The Great Tech Migration: Why Talent is Moving to East Anglia
There's a quiet migration happening – tech professionals are moving to East Anglia for the lifestyle, affordability, and growing career opportunities. This shift represents a significant opportunity for regional employers who know how to position themselves effectively.
Remote work has opened the door for more people to live where they want rather than where their job requires them to be. East Anglia offers a balance of thriving tech hubs, lower living costs, and quality of life that's increasingly hard to beat. A software developer who was paying £2,500 a month for a one-bedroom flat in London can get a three-bedroom house with a garden in Norwich for less money – and still access exciting career opportunities.
This migration isn't just about cost of living. Many professionals are reassessing what matters to them after the pandemic. They want shorter commutes, access to green spaces, stronger community connections, and the ability to afford the lifestyle they actually want. East Anglia delivers on all these fronts while still offering the professional opportunities that keep careers moving forward.
The region's tech ecosystem has matured significantly over the past five years. We're seeing more venture capital flowing into East Anglian startups, more established companies opening regional offices, and more local success stories that demonstrate you don't need to be in London to build something significant. This creates a virtuous cycle – success attracts talent, which enables more success.
For employers, this migration represents a unique opportunity. Your talent pool has expanded – you're attracting people from across the UK who are choosing to build their careers in the region. These are often highly motivated individuals who have made a deliberate decision about where they want to live and work.
To capitalise on this trend, companies need to understand what drives it. Newcomers want to feel welcomed into the local community, understand the regional opportunities, and see clear paths for career progression without having to move again. They're often looking for companies that appreciate their choice to be here rather than treating regional location as a compromise.
We're also seeing increased interest from international talent who see East Anglia as an attractive entry point to the UK tech scene. The lower cost of living, combined with access to London when needed, makes it an appealing option for skilled professionals from across Europe and beyond.
If you're looking to attract this incoming wave of talent, now's the time to position your business as an employer of choice in the region. We can help you tap into this movement and secure the people who'll drive your growth.
