Bright northern lights

Cities in the North of England are shaking off their tired image of industrial wastelands and big businesses are moving in. Take Leeds, for instance. It has become the UK's second-largest centre for financial and legal business after London. And just what has that got to do with hospitality? Everything. These blue-chip firms are putting their money into Northern cities and intend to be there for the long term. Workers in those industries have a high level of disposable income and a demand for good restaurants, bars and hotels. This will mean hospitality businesses will have reason to expand and more London-based restaurant and hotel groups will be encouraged to set up in the North.

It is this activity that makes settling in a northern city a far more viable option, with the knowledge that there are long-term career prospects ahead.

The trouble is, a knock-on impact of this activity in the North is that you can't expect to get such a bargain on the property market as you might have a couple of years ago.

But it's still going to be way cheaper than living in the South, without the need of a horrendous commute each day.

The quest for a good quality of life can be a great motivator. All you have to do is broaden your horizons and accept that taking the step to relocate doesn't necessarily mean having to curb your career options.

Christina Golding, editor