‘Historic’ trade mission delivers jobs and investment

A trade mission to India has delivered new jobs, investment and business partnerships across the North of England.

The first joint Northern mayoral mission brought together regional leaders and almost 200 representatives from business, education, tourism, culture and sport to explore opportunities following the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Led by The Great North, the visit highlighted 763 jobs, 80 apprenticeships and new commercial agreements, alongside university partnerships and opportunities in advanced manufacturing, healthcare and technology.

Among the major announcements was a £25 million UK expansion programme by technology company Hexaware, supporting 240 jobs in Leeds and 420 in Greater Manchester.

Meanwhile, RavenAI announced almost £7.5 million of investment and 20 specialist jobs through a new Greater Manchester base, while Infosys committed to recruiting 80 apprentices in the city region.

Newcastle-headquartered Sage also announced 128 graduate and apprenticeship opportunities across the North East and India, including 83 recruits in Newcastle and 45 positions in Bengaluru.

Elsewhere, County Durham-based Low Carbon Materials progressed plans for an Indian supply partnership supporting its carbon-negative concrete technology.

The Centre for Process Innovation, also based in County Durham, signed a letter of intent with India’s Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council to strengthen collaboration in biomanufacturing.

A new international trade centre also opened in Bengaluru, working alongside ISS Airview at Newcastle Airport to help businesses establish and expand operations between the two markets.

Kim McGuinness, North East mayor and chair of The Great North, said: “We’ve seen new investment, skilled jobs, businesses opening doors to new markets and our universities building partnerships that will create opportunities for the next generation.

“But what matters most is what happens next.

“The agreements we’ve made and the relationships we’ve built must translate into real benefits for people and businesses back home.

“We want to see more Indian businesses investing in the North, more of our businesses succeeding in India, and more students, visitors and partners building lasting connections between our communities.”

Further opportunities emerged for Yorkshire businesses, with Batley-based AssetCool securing its first commercial licence with Indian manufacturer APAR Industries.

Yorkshire-based Optalysys is also establishing an engineering team in Bengaluru, while family-owned Wilson Power Solutions is developing a £21 million transformer manufacturing facility near Chennai.

The mission strengthened links between Yorkshire and the Indian state of Telangana, with the region’s three mayors meeting its chief minister to discuss closer cooperation on trade, investment and economic growth.

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This trade mission is about turning that old friendship into new economic opportunity.

“With the free trade deal now in force, and with Indian businesses creating hundreds of good jobs here in West Yorkshire, now is the time to build on that momentum, back our importing and exporting businesses, and ensure the benefits of good growth are felt in every postcode.”

Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire, added: “South Yorkshire has so much to offer.

“We’re home to world-leading advanced manufacturing, pioneering research and some of the brightest talent anywhere in the country.

“The skills, expertise and innovation we have here are helping solve global challenges and creating opportunities for future generations.

“By strengthening the ties between our regions, we can share ideas, build new opportunities for trade and investment, and create the conditions for even more good jobs and growth in the years ahead.”

Education formed another major part of the mission, with representatives from 16 Northern higher education institutions taking part.

The University of Liverpool officially opened its Bengaluru campus, while the University of York marked the first month of its Mumbai campus.

The University of Manchester also announced plans for a new education, research and innovation centre in Bengaluru.

Further academic partnerships involving universities across the North will support joint research, student exchanges and new opportunities in healthcare innovation, technology and skills.

The University of York’s Mumbai campus also launched the Mayor’s Gateway Scholarship, initially supporting two students from Mumbai to study in York, alongside opportunities to gain work experience with regional businesses.

David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added: “This historic trade mission takes our shared history and transforms it into fresh opportunities for both Yorkshire and India.

“Working together as one team across Yorkshire allows us to unlock new trade, create high-quality career pathways back home and deliver on devolution.”

Tourism organisations also promoted Northern destinations to 150 Indian travel operators, while sporting and cultural activities explored opportunities to attract visitors and strengthen international connections.

Businesses and institutions are now progressing commercial leads established during the mission, with plans being explored for an Indian delegation to visit the North in 2027.

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