India
India is the world's seventh largest country in area, occupying more than three million sq km (one million sq miles). With nearly 1 billion inhabitants (46% are under the ages of 19), India ranks second only to China amongst the world's most populous countries.
With such untapped potential, it is the perfect place to look for the future of your business.
Over the coming months we will be holding a number of awarness-raising events, trade missions and conferences.
If you are interested in explanding your business potential in India please contact Sue Ainscough at our offices on 01925 715175 or email sue.ainscough@wbv.org.uk
India Trade Mission 2008
Business Venture directors Sandra Brusby OBE and Brian Thorp were among business delegates at trade visits to Delhi in January and to Mumbai in February.
The high profile mission in January was run in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment and the UK India Business Council and was effectively divided into three components:
- A business delegation, led by Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham, Minister for Trade and Investment and Lord Karan Bilimoria, Chairman of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and Founder of Cobra Beer.
- Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s State Visit to India, accompanied by a UK business delegation, including North West businesses
- North West companies exhibiting at AutoExpo 08 and automotive sector companies looking to develop trade links between the UK and India
The ultimate objective was to increase Indian trade and investment into the UK. This was achieved by raising the profile of the UK’s business capabilities, specifically within the advanced engineering, automotive and infrastructure sectors; the broad promotion of the UK as the premium investment choice for Indian companies; and lobbying around liberalisation of the Indian economy and issues of market access.
This is the first time North West businesses have had the opportunity of linking with such a high profile delegation accompanying the London based mission.
Auto Expo
The main attraction of the Expo was the unveiling of the Tata Nano, from the Indian conglomerate bidding for Jaguar and Land Rover. The car is 3 metres long, seats four comfortably or five at a squeeze, does 65mph and aims to revolutionise travel for millions. The “People’s Car” is also the cheapest in the world at 100,000 rupees (£1,300).
Sandra Brusby OBE – MD of Business Venture is pictured here trying the car out for size.
CWEI
A meeting was held with Shashi Singh, Chair of the Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs in India (CWEI) to further discuss plans to bring a delegation of Indian women to the North West in June 08.
During the Delhi visit, Sandra Brusby OBE addressed more than 100 rural businesswomen, outlining earlier successes in assisting female entrepreneurs. This also allowed an opportunity to look at some of the manufacturing industries run by women in the region – including carpets, clothing, soft furnishings, jewellery, toys and bedlinens.
The second trade mission visit to Mumbai involved business meetings, a welcome briefing at the High Commission and a reception hosted by HSBC bank for the visiting British delegations from the North West, East Midlands and Scotland.
Sandra and Brian Thorp, Business Venture’s Director of Sales & Marketing, met with Vandana Saxena Poria, Chair of the British Business Group (BBG) in Pune and Chief Executive of Get Through Guides. The meeting concluded with agreement that BBG would host a reception and exhibition featuring 25-30 automotive companies in Pune if the North West follows through on plans to take a business delegation to India in May 08. Pune is considered a key target area for the automotive industry in up and coming second tier cities as well as for IT links.
Become A Member Now!
Business Venture works closely with the UK India Business Council, the lead organisation supporting the British Government in the promotion of bilateral trade, business and investment between the two countries. It brings the two business communities together, helping to make the exchange of goods, services, ideas and capital as simple and profitable as possible.
Some of the key areas UKIBC can help you with are Insight & Information, Advisory Services, Market Entry, Workshops & Seminars, Partnering and Policy Formulation
If your company has aspirations about engaging with India then we can help you to make it happen – contact us now for details of the tiered range of membership programmes offering different levels of support and assistance to reflect the different needs of businesses.
CONTACT: Brian Thorp on 01925 715 175 or via brian.thorp@wbv.org.uk
