The Knight Frank Guide to Bristol for Businesses

A city of innovation, creativity, and enterprise, Bristol is one of the UK’s most exciting business hubs, offering a perfect balance between economic opportunity and an outstanding quality of life.

Bristol stands out as one of the UK’s strongest-performing cities, boasting the highest productivity among major urban centres and a significant concentration of knowledge-intensive jobs. Job growth in recent years has been robust, rising 21% since 2009.

The city’s digital, science, and tech sector has flourished, now accounting for 13.4% of all jobs – expanding at twice the national average and ranking among the fastest-growing in the UK. With a strong talent pool, excellent connectivity, and a vibrant cultural scene, Bristol continues to attract businesses from the region – and beyond – looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking city to call home.

Getting there

Bristol’s strategic location in the South West, combined with strong transport links, makes it an accessible and well-connected city for businesses.

● Bristol Temple Meads: The city’s main railway station, offers direct services to London Paddington in under 90 minutes, as well as frequent connections to Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, and Exeter

● Bristol Parkway: Provides additional routes to the Midlands and the North

For international travel, Bristol Airport is just a short drive from the city centre, offering flights to major business destinations across Europe.

The city also benefits from easy access to the M4 and M5 motorways, providing efficient road links to London, the Midlands, and the South West. Within Bristol, an extensive bus network and growing investment in cycling infrastructure make commuting easy and sustainable.

Meet the Neighbours

Bristol is home to a diverse mix of business districts, each catering to different industries and working styles.

● Harbourside: A striking waterfront district that has transformed from an industrial dockland into a thriving business and cultural hub. Harbourside is home to media companies, creative agencies, and tech startups, all drawn to its scenic location and vibrant atmosphere

● Temple Quarter: One of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects, Temple Quarter is rapidly becoming the city’s primary business district. With modern office developments and close proximity to Temple Meads station, it is a prime location for finance, legal, and professional services firms

● Clifton: Known for its Georgian architecture and upmarket feel, Clifton is a sought-after location for boutique businesses, independent agencies, and specialist consultancies

● Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road: This area is the creative heart of Bristol, attracting startups, co-working spaces, and independent businesses looking for a more unconventional and dynamic setting

On your doorstep

Bristol’s food and drink scene is as diverse as its business landscape, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining to eclectic street food markets.

For high-end client dining, Bulrush is one of Bristol’s most celebrated restaurants, delivering an innovative tasting menu experience. Other standout venues include Paco Tapas, a Michelin-starred Spanish eatery, and The Ox, a stylish steakhouse set in a former bank vault.

For more relaxed dining, Bristol boasts a variety of independent restaurants and casual eateries. St. Nicholas Market, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved markets, offers an array of street food stalls, from Caribbean curries to Middle Eastern wraps. Cargo at Wapping Wharf, a collection of converted shipping containers housing trendy yet affordable eateries and bars, is another must-visit for food lovers.

When it comes to after-work drinks, Bristol excels with its mix of historic pubs, cocktail bars, and craft beer taprooms. The city is famous for its independent breweries, with spots like Small Bar and Left Handed Giant providing fantastic options for post-work socialising.

Retail options in Bristol range from high-end brands at Cabot Circus to the unique independent boutiques of Park Street and Clifton Village, ensuring a variety of shopping experiences for both locals and visitors.

Places of interest

Bristol is a city that blends history, creativity, and green spaces, providing an invigorating backdrop for businesses and professionals alike.

If drinking in West Country views are your thing, one of Bristol’s most famous landmarks, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, offers breathtaking views over the Avon Gorge and stands as a symbol of the city’s engineering heritage. Nearby, Brandon Hill Park provides a tranquil escape, with Cabot Tower offering panoramic views across the city.

For culture lovers, Spike Island serves as a hub for contemporary art and creative industries, while the Arnolfini gallery on the waterfront is a key venue for exhibitions and events. Brunel’s SS Great Britain, an iconic maritime museum, provides an insight into the city’s history and is a popular location for corporate events.

Green spaces are plentiful, with The Downs offering vast open parkland for lunchtime walks or outdoor meetings. Bristol’s harbour area, lined with scenic walking and cycling routes, also makes for a perfect place for office respite.

Find your base in Bristol

At Knight Frank, we know how important it is that you find office space that’s within budget and is conveniently located but that also makes you and your team happy. With our expertise and extensive knowledge of the Newcastle office space and commercial rental market, we’re perfectly placed to empower your search.

Take a look at our offices to rent in Bristol or get in touch for help finding the perfect office space for your business.