The East of England is regarded as a very pleasant place to live and work. It is largely rural, but enjoys a diverse economy - almost all types of industries and businesses thrive in the region. And increasingly, the area is gaining a reputation for fast-growing, high value-added, high technology industries.

There are also beautiful villages to explore, and many areas of unspoilt countryside and coastline to enjoy. Almost half of Hertfordshire is protected green belt land. The regions natural attractions also include the ancient Fens, the Brecklands, the Broads and the Chilterns, and the protected heritage coastline of Suffolk and Norfolk.

Culture And Heritage

The East is rich in market and historic towns, cathedrals and buildings. There's the Knebworth and Hatfield stately homes, the Roman town of St Albans, the Sandringham estate and Norwich Castle.

At Cambridge University, 40 out of 52 of the departments are ranked centres for international research excellence. There's also the renowned business school Cranfield in Bedfordshire.

The region is also home to garden cities - Ebenezer Howard built the first such city in the UK in Letchworthin, Hertfordshire in 1903, followed by Welwyn Garden City in 1920.