More canals than Venice, more trees than any other European city, Birmingham has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years and is an exciting place in which to live and work. Birmingham has nightlife to rival any major European city, from Broad Street in the city centre's hub to the Brindley Place canal side development of bars and restaurants.

Famous for its 'Balti Triangle', the city also has a vast array of restaurants and cafes with worldwide inspiration. All artistic tastes, both classical and modern, are catered for, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the IKON Gallery and the prize-winning New Art Gallery just a few of the options available. If jazz is more your thing then Jools Holland's Jam House or the annual International Jazz Festival are for you. Theatre-goers are also spoilt for choice with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Alexandra Theatre, the Hippodrome and The Drum all offering varied programmes.

For all you shopaholics, there is the fabulous Bullring, Europe's largest retail development, and the Mailbox, which houses the exclusive designer stores. Birmingham regularly hosts major national and international sporting events. With its top football clubs enjoying varying fortunes, the National Indoor Arena, the Belfry and Edgbaston cricket ground, sports lovers will not be disappointed.