Reply to: State of contracting up North (A1 corridor / Sheffield up to Newcastle)?

[TheFaQQer]

They're mainly recruiting for Permies in Sheffield at the moment but we've just picked up a contractor client who's operating there as well. Looks to be a mix.

Oh, and hi!

Welcome Darren.

If there's one thing that I know about CUK, we always welcome accountants called Darren from the Leeds / Wakefield area with open arms

[stek]

From a DBA perspective I see lots in Leeds, occasionally York and Manchester, not much in Sheffield apart from HSBC, who pay excellent rates for the North.

BT NSOC is in Sheffield, and the rates are pathetic...

[LondonManc]

William Hill and Sky in Leeds too.....

Lloyds at Dawson's Corner near New Pudsey Station.

Morrison's at Bradford and Ukar formerly Bradford and Bingley too.

Rita, Sue and Bob too.

Skybet in Leeds, Sky TV/internet are London and Livingstone.

Getting to Bradford from Sheffield each day by car isn't for the feint-hearted so I've been told. It could just be the leaving your car in Bradford part, I'm not sure.

[BigRed]

From a DBA perspective I see lots in Leeds, occasionally York and Manchester, not much in Sheffield apart from HSBC, who pay excellent rates for the North.

[stek]

William Hill and Sky in Leeds too.....

Lloyds at Dawson's Corner near New Pudsey Station.

Morrison's at Bradford and Ukar formerly Bradford and Bingley too.

Rita, Sue and Bob too.

[Darren at Fox-Bartfield]

Plusnet

Plusnet are growing and always looking for IT staff in Sheffield & Leeds according to a mate of mine there. But not sure if this is perm or contract.

They're mainly recruiting for Permies in Sheffield at the moment but we've just picked up a contractor client who's operating there as well. Looks to be a mix.

Oh, and hi!

[saptastic]

Plusnet are growing and always looking for IT staff in Sheffield & Leeds according to a mate of mine there. But not sure if this is perm or contract.

[TheFaQQer]

There's also the option of still taking London gigs if you don't mind staying away during the week.
A1 is a good run down to London.

And Grand Central trains are pretty good down that route. Virgin east coast block access to Office 365 if you're planning on working on their wifi, because it uses resources (apparently).

[SimonMac]

Thanks for the reply. I think there are a couple of Mobile network operators offices in Leeds too. EE has an office there.

O2/Telefonica is based in Leeds, there is also Capita & BAE Systems, less well known but large scale users of clients is BJSS

[fuzzypenguin]

For gods sake don't go to Doncaster...

Don't worry, I know to avoid Doncaster. My mates dad used to own a pub there. I think it was in Armthorpe.

[DaveB]

I don't think that there's many contracts in North Yorks as compared to West Yorks. I'd choose York over Thirsk as it's only 2 hours to London. York is off the A1 and it's a bit crap for driving around because it's so old.

Donny's closer to London, on the East Coast line and on the A1 but I'd still choose York.

For gods sake don't go to Doncaster...

[fuzzypenguin]

Leeds has a lot going on away from the code based stuff. DoH, DWP, NHS IT all based there. Some big private sector clients there as well, Asda,BT and a couple of others I can't remember ATM.

Thanks for the reply. I think there are a couple of Mobile network operators offices in Leeds too. EE has an office there.

[Antman]

I don't think that there's many contracts in North Yorks as compared to West Yorks. I'd choose York over Thirsk as it's only 2 hours to London. York is off the A1 and it's a bit crap for driving around because it's so old.

Donny's closer to London, on the East Coast line and on the A1 but I'd still choose York.

[DaveB]

Leeds has a lot going on away from the code based stuff. DoH, DWP, NHS IT all based there. Some big private sector clients there as well, Asda,BT and a couple of others I can't remember ATM.

[fuzzypenguin]

You are not willing to stay away for gigs?

Yes, I would stay away, but would prefer not to if possible. I would rather have a longer commute and sleep in my own bed at night than stay away all week. That's why I'm trying to find out the state of the local market really. If it means I will have to stay away all the time, then we may be better off staying where we are.