East Anglia is comprised of the counties Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, although Norfolk and Suffolk are considered the core of the Anglian area. The industry in these parts used to be heavily orientated toward agriculture, farming and fishing. Indeed, these sectors still exist due to the rural nature of this part of the country but the changes in the economy and industry of the whole country has seen the demise of many farms and fisheries. There has been a growth in conservation and wildlife employment to protect sites of special scientific interest and flora and fauna generally. There is also a prominent tourist industry that is responsible for much of the employment in East Anglia.
Farming
The farming industry is based mostly around agriculture. The fertile soils of the region provide good ground for cereals such as wheat and barley. These grains have in turn supplied the brewing industry in the area, producing famed ales such as those by Adnams based in the town of Southwold on the Suffolk Coast. Other favourite crops include potato, carrot, corn and beet. The beet crop is another example of an interrelated job market in the area, with the presence of the sugar factory in Bury St Edmunds, also in Suffolk. This is one of the major sugar production factories in the country and is responsible for a large number of employees in the area.
Fishing
The coastal towns along the Suffolk and Norfolk coast have a long history when it comes to fishing, enjoying both a small scale and heavy industry status. For example, Aldeburgh is famed for it’s fish restaurants based on the freshness of the food being served and the Island of Mersea, which is officially part of the county of Essex, is renowned for its oyster beds. The annual oyster fayre held in nearby Colchester attracts a healthy amount of tourists to these Eastern Regions. Lowestoft is a major fishing port and acts as an industry giant in the UK and is once again responsible for a large proportion of employment in the area.
Wildlife
The landscape of East Anglia has been immortalised in paint by the likes of Constable, but now we are more likely to see the marshes, fens and meadowlands preserved by Conservation Officers. The Anglian region boasts a multitude of nature reserves, in particular areas that are home to many species of endangered birds. To protect other wildlife such as badgers and deer, coppice woodland and ancient oak forests are managed and protected by conservation bodies and wildlife trusts. This has seen the popularity of environmental courses available in the area increase to meet demand in the industry.
Tourism
Rich in heritage sites such as Orford Castle, Ely cathedral and Flatford Mill, the area attracts a growing number of tourists every year. A traceable history that includes Roman and Viking occupation makes the area an exciting and educational place to visit. Of particular interest are the Viking Burial Site at Sutton Hoo and the Roman remains at Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester. There is an established cultural vibe too with connections to Benjamin Brittan and John Constable; not to mention the museums that document and demonstrate traditional skills such as natural dye use, weaving wool and blacksmithing.
As it can be seen the Jobs available in East Anglia are closely related to one another, forming a solid network of trade. Whether you are trained in anthropology, agriculture, hospitality or hedge cutting, there are employment opportunities in every trade.