.NET Contracts in Bristol

[freshclickmedia]

Hi everyone,

I've been a C#/ASP.NET contractor in Manchester for the last 2 years (permie before that for 7 years).

The market has seemed pretty good during that time, and I've always got nearby contracts (Warrington, Stockport, Manchester), so life has been good.

My wife and I are now considering a move to Bristol to be closer to family.

I'm concerned that there won't be as many .NET contracts in Bristol, and the likelihood of working away from home will be greater.

If anybody could give me some advice on .NET contracting from Bristol, I'd very much appreciate it.

Cheers.

[MrRobin]

There was a thread about contracting in Bristol a short while ago...

Here it is

[PAH]

Bristol area and the north west are my two favourite locations now I'm actively looking for a new contract.

Not seen as many vacancies near Bristol as the Manchester area, but like most places where there are at least some advertised on a weekly basis, it depends how long you're prepared to wait for something to turn up.

I'm going to hold out for a few more weeks before considering the south east or other areas that have more opportunities.

[freshclickmedia]

@MrRobin: thanks for the link. Took a read through, and seems there is some stuff down there. What's interesting is that some people have said that there isn't much up t'north, but I haven't found that. I guess although there is a trend, individual experiences vary.

@PAH: interesting, thanks.

I'd be moving down there too, so there are a lot of things on my mind. Got a young son, and being closer to family is more important now, but I really like Manchester and the work...

Bristol, to me, seems more for the contractor involved with defence work, can't say that appeals to me, or to my specialised area (.NET).

Thanks to you both. any other comments would be appreciated.

[PAH]

Bristol, to me, seems more for the contractor involved with defence work, can't say that appeals to me, or to my specialised area (.NET).

From what I've heard and been told (by agents), much of the .Net work is orientated around media, particularly mobile phone companies based in Bristol.

Had an interview with one recently, but my lack of C# experience (and my lack of instant recall memory) let me down when it came to a quick fire questions/answers technical test. Wouldn't have minded so much but I wasn't even told they wanted C# before the interview.

[freshclickmedia]

I guess I'll have to speak to some agencies. I know working away from home is a fact of life for many contractors, but so far, I've been lucky in Manchester, and I get the feeling that I'd always be able to find something in or around Manchester.

Bristol, I'm not so sure - there's not a lot else in the immediate area.

[HankWangford]

@fresh

did you do work for tfl?

[freshclickmedia]

@HankWangford - didn't directly work for TFL (Transport for London I assume), but there or there abouts.

Did you?

[HankWangford]

@HankWangford - didn't directly work for TFL (Transport for London I assume), but there or there abouts.

Did you?

not directly
How is the new project down there?