Northern Powerhouse opens up to Indian investment

The North of England is set to welcome an Indian delegation on a mission to forge trade links with Northern Powerhouse businesses.

The group will head to Manchester in February, where it will take part in the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition before touring Leeds, Newcastle and other key cities of the North.

Led by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the delegates comprise medium- to large-sized enterprises from sectors such as life sciences, health, education, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, representing Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab and other parts of India.

While in the North, the group will meet local businesses looking to collaborate with international firms.

The visit has been coordinated by partners from the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference, The North West Asian Business Association (NWABA), Yorkshire Asian Business Association and Newcastle’s ABC - Asian Business Connexions.

The organisations behind the trip will travel to India ahead of the delegation’s UK visit, setting the foundations and planning the detailed itinerary.

NWABA chairman Ridwan Asmal said: “This trade mission signals the beginning of an important opportunity to create links between India and the North.

“We are particularly focused on the trade that can be done during the visit and working to secure business by ensuring that the necessary connections are made.”

He continued: “The UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition provides a brilliant opportunity for Indian businessmen and women to explore some of the fantastic business opportunities available throughout the region and will hopefully create important connections and trade links for the future.”

The Northern Powerhouse conference’s director, Martin Venning, commented: “The North`s long-standing relationships with India is one of the region’s great untapped assets with huge potential for the future.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for businesses attending the UK Northern Powerhouse Conference to meet face to face with prospective trade partners from India who are looking to establish links with northern companies from a diverse range of sectors who want greater access to global markets in the post Brexit era.”