence in Europe. Like me, he is widowed and in his sixties, so he started reading this site initially to satisfy his passion for European travel, as he felt we might have similar tastes and interests. Which after meeting a couple of times in London, I can confirm.
A couple of times, he’s asked me to look at particular places, as some of his clients are thinking of going there. I’ve also been sent profiles of some of his clients and asked to recommend a suitable place for them in the UK.
In one case, he asked me to suggest a place for a guy, who was a serious small-boat sailor, who wanted to set up a support office for about twenty, with good access to airports for the US and Europe. His wife was also a financial analyst for a US bank and was intending to work in the City. They felt they needed to be somewhere like Hampshire.
I suggested that they have a look at Ilford because.
- The sailing in Essex is some of the best in the world.
- Offices are plentiful and affordable.
- You’re close to the City and the centre of London.
- In a couple of years time, they’ll be a direct link to Heathrow.
The company now has a support base for Europe in a new office close to Ilford station.
The couple have bought a flat near the Olympic Park in Stratford.
The clincher on their choice, was they both like football and they have got season tickets for West Ham for next year.
I’ve met them a couple of times and don’t regret their decisions at all.
Last night, the US Corporate Lawyer sent me this e-mail.
I keep getting asked by companies about Leicester.
It’s all to do with the soccer and possibly the evil King found in a parking lot.
What do you know about Leicester?
Is it a good place to live and do business?
What are the transport connections to London like?
I shall go this week with my camera.
But who’d have thought a few years ago, that Leicester City would create inward investment into the city?
The Anonymous Widower 
Sounds good friend you have found here – and he has definitely found a good one in you! Much of Leicester is a lovely place, although it is a while since I have been there.
Comment by nosnikrapzil | May 1, 2016 |
I lived there for a decade or so; it is a pretty decent place to live (if you have sufficient funds and want to be near the city centre then Clarendon Park and Stoneygate are the places to look at for housing). With two universities it has a sizeable student population and a fair amount of cultural activity. Friends have done very nicely in business and stayed put, or headed slightly out into the nearby countryside and commute in. Driving in the city is pretty dreadful and confusing though. Transport links aren’t too bad all told, especially being within an hour or so’s reach of London by train. I don’t think I’d be tempted back though!
Comment by londonarchivist | May 13, 2016 |